Abstract: In recent 30 years, it was approved that extracorporeal shock wave (ESW) is effective on musculoskeletal disorders. Hypertonia is a common complication in patients suffered from central nervous system lesion. Recently, there were several literatures report hypertonia can be treated with ESW. This paper reviewed the research in basic principle of ESW and its use on hypertonia.

Key words: extracorporeal shock wave, hypertonia, review