A medical apparatus for treatment of the human or animal body by mechanical pressure waves or shock waves, comprising a device designed to generate the pressure waves or shock waves and having at least one applicator part that comprises an input face, to which an impact can be repeatedly applied in order to generate the pressure waves or shock waves, and that comprises an output face, from which the pressure waves or shock waves are applied into the body, said applicator part being made at least partially of plastic or ceramic. At least one weight element that increases the weight of the applicator part is arranged on the applicator part between the input and output faces, said input face and output face being made of plastic or ceramic.