Extracorporeal Shockwave Therapy (ESWT) for Erectile Dysfunction
Erectile dysfunction (ED) is a common condition affecting millions of men worldwide. There are many contributing factors including age, stress, underlying health conditions, and lifestyle choices. It can be very frustrating and often patients try many different treatment options with no real fix. Focal Extracorporeal Shockwave Therapy is a cutting-edge, non-invasive treatment for erectile dysfunction that targets specific areas of the penis to improve blood flow and restore erectile function.
What is Focal Shockwave or ESWT?
Focal shockwave is a non-invasive treatment that uses acoustic waves to stimulate tissue healing and regeneration. Originally developed for musculoskeletal conditions, Shockwave is now being explored for a variety of medical issues, including erectile dysfunction.
The treatment involves applying low-intensity shock waves to the penis. Research shows that these waves increase blood flow to the area, promote tissue regeneration, and improve vascular function.
How Does Shockwave Work for Erectile Dysfunction?
For men with erectile dysfunction, the root causes are often related to compromised blood flow, nerve damage, or both. Shockwave addresses the blood flow issue by angiogenesis, which means the device stimulates the creation of new blood vessels. The shockwaves help improve circulation in the penis by enhancing endothelial function and is believed to encourage the growth of new capillaries.
The Benefits of Shockwave for Erectile Dysfunction
1. Non-invasive
One of the main advantages of shockwave therapy is that it doesn’t require any invasive procedures or medications.
2. Improved Blood Flow
Shockwaves stimulate the creation of new blood vessels and improve the existing blood flow. This can be especially helpful for men whose ED is due to vascular issues like atherosclerosis or reduced circulation.
3. Potential Long-term Benefits
Unlike medications that only provide temporary relief, shockwave therapy offers long-term benefits by addressing the underlying causes of ED, especially when used in conjunction with other lifestyle changes such as improved diet, exercise, and stress management.
4. Few Side Effects
Most men experience few, if any, side effects. Some might notice mild discomfort or redness in the treated area, but these effects are rare and only last a few hours to a day.
What to Expect During a Focal Shockwave Treatment
Focal shockwave for erectile dysfunction is typically done in a clinic by a trained professional. The procedure is non-invasive and doesn’t require any anesthesia. Here’s how a typical treatment session might go:
- A comprehensive review of your medical history will be evaluated, including any underlying health conditions (e.g., diabetes, hypertension, cardiovascular disease) and previous ED treatments (e.g., PDE5 inhibitors like Viagra or Cialis).
- For the procedure, a gel will be applied to the penis. This gel helps the shockwaves travel more effectively. The focal shockwave device is then placed on 3-5 target areas along the penis. The goal is to target specific areas of the penis (particularly the corpus cavernosum, which is the erectile tissue responsible for engorging with blood during an erection).
- For focal shockwave, 0.15 to 0.25 mJ/mm² is commonly used at a frequency of 1-4 Hz, meaning 1-4 pulses per second. Higher energy may be used as tolerated and in more severe cases of ED. This EWST treatment only takes a few minutes within your physical therapy session.
- Focal shockwave typically involves several sessions spread out over a few weeks. A common treatment plan may involve 6 to 12 sessions spread out over a few weeks. The number of treatments can vary based on the severity of ED and your individual response.
- After the session, you can return to normal activities. Some men may experience slight discomfort, but this usually resolves quickly.
Who is a Good Candidate for Focal Shockwave??
Focal shockwave may be a good treatment option for men with mild to moderate ED, particularly those who are not responding well to oral medications or other therapies. It is also suitable for men who prefer a non-invasive, drug-free option. Shockwave may be effective in cases of severe ED, depending on the cause of the severe ED.
Results:
Short-Term Results: Research shows that some patients report mild improvements after just a few sessions, particularly in terms of better spontaneous erections and enhanced sexual performance.
Long-Term Results: The most notable improvements typically occur after the full course of treatment is completed (usually after 6-12 sessions). And research shows that many men experience long-term benefits, with significant improvements in erectile function that can last for 6 months to greater than one year. Many patients notice increased frequency and duration of erections, improved firmness and quality of erections, reduced reliance on ED medications (e.g., PDE5 inhibitors).
Patient Selection and Considerations
- The right piece of equipment: Here at Release Physical Therapy, we offer both focal and radial shockwave, but research has proven that our specific unit, the Storz Medical Focal Shockwave has the best proven outcomes for patients with ED.
- Ideal Candidates: Focal shockwave is most effective in men with mild to moderate ED, especially those with good general health and intact erectile tissue but compromised blood flow.
- Not Recommended For: Men with severe ED due to underlying causes such as severe diabetes, neurological disorders, or significant venous leak may not respond well to focal shockwave. It’s also not recommended for men with penile implants or significant scarring of the erectile tissue.
- Contraindications: Focal shockwave is contraindicated for men with:
- Active infections in the genital area.
- Blood clotting disorders.
- Cancer in the pelvic area.
Research shows that consistency in sessions has the best outcomes. If you are considering focal shockwave for ED, consult Dr. Mia Smyser at Release Physical Therapy today to get started!
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Mia Smyser PT, DPT, COMT, CIDN
Dr. Mia Smyser is a native of the DMV. She received her Doctorate in Physical Therapy from the University of Miami, after receiving her Bachelors of Science in Exercise Science from the University of South Carolina. She thinks movement is of foundational importance and is dedicated to improving people’s mobility and function and helping them achieve their optimal physical well-being.
She is passionate about continuing to learn and grow in the profession. She is a Certified Orthopedic Manual Therapist (COMT), certified in Integrative Dry Needling and is continuing her coursework with Herman & Wallace as a pelvic health therapist.
Dr. Smyser previously worked at outpatient physical therapy clinics in Washington, DC and Falls Church, VA, treating a wide variety of conditions including sports medicine, pelvic health, pre/post-operative rehabilitation, and pediatrics, among others.
In her free time, she prioritizes spending time with her husband, son & dog; playing soccer and running; coaching HIIT and checking out new restaurants.