An overview of shock wave therapy and what to expect on your first visit.
Understanding the procedure and how it feels.
What is Shockwave Therapy?
Acoustic wave therapy for ED employs a technology that has seen widespread use for many years for a range of other medical conditions. Clinically known as low-intensity shockwave therapy (LiSWT), it has been used in orthopedics for years to help heal broken bones, injured ligaments, and injured tendons. By using targeted high-energy sound waves, LiSWT accelerates tissue repair and cell growth.
Now, acoustic wave therapy is being explored for several other urological applications, including treatment for erectile dysfunction. The breaking up of plaque and the formation of new blood vessels returns blood flow and treats the cause instead of the symptom. As a non-invasive, non-drug, long-lasting solution, shock wave therapy continues to gain popularity, and may eventually prove to be the most effective ED treatment for many.
Does Shockwave Therapy Hurt?
Shock wave therapy for ED is designed to be applied with the use of a mild anesthetic. The first and every session begins with a topical numbing solution applied to the genitals. Different solutions with different strengths are used depending on the patient’s health and individual pain response. If a patient is especially nervous about pain, a penile dorsal block may be used to completely block nerve response during the therapy. Because erectile tissue extends beyond the area of the penis, treatment will include the area under the testicles and up to the perineum, except with patients who have prostate cancer.
Specialists will manage and optimize the numbness, and ensure that the effect wears off as soon as possible, from 2½ to 4 hours. Patients will see redness in the treated area of the skin and indicates a healthy response.
Specialists will manage and optimize the numbness, and ensure that the effect wears off as soon as possible, from 2½ to 4 hours. Patients will see redness in the treated area of the skin and indicates a healthy response.
How Long Does It Take?
A typical session lasts 20-25 minutes in blocks of 2000 pulses. After 2000, the instrument shuts off, and the therapist will proceed to another area. In order to catalyze the effects of the acoustic wave therapy session, patients are advised to make immediate use of the treatment by having an erection soon after treatment, including having sex. For those with ED, the recommended treatment includes 6 treatments, one every other day for two weeks or twice a week for three weeks. For those who are looking for better performance, the treatment may be spaced farther apart. 4–12 weeks after the therapy, patients will experience neovascularization. The effect of the treatment can last up to two years.
Discuss the option of shock wave therapy for ED, and discover the long lasting, positive benefits of this innovative and effective solution to your ED problems.