Many “Men’s Health” clinics, Low T clinics, Wellness Spas, and Regenerative Medicine clinics offer Shockwave Therapy for ED – but are they using the right technology and machine? Are they using techniques proven by clinical trials to improve blood flow?

What is Shockwave Therapy for ED?

Low-intensity Shockwave Therapy is an FDA-cleared and clinically proven technology used for over 15 years internationally and in the US to treat ED. There are over 100 studies with high-quality evidence validating this treatment modality as a safe and effective alternative to treat ED without surgery, pills, or injections.

Shockwave Therapy has a lot of buzz for ED right now. But patients need to know that there are many sham machines and treatments being offered that will not work and will leave patients feeling misled. Home machines and radial shockwave therapies are unproven and can even be harmful – buyer beware!

What is Focused versus Radial Shockwave Therapy?

Unfortunately, not all shockwave machines are created equal. The benefits from shockwave therapy for ED are only seen with focused machines.

Radial shockwave machines are unproven for ED. These are cheaper machines that have utility in musculoskeletal complaints like plantar fasciitis or joint pain. They look like a massage gun and cannot penetrate tissue deeply enough to stimulate angiogenesis (new and improved blood flow) to improve erections. These treatments tend to be uncomfortable – numbing injections or creams are often needed.

Focused shockwave machines, on the other hand, are proven to improve blood flow to the penis for stronger erections. Focused shockwaves produce a steep energy spike followed by negative pressure not seen with radial shockwaves. This prompts the cellular changes to stimulate the erectile tissue and recruit stem cells and growth factors to the area of “microtrauma”.

Focused waves penetrate deep into the erectile tissue to get the desired response; radial waves stay at the skin level and will not be effective. Focused shockwaves, unlike radial waves, are not painful or uncomfortable at all; patients do great with no downtime or sexual limitations.

How do I know if I will Receive Focused Shockwave Therapy?

Just ask! Call the clinic and specifically ask what machine is used for ED treatments. The Storz DuoLith SD1 is the only FDA-cleared focused shockwave therapy device used in the US outside of a free clinical trial. This is the device I use here at HTX Urology with great results in mild to moderate ED.

Do not confuse this with the Storz D-Actor, which is a radial device for musculoskeletal applications. If the clinic you call mentions the need for numbing injections or numbing creams, then you are unfortunately receiving radial shockwave therapy. Furthermore, terms like “GainsWave” or “Big D Wave” have nothing to do with the actual device being used; these are marketing terms so make sure you get specifics.

What is the Cost of Focused Shockwave Therapy?

Unfortunately, insurance does not cover this procedure that is delivered once a week for 6 weeks in 10-minute sessions. An alternative is 2 sessions weekly for 3 weeks. Plan to pay about $400-500 per session. Focused shockwave therapy is expensive mostly due to the machine itself being quite costly and difficult for most providers to purchase.

Why should I choose Dr. Dhir to perform Focused Shockwave Therapy?

I have been a leading advocate of Men’s Health initiatives, including pioneering shockwave therapy in my practice for over 5 years. I perform every shockwave therapy in my clinic personally and never outsource these important treatments to an assistant or non-physician practitioner.

My outcomes are usually great as I manage expectations and prioritize mild to moderate ED cases only. Severe ED that is completely unresponsive to medications usually do better with alternative methods.

Do not hesitate to call 281-946-6462 to schedule a consultation to learn more about focused shockwave therapy, or schedule online by clicking here.

Related Content:

Shockwave Therapy for ED
Men’s Health
Erectile Dysfunction
Low TestosteroneLow Testosterone and Your Sexual and Reproductive Health