Shockwave therapy is a non-invasive treatment option for various musculoskeletal conditions that uses high-energy sound waves to stimulate healing.
Shockwave therapy stimulates the body’s natural healing cascade by:
Increased Blood Flow: Shockwaves trigger the growth of new blood vessels, delivering essential nutrients to the injured area to promote healing.
Collagen Remodeling: Shockwaves break down dysfunctional scar tissue and stimulate the production of healthy collagen, leading to improved tissue strength and flexibility.
Pain Reduction: Shockwave therapy disrupts the pain cycle, providing immediate relief and promoting long-term pain management.
Angiogenesis is the process of new blood vessels forming from existing ones and is another potential outcome from using shockwave therapy making it a applicable treatment option for erectile dysfunction.
The treatment involves application of an electromechanical probe to the affected area and delivering pulses to the tissue. The use of various attachments on the shockwave unit allows for specific areas to be targeted based on depth and need. The intensity of the shockwaves can be adjusted based on the patient’s tolerance and the severity of the condition.
The treatment session usually lasts less than 15 minutes, and the number of sessions required depends on the condition being treated. The average number of treatment sessions is six with an average frequency of one to two times per week. Larger treatment areas may require more visits.
The patient may experience mild discomfort during the treatment, but it should not be painful. After the treatment, the patient may experience some soreness, swelling, or bruising, but this usually resolves within a few days. The patient should avoid any strenuous activity or exercise for 24-48 hours after the treatment.
For erectile dysfunction, you can expect potential results in one to two months typically, but many times patients will see a change within a few weeks.
For cellulite, a study found on the National Library of Medicine evaluated thirty-five women who underwent the treatment with ESWT in the gluteus and posterior thighs. The therapy demonstrated a positive effect of the degrees of severity of cellulite in the global sample up to 12 weeks from the end of the treatment.