The American Society for Medical Shockwave Treatment (ASMST) welcomed more than 190 clinicians, researchers, educators, and industry leaders to Boston this spring for its Second Annual Summit on Shockwave Medicine. Held March 13–15 at The Royal Sonesta Boston, the meeting brought together leading voices in shockwave therapy for three days of scientific exchange, hands-on education, and interdisciplinary collaboration.

Building on the success of its inaugural Summit, the 2026 meeting reflected both ASMST's growth and the increasing maturity of shockwave medicine as a clinical specialty. Across musculoskeletal medicine, sports medicine, neurology, regenerative care, and rehabilitation, one theme remained constant: the field is advancing rapidly, and its future is being shaped by a growing community committed to evidence-based practice.

Here are six key takeaways from this year's Summit.

1. Shockwave Medicine Has Moved Beyond "Emerging"

Perhaps the clearest message from this year's meeting was that shockwave therapy has entered a new phase of growth.

"What was once considered emerging is now becoming essential," said ASMST President Dr. Brice Blatz during his opening remarks. "We're seeing stronger research, broader applications, and a community that is deeply committed to advancing medical shockwave therapy through education, collaboration, and clinical excellence."

That momentum was evident throughout the conference. Attendance continued to grow, the scientific program expanded, and discussions increasingly focused on refining clinical application rather than proving basic concepts. As adoption accelerates, shockwave therapy is becoming an important component of modern care.

2. The Evidence Base Continues to Strengthen

Musculoskeletal medicine remains the foundation of shockwave therapy, and many of the Summit's most impactful discussions focused on strengthening the scientific framework that supports clinical practice.

Presentations explored evolving treatment protocols, long-term outcomes, surgical augmentation strategies, and regenerative applications across a variety of MSK conditions. Faculty members examined not only where shockwave therapy is effective, but also how clinicians can improve treatment precision through better dosing parameters, outcome measurement, and protocol standardization.

Sessions led by experts, including Dr. Adam Tenforde, Dr. Joanne Borg Stein, Dr. Jennifer Soo Hoo, Dr. HC Rhim, Dr. Amol Saxena, and Dr. John Knab, reinforced a common theme: continued scientific rigor will be essential to advancing evidence-based care and strengthening the specialty's credibility.

As research becomes increasingly sophisticated, the conversation is shifting from whether shockwave therapy works to how clinicians can optimize outcomes and deliver more consistent patient care.

3. New Clinical Frontiers Are Expanding the Possibilities

The 2026 Summit showcased the growing breadth of applications being explored across healthcare.

Some of the most highly anticipated sessions focused on neurological and urological indications, highlighting how shockwave therapy is moving beyond traditional treatment areas and into new clinical territory.

Dr. Felipe Fregni presented emerging research exploring neurological applications in Parkinson's disease, while Keith Roed shared a case series examining extracorporeal shockwave therapy and EMTT in patients with multiple sclerosis. And in the area of sexual health, Dr. Anne Truong discussed shockwave therapy for erectile dysfunction and benign prostatic hyperplasia.

These presentations reflected a broader trend evident throughout the Summit: shockwave medicine is becoming interdisciplinary, creating new opportunities for collaboration across specialties and opening new avenues for patient care.

4. Global Collaboration Is Driving Progress

International collaboration remained one of the defining strengths of the ASMST Annual Summit.

Through its ongoing partnership with the International Society for Medical Shockwave Therapy (ISMST), ASMST continues to connect North American practitioners with some of the world's leading experts in shockwave medicine.

A centerpiece of that collaboration was the ISMST Instructional Certification Course (ICC), delivered by internationally recognized faculty who helped develop many of the protocols and clinical standards used worldwide today. 

The presence of pioneers such as Professor Dr. Wolfgang Schaden, alongside returning ISMST faculty and first-time ASMST speaker Paul Hobrough from the United Kingdom, underscored the value of bringing diverse perspectives together to advance research, education, and patient outcomes.

5. Education, Recognition, and Professional Development Matter

One of ASMST's core missions is advancing the field through education and professional development, and that commitment was on full display throughout the Summit.

In addition to scientific sessions and hands-on learning opportunities, attendees participated in live demonstrations, master-class instruction, panel discussions, and direct interaction with faculty experts. These experiences provided practical clinical insights that attendees could immediately apply within their own practices.

The Society also continued to elevate research and academic engagement through its Call for Abstracts and Poster Presentations. Selected submissions were reviewed by the ASMST Board of Directors and presented throughout the meeting, highlighting the growing contributions of both established and emerging researchers.

Outstanding Poster Awards were presented to Roy Arturo Reyes Conn in the Established Researcher/Clinician category and Jessica Buttinger in the Trainee category, recognizing excellence in scientific inquiry and clinical research.

ASMST also honored several individuals whose contributions have helped shape the field. Dr. Adam Tenforde received the Distinguished Academician Award for his impact on research, teaching, and clinical advancement. Dr. Jennifer Soo Hoo was recognized with the Education Award for her exceptional contributions to shockwave education. At the same time, Dr. Amol Saxena received the Distinguished Member Award for his longstanding leadership, scholarship, and service to both the Society and the specialty. Dr. Nicole Katz and Dr. HC Rhim each received Young Investigator Awards for their outstanding early-career research contributions.

These recognitions highlight the individuals who are helping move the field forward while reinforcing ASMST's commitment to fostering the next generation of leaders in shockwave medicine.

6. The Future Will Be Built by Community

While the science presented at the Summit was impressive, one of the event's most important outcomes may have been the relationships built throughout the weekend.

Across networking events, hands-on demonstrations, exhibitor interactions, and informal discussions, attendees exchanged ideas, challenged assumptions, and formed new professional connections. Those conversations are often where collaboration begins, and where future research, innovation, and clinical advancement take shape.

Industry partners also played a critical role in that ecosystem. ASMST's Premier Sponsors, Enovis/Chattanooga, SoftWave, STORZ Medical, and Cutting-Edge Laser Technologies, along with a strong group of exhibitors, showcased the latest advancements in shockwave and regenerative technologies. Their participation provided attendees with direct access to emerging technologies while reinforcing the growing investment being made in research-driven innovation.

Looking Ahead

The 2026 ASMST Annual Summit demonstrated that shockwave medicine is no longer defined by potential alone: it is increasingly defined by evidence, education, collaboration, and clinical application.

Research is expanding. New indications are emerging. International partnerships are strengthening. Clinicians across specialties are finding new ways to integrate shockwave therapy into patient care.

Most importantly, a growing community of professionals is working together to ensure that progress is grounded in science and focused on improving outcomes.

Planning is already underway for ASMST's 2027 Annual Summit from April 29 – May 1, 2027, in Chicago, where clinicians, researchers, educators, and industry leaders will once again come together to explore what's next for shockwave medicine.

If Boston is any indication, the future of the field is bright, and the momentum is only beginning.