[23] It differs from palliative options by aiming to restore natural erectile function by inducing cellular microtrauma, triggering the release of angiogenic factors and promoting neovascularization in treated tissue.

Clinical studies, including double-blind randomized trials, have demonstrated LI-ESWT's ability to significantly improve erectile function and penile hemodynamics in men with vasculogenic ED.

In 1972, on the basis of preliminary studies performed by Dornier Medical Systems, an agreement was reached with Egbert Schmiedt, director of the urologic clinic at the University of Munich.

[28] In response to concerns raised by NICE, in 2012 a study called the Assessment of the Effectiveness of ESWT for Soft Tissue Injuries was launched (ASSERT).

[29] ESWT is commonly used for treating orthopedic problems in horses, including tendon and ligament injuries, kissing spine, navicular syndrome, and arthritis.

[28] ESWT is used in physical therapy for pain reduction, increase in metabolism at the cellular level, revascularisation, and recovering normal muscle tone following various disorders.