Extra-Corporeal Shock Wave Treatment (ESWT) for Tennis Elbow

Overview
Extracorporeal Shock Wave Treatment (ESWT) uses pulses of energy (shock waves) to produce a mechanical force at the area of injury which would hopefully stimulate healing in damaged tissues. Many clinicians have held out ESWT as a safe alternative to more invasive procedures such as surgery.
RESCU Treatment Ratings
R = Risk E = Effectiveness S = Self-Care
C = Cost U = Usefulness (overall rating)
1 = Least Favorable 5 = Most Favorable
RISK: 4/5
The procedure can be painful and has potential for localized bruising and tenderness. Overall, it is reasonably safe, and there were no serious adverse effects noted in recent studies.
Sources:
Schmitz C, Császár NBM, Milz S, et al. Efficacy and safety of extracorporeal shock wave therapy for orthopedic conditions: a systematic review on studies listed in the PEDro database. British Medical Bulletin. 2015;116(1):115-138.