Low intensity ultrasound (Shockwave) therapy is a new and novel treatment option which is now available in London and Berkshire for patients suffering from erectile dysfunction (a difficulty in getting and keeping an erection). It is one of a new generation of treatment options which aim to rehabilitate and regenerate the body so that natural erections can occur once more.
Mr Kalsi is a Consultant Urologist with a special interest in andrology (mens sexual health) and has been at the forefront of research into helping men with sexual dysfunction since 2002 when he was awarded the young investigators award at The International Society for Sexual Medicine in Montreal. He is a national and international expert in this field.
Ultrasound therapy has the following advantages:
- It is non-invasive with each treatment lasting 20 minutes in an outpatient setting – walk in and walk out within 30 minutes.
- No medication is required but may be used to improve the outcome.
- No significant complications.
- A clinical benefit is often experienced 6 to 8 weeks after treatment.
To find out more about this novel treatment option, then please contact 01753 665415 or read our Frequently Asked Questions below.
Shock Wave Therapy FAQs
How does it work?
Shock wave therapy is an innovative, non-invasive, and effective treatment method with a wide range of applications in the medical field. First used by Dr. Christian Chaussy in 1980.
The treatment involves the delivery of high-energy acoustic waves from outside the body to the targeted area. We use focused shock waves that have with low energy density to penetrate specific tissue areas.
In urology, this therapy has been successfully applied in the treatment of conditions such as erectile dysfunction, Peyronie’s disease, and chronic prostatitis.
Ultrasound treatment initiates a pro-inflammatory response in the tissue where the shockwaves have been applied. The body responds by increasing the blood circulation and metabolism in the impact area which in turn accelerates the body’s own healing processes.
In the specific case of Erectile Dysfunction, shockwave improves erections by:
- Promoting neo-angiogenesis (development of new blood vessels) in the penis which means that the blood flow to the penis increases and hence stronger erections are achieved; and
- Rejuvenation of penis smooth muscle – the majority of patients suffering from ED do so because the smooth muscle in their penile arteries has become dysfunctional. Shockwave therapy has been shown to induce the body to repair the smooth muscle in the penis and thus improve the their function allowing better blood flow control.
Am I a candidate for Shockwave Therapy?
Shockwave therapy can help all patients suffering from ED and even improve erections in men with no issues currently to prevent erectile dysfunction.
However, best results are achieved in patients who have primarily a blood flow reason for the ED.
A full pre-treatment diagnostic evaluation is always advised before a patient proceeds treatment.
What are the expected benefits?
There is a growing body of scientific evidence that shockwave therapy for ED can help in the following ways:
- Patients with mild to moderate ED that respond well to PDE-5 inhibitors might be able to regain their natural erections and no longer need – or reduce their dependence on medication.
- Patients with moderate to severe ED that do not respond to PDE-5 medication and rely on injections or other topical treatments may become more respondent to PDE-5 medication after shockwave therapy.
- Shockwave therapy will in most cases improve the outcomes of any other treatment modality.
What should I expect during my treatment session?
Each treatment session lasts around 20 minutes. When you arrive at the clinic a nurse will take you to the room with the shockwave machine where you will get undressed and lie on the treatment bed.
The medical practitioner will then apply the treatment using a special probe on different parts of your penis and perineum.
Most patients experience very little discomfort or pain during the session. However, the shockwave intensity can be adjusted if you feel uncomfortable.
What is the best Shockwave Therapy treatment protocol?
This is an area of active research and controversy. A number of treatment protocols have been suggested, varying between 3 and 12 sessions.
Unfortunately, the clinical trials investigating these protocols are quite different in a number of ways (energy of the shockwaves applied, number of shockwaves, number of sessions, duration of treatment and time between sessions and the technology of the shockwave machines).
Our experience and the studies so far indicate that the there is no one size fits all protocol and the number of sessions will depend on the severity of ED, the presence of comorbidities and the response to treatment.
At our clinic as a minimum, we recommend 6 twenty-minute sessions over a 6-week period.
Can I repeat the treatment on a regular basis?
As the method seems to have a natural physiologic effect on the erection mechanism, repeating the treatment after a certain period of time can help.
However sustained improvements are based on identifying and treating possible reversible risk factors that may cause narrowing of the blood vessels around the body.
Are the results permanent?
The biological effects of shockwave therapy are permanent and have been established on a basic science level. However, erectile dysfunction depends on the lifestyle of patients and is usually a symptom of underlying health issues which lead to ED. Because ED usually gets worse in patients with comorbidities, this means that the improvements after the treatment might be reversed over time if the underlying conditions are not addressed.
Given that the treatment is relatively new, the longest period that patients have been followed up after treatment in a systematic way as part of a clinical trial is 3 years.
Is the Shockwave Therapy treatment itself painful?
Sometimes the treatment is a bit painful, but most people can stand these few intense minutes without medication. If patients are in pain during the treatment, they are to notify the medical practitioner as there are some adjustments that can be made to reduce the discomfort, however, having some pain during the treatment illustrates that shockwaves are having a positive effect.
Will there be any pain after the treatment?
Normally patients experience a reduced level of pain or no pain at all immediately after the treatment, but a mild and diffused pain may occur a few hours later. This dull pain can last for a day or so.
What if there is pain experienced after the treatment?
Shockwave therapy treatment initiates a pro-inflammatory response in the tissue that is being treated. If necessary patients may use ordinary prescription-free painkillers. Do not use anti-inflammatory medication or ice in the treated area as both may interfere with the body’s self-healing abilities.
What if the shockwave therapy treatment doesn’t work?
Usually, the response to shockwave therapy treatment is good however it may take several months before the maximum effect is achieved. If after 3-4 months the patient still does not experience a pronounced improvement, then other treatment modalities will need to be considered.
