Reinventing Sexual Health With Shockwave Therapy
Shockwave therapy is a non-invasive approach to treating a variety of chronic conditions. Through the application of low-energy acoustic wave pulses to the affected area via a gel medium, symptoms such as pain and limited mobility are alleviated without the use of additional drugs.
Originally developed for the shattering of kidney stones, shockwave therapy has been studied and found effective in the resolution of numerous medical issues. Those who have already experienced a treatment session report significant improvement in their symptoms, even after the first application.
The Benefits of Shockwave Therapy for Pelvic Floor Dysfunction
Relief from the symptoms of pelvic floor dysfunction is always top of mind for those living with them. Pain, incontinence, constipation, and sexual dysfunction make living difficult and many feel like they are out of options after having their pain dismissed over and over again by healthcare providers.
It may feel like you are not able to undo pelvic floor dysfunction and that your only hope is through painful surgery. However, there are other options for getting your life back. In addition to traditional therapies, shockwave therapy is now available as a treatment for pelvic floor dysfunction. This exciting and innovative treatment could be the relief that you have been searching for.
Alleviate Painful Symptoms
There is a substantial body of research that suggests shockwave therapy can help to alleviate symptoms of pelvic floor dysfunction, including reducing bladder leakage in individuals with stress urinary incontinence. However, pain is one of the most prevalent issues associated with pelvic floor disorders. Too often, those struggling with the condition experience such intense pain that it severely restricts their ability to perform everyday tasks such as working, exercising, or even engaging in sexual activity.
Healing from Pelvic Spasms
The medical world has been discovering more and more about the connection between shockwave therapy and healing. Shockwave therapy has been employed for decades as a pain reliever throughout the human body. This targeted treatment helps to increase the flow of blood and circulation in hurtful and scarred areas of tissue. This improvement in blood flow triggers new cell production, a regenerative process.
Apart from facilitating more efficient mending of scars, shockwave therapy can have an anesthetic effect that abates nerve pain. Studies have even shown that it can be effective in declaiming muscle spasticity, something that can be invigorating for those suffering from pelvic spasms.
Can Shockwave Therapy Alone Treat Pelvic Floor Dysfunction?
There is no single treatment for pelvic floor dysfunction, however, shockwave therapy can definitely help alleviate symptoms. This medical condition, which is far more common among women who have been pregnant, can be caused by many different factors. Some risk factors for developing pelvic floor dysfunction include vehicle accidents, falls, surgery affecting the pelvic areas, obesity, and age. In some cases, a person’s genetics may even be a factor in the cause of pelvic pain.
Treating pelvic pain is difficult due to its overlapping of different parts of the body, such as the bladder, rectum, uterus, or vagina (women), and prostate (men). Treatment aims to balance and align the pelvic area as well as strengthen the pelvic floor. Shockwave therapy has been known to assist in the healing process, yet it should not be seen as the only solution, due to the complex issues involved in pelvic floor dysfunction.
Shockwave Therapy for Erectile Dysfunction
Erectile Dysfunction (ED), otherwise referred to as impotence, is a condition that affects thousands of men. In fact, recent research suggests that more than half of all men suffer from some form of it. Low-intensity extracorporeal shockwave therapy (LIST) is an emerging, non-surgical technique used for treating erectile dysfunction. Instead of relying on traditional treatments, this therapy is focused on restoring erectile function that allows men to achieve natural and spontaneous erections.
How Does Shockwave Therapy for ED Work?
Shockwave therapy is an in-office procedure that involves the application of low-intensity pulses to deep tissues at the base and shaft of the penis. Requiring several (6-12) visits, this treatment produces physiological changes that boost circulation and incentivize the natural engorgement of blood for a successful erection. Through a course of neovascularization or the creation of new blood vessels, shockwave therapy is designed to create the necessary conditions for an erection.
What to Expect at Your Visit
During treatment, shockwave therapy will be used to target different areas along the shaft of the penis. Patients may feel a slight tingling sensation, but should not experience pain or discomfort. Each session typically lasts 12 to 15 minutes and the number of recommended treatments may be adjusted depending on results. Since it is a non-invasive procedure, clients will not need anesthesia for treatment. Once completed, patients can return to normal activities as suggested by their healthcare provider.
Is Shockwave Therapy for ED Right for Me?
When assessing a patient for erectile dysfunction, a thorough evaluation of the patient’s overall health, erectile history, and lifestyle will be conducted to determine the best treatment path including the consideration of shockwave therapy. All treatment options that have been tried in the past and their effectiveness will also be discussed.
Learn More About Shockwave Therapy
Contact us to learn more about the benefits of shockwave therapy. Whether you are interested in treating pelvic floor dysfunction, erectile dysfunction, or another medical issue, we can help you on your journey to better health.