Some conditions are unusually stubborn, refusing to respond to standard treatment.
If you have erectile dysfunction or if you’ve injured a tendon, ligament, or muscle, your medical provider may recommend shockwave therapy as an alternative to surgery. Non-invasive and painless, shockwave therapy is a form of regenerative medicine that builds on your body’s natural healing processes to promote healing. Most shockwave therapy appointments are fast, taking no more than 15 to 20 minutes, and giving you enough time to prioritize your health without having to make big sacrifices at work or school.
At Core Medicine of Idaho, we recognize that chronic pain can feel limiting and, at times, overwhelming. However, you don’t have to continue living with pain and discomfort. Our Caldwell clinic is proud to offer effective and innovative treatments that align with your lifestyle. Contact us today to discover how we can assist you.
What Is Shockwave Therapy?
Shockwave therapy, or extracorporeal shockwave therapy (SWT), is a procedure used to treat a wide range of conditions. It was developed by German scientists over many decades and came to the United States in the 1980s. Noninvasive and largely pain-free, shockwave therapy can expedite healing and improve blood flow to different body parts.
What Conditions Is Shockwave Therapy Used to Treat?
Shockwave therapy has many potential applications. Most treatments are designed to target specific sources of chronic pain or discomfort, such as:
- Erectile dysfunction (ED)
- Back pain
- Knee pain
- Elbow pain (including overuse injuries)
- Calf pain and tightness
- Muscle strains and sprains
- Chronic muscle aches and pains
- Tendon and ligament injuries
- Muscle atrophy due to poor circulation or underuse
- Chronic pain from old injuries
- Sports-related injuries
- Chronic pain from old injuries
- Calcinosis, or the accumulation of excess calcium deposits in muscle and tendons
You may qualify for shockwave therapy even if your condition isn’t on this list (or any other). Reach out to your local Caldwell shockwave therapy clinic today to find out if you could benefit.
Can Shockwave Therapy Really Treat ED?
Erectile dysfunction is the most common sexual problem reported by men in the United States. It can be caused by almost any factor that limits blood flow to your penis, including:
- Diabetes
- Cardiovascular disease
- Psychological stressors
- High blood pressure
- Lifestyle factors
- Stress
To treat ED, you’ll need an understanding of its cause, which could be physiological or psychological. However, if you go to a big hospital, your doctor might not take the time to explain all your options. Most men who report erectile dysfunction are prescribed medication, which can produce positive results but does little to fix the underlying problem.
Emerging research now suggests that shockwave therapy can restore, reinvigorate, and strengthen the blood vessels in the penis. This improves blood circulation, leading to more powerful, longer-lasting erections.
If you’ve tried pills without success, you may benefit from shockwave therapy.
How Does Shockwave Therapy Work?
Shockwave therapy is administered using a special device that uses pulses of acoustic energy to target injured tissue and areas of low blood circulation. This has several effects, including:
- Treating localized inflammation. Shockwaves increase cell permeability, or the ability of cell membranes to control movement in and between cells. This can inflame injured or damaged tissue, prompting the body to increase blood flow and begin healing.
- Pain reduction. Shockwave therapy can suppress nociception, which is the way that your body detects pain.
- Improved healing. Most injuries won’t heal unless your body’s tissue, cells, and hormones cooperate. During a typical therapy session, shockwaves invigorate the exact types of hormones and cells associated with repair and healing.
What Are the Other Benefits of Shockwave Therapy?
Shockwave therapy is an effective treatment for certain injuries, but it has benefits beyond its ability to help the body heal. Some of shockwave therapy’s most significant advantages include:
- Non-invasive treatment. Since shockwave therapy uses targeted acoustic waves, there’s no need for surgery. Furthermore, shockwave therapy doesn’t leave any marks, meaning you won’t have to worry about scarring, infection, and many other complications associated with surgical procedures.
- Quick treatment time. Most people who receive shockwave therapy can come into the clinic and be back on the road within 15 to 25 minutes. All you need to do is call ahead to ask about shockwave therapy, or stop by to see a provider and discuss your concerns without spending half the day in a waiting room.
- Long-term relief. A typical shockwave therapy session may provide long-lasting relief, sometimes for years to come.
How Painful is Shockwave Therapy?
A shockwave is a strong wave that can exert incredible pressure on almost any medium, including your skin, tissue, and muscles. Shockwave therapy produces the same effect, but on a very small scale.
Although the mechanism of shockwave therapy may seem intimidating, especially if you’re receiving treatment in a sensitive area of your body, most sessions are completely pain-free. If you feel uncomfortable, inform your medical provider; they can lower the energy without affecting the outcome.
Our Caldwell ID Clinic Could Help You Overcome ED, Pain, and Other Problems
At Core Medicine of Idaho, we treat every patient as the unique individual they are, not as a laundry list of symptoms or a name on a chart. If you’re struggling with chronic pain, erectile dysfunction, or limited mobility, we can help you explore your best options for recovery.
However, since shockwave therapy isn’t a first-line treatment, it is typically only recommended for patients who have tried other methods without success.
Before making a recommendation, we’ll work with you to:
- Understand your lifestyle and needs
- Identify any underlying health concerns that could be contributing to your problems
- Walk through your medical history and see how, if at all, you’ve responded to other treatments
- See if you have any conditions that could complicate your treatment
