Extracorporeal Shockwave Therapy (ESWT) Quiz

Definition and Classification of ESWT

• Extracorporeal Shockwave Therapy (ESWT) is a type of therapy that uses shockwaves to treat various medical conditions.
• ESWT can be classified based on the propagation pattern into two types: radial or spherical, and focused.

Types of ESWT

• Sonic waves used in ESWT produce a maximum pressure of up to 120 MPa.
• Focused ESWT (f-ESWT) has high-energy density that converges in one point.
• Radial ESWT (RSWT or r-ESWT) is primarily used for treating superficial tissues, such as skin and muscles.

Applicators and Coupling Medium

• The purpose of a coupling medium in ESWT is to facilitate the transmission of shockwaves from the applicator to the body.
• The applicator that uses adjustable dome membranes filled with gas, water, or gel is called a focused applicator.
• Radial-type applicators use a coupling medium made of silicone or gel.

Radial ESWT Generators

• The pneumatic system in radial ESWT generators produces compressed air to generate shockwaves.

Waveform Characteristics

• The waveform characteristic that distinguishes r-ESWT from f-ESWT is the radial wave propagation pattern.

Generator Types

• The type of generator that uses a spherical piezoelectrical crystal to generate ESWT is called a piezoelectric generator.

Depth of Penetration

• The depth of penetration in ESWT is determined by the frequency of the shockwaves.

Applicator Types

• The type of applicator that produces superficial waves on the skin surface is called a radial applicator.

Energy Flux Density

• The maximum energy flux density in ESWT is measured in mJ/mm².