ISMST · ESWT Certification Course · Clinical Module 5
Shockwave Therapy for Shoulder Tendinopathies
From rotator cuff pain to calcific deposits, learn how Extracorporeal Shockwave Therapy (ESWT) reignites natural repair processes to bring back strength and mobility to the shoulder.
Co-authored and validated by: Prof. Ludger Gerdesmeyer · part of the official ISMST–ESWT online certification faculty
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One-time payment · €599 incl. VAT · 12 months full access
ISMST-certified curriculum
One module of the official ISMST–ESWT online certification course.
Led by Prof. Gerdesmeyer
Co-authored and validated by Prof. Ludger Gerdesmeyer.
Interactive clinical cases
24 chapters with 7 interactive activities and self-assessment checks.
Evidence-based
Recommendations anchored in published clinical research, free of industry bias.
What you’ll learn
From rotator cuff pain to calcific deposits
In this module, you will explore the use of ESWT in the management of chronic shoulder tendinopathies, a frequent source of pain and functional limitation in adults. The primary focus is calcific rotator cuff tendinopathy, with additional coverage of non-calcific tendinopathies, adhesive capsulitis, and complex shoulder presentations.
Through structured clinical evidence, protocol guidance, interactive case examples, and self-assessment, you will develop a comprehensive understanding of how ESWT integrates into shoulder tendinopathy management.
Taught at physician level — structured clinical evidence, treatment rationale and interactive case examples, not device marketing.
After this module you will be able to:
- Identify the clinical presentation, underlying pathology, and functional implications of chronic shoulder tendinopathies
- Explain the rationale for ESWT in shoulder tendinopathies in comparison with other conservative and interventional treatment options
- Justify the use of ESWT based on mechanistic principles and current clinical evidence for tendon healing and pain modulation
- Discuss best practices in patient selection, anatomical targeting, and treatment planning for ESWT in shoulder tendinopathies
Inside the module
4 guided study units, chapter by chapter
Every chapter combines concise clinical text with imagery, interactive elements and knowledge checks. Here is what module 5 covers — the full teaching is inside the course.
Advancing Shoulder Tendinopathy Care with ESWT
Epidemiology and Clinical BurdenPathophysiology of Shoulder TendinopathiesConservative vs. Interventional Treatment OptionsRationale for ESWT in the ShoulderEvidence Base for ESWT in Shoulder TendinopathiesPractical Application of ESWT in the Shoulder
Evidence-Based ESWT Techniques
Classification of CalcificationsClinical Evidence and Literature IntegrationPatient Selection CriteriaRadiological Assessment and OutcomesTreatment ProtocolsFunctional Outcome Measures (Constant Score)
Radial Pressure Wave Therapy in Shoulder Disorders
Indications for RPWClinical Evidence and LiteraturePatient Selection and ContraindicationsRadial RPW ProtocolsFunctional and Clinical OutcomesDual RPW and ESWT Applications
Complex Shoulder Pain
Understanding Complex Shoulder PainPathophysiological Mechanisms beyond TendinopathyDiagnostic Challenges and Differential ConsiderationsEvidence-based InterventionsPsychosocial and Behavioural DimensionsIntegrating ESWT into Complex Shoulder Pain Management
From the evidence
A taste of what the module teaches
+31.0 points
Mean improvement in the Constant shoulder score six months after high-energy ESWT for chronic calcific rotator-cuff tendinopathy in a landmark randomized controlled trial — the module walks you through the evidence base study by study.
Gerdesmeyer et al., JAMA 20032.5–20%
Incidence of calcific rotator-cuff tendinopathy — and only about a third of Gärtner I–II deposits resorb spontaneously within three years. Learn to identify which patients genuinely benefit from ESWT, and when.
Module 5.1 — Epidemiology & PathophysiologyWatch the experts at work
Treatment demonstrations, step by step
Every clinical module includes video demonstrations by the ISMST faculty — on real patients and in the WaveVision VR environment. No VR headset required.
Myofascial shoulder & neck pain — focused shockwaves · Dr. Sergej ThieleFull video available inside the course
Treat the shoulder with confidence — get ISMST-certified.
Introductory price · approx. $699€599 one-time · VAT included · 12 months access
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For medical professionals · eligibility confirmed at registration · includes the complete certification course with all 10 clinical modules, foundations and exam · see the full course
Page last updated: 25 August 2026