The resilient or movable nature of nearby living tissue results in little or no tissue damage from the passing shock wave. Shock waves are not the same as ultrasound, laser, or X-ray. Shock waves and sound waves have some similarities and differences. Shock waves are more powerful than sound waves. Laser rays are merely concentrated light beams.
Lasers beams can pulverize stones when the stone can be seen visually.
Laser beams will not penetrate human tissue like a shock or sound wave. X-rays will penetrate tissue but do not impart energy like a shock wave. Experimental Experience Animals have been treated experimentally with shock waves several times more powerful than those currently used to treat humans. Careful examination of the animals revealed no significant organ or tissue damage to the urinary tract from shock waves. Shock wave treatments have now been used safely in humans for over 15 years and was approved for use on humans by the United States Food and Drug Administration in December 1984.