Shockwaves are a new type of therapy first introduced around 20 years ago. These waves consist of pneumatically generated acoustic pulses whose short pressure fluctuations spread though the tissue like three-dimensional acoustic waves. Through this pressure a suitable impulse for the stimulation of acupuncture points can be achieved. This was the fundamental consideration and starting point of this study. Twenty-two patients with arthroscopic or radiologic confirmed diagnosis of gonarthrosis were admitted to the study. The study investigated whether the sole stimulation of acupuncture points using ballistic shock waves achieved results as good as those comparable to needle acupuncture. The method selection of the points for the application of the shock waves was the same as with classical acupuncture. Results in the treatment of gonarthrosis using shock waves to stimulate local and distal points were at least as good as those achieved with needle acupuncture.