The shock wave may be focused with mechanical devices so that its energy can be concentrated on a urinary stone. Multiple shock waves fragment or pulverize the stone. 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.