PHYSICAL PARAMETERS OF EXTRACORPOREAL SHOCK-WAVES

Prerequisites for the successful investigation of the mechanism of act ion of ESWT (extracorporeal shockwave therapy) and the establishment o f treatment standards, are the ability to measure, and a knowledge of, the physical parameters involved. The most accurate measurements are obtained with laser hydrophones. Various parameters (amplitude, rise t ime, pulse width, pressure pulse decay, rarification phase) of a typic al shock wave can thus be determined. These can then be used to calcul ate energy flux density, focal extent, focal volume and as well as foc al energy, effective energy in a defined area, and effective biologica l energy. These parameters can be utilized to work out a theoretical t reatment protocol.