• The number of publications on extracorporeal shock wave therapy has generally increased over the past decade, with China, the USA, and Italy leading in output.
• Key research hotspots include pain management, musculoskeletal disorders, and urological conditions, with a growing focus on mechanistic studies.
• The most prolific author is Wang, Ching-Jen from Chang Gung University, but collaboration among high-yield authors is limited.
• Future research is likely to emphasize standardizing treatment parameters and verifying long-term efficacy.