Focused shock waves are short, high-energy pressure impulses. They are mechanical acoustic waves that can travel through the body. In urology, they are used in a targeted way to achieve specific effects in tissue, for example in the treatment of kidney stones or to support functional therapies.
How do focused shock waves work?
In focused shock wave therapy, energy is generated outside the body and concentrated at a precisely defined point inside the body, known as the focus. At this point, the shock wave releases its highest energy.
Depending on the energy level applied, focused shock waves can:
- Fragment kidney stones into small particles (SWL)
- Improve blood circulation
- Stimulate regenerative processes in tissue
- Positively influence pain mechanisms
The key advantage is that the energy acts precisely at the treatment site while surrounding tissue is largely preserved.
Treatment of kidney stones (SWL)
In kidney stone treatment, high-energy focused shock waves are directed precisely at the stone. The concentrated energy causes it to break into small fragments that can pass naturally through the urinary tract.
This procedure is known as Extracorporeal Shock Wave Lithotripsy (SWL) and has been established for many years as a non-invasive treatment method.
Use in functional and painful conditions (ESWT)
At lower energy levels, focused shock waves are also used to treat functional urological conditions, such as:
- Erectile Dysfunction (ED)
- Chronic Pelvic Pain Syndrome (CPPS) in men and women
- Induratio Penis Plastica (IPP)
In these cases, shock waves may enhance blood circulation, support regenerative processes, and modulate pain pathways.
Safety and tolerability
Focused shock wave therapy is an established medical procedure. A medical examination is carried out before treatment to determine the most appropriate therapeutic approach.