Erectile Dysfunction Treatment
At Equal Standing PT, we use a combination of pelvic health physical therapy and low intensity shockwave treatments to address ED. Shockwave Therapy for Erectile Dysfunction is a noninvasive method for increasing blood flow to the penile tissue to restore function. Equal Standing PT is proud to be the only Pelvic Floor Physical Therapy practice in WNY to offer Low Intensity Unfocused Shockwave treatment for Erectile Dysfunction and pelvic health. Sessions include shockwave therapy treatment as well as expert physical therapy exercises and education in maintaining a healthy pelvic floor.
Shockwave Therapy for Erectile Dysfunction?
Shockwave Therapy, or Extracorporeal Shockwave Therapy (EWST), is a non-invasive treatment that involves the delivery of shock waves to an injured area to promote healing. Data shows that the application of short, frequent, and low intensity bursts of mechanical energy (in the form of a shockwave) into the penile tissue can help stimulate blood flow and may promote the growth of new blood vessels. This treatment produces highly effective shock waves that can initiate biological regeneration processes at the cellular level.
What Can I Expect for Treatment?
In addition to shockwave therapy, treatment may include manual therapy, physical therapy exercises, breathing exercises, education, and home exercise designations to help maintain a healthy pelvic floor and to encourage natural or spontaneous erections. Use of the Softwave patented applicator on and around the penile shaft can last between 15–20 minutes depending on the number of shocks used. Patients often report feeling a gentle tapping or tingling sensation from shockwave treatment, but not pain.
FAQ's
Is Shockwave Therapy covered by Insurance?
Shockwave Therapy is not covered by insurance. All payments will be taken up front.
Is Shockwave Therapy approved by the FDA?
Shockwave Therapy is not yet approved by the FDA, though significant testing has shown it to be effective in more than 80% of cases.
How many visits are recommended for ED?
Patients will usually require 6-9 weekly visits.
Can you do both shockwave and physical therapy together to treat ED?
We encourage some physical therapy alongside treatment with shockwave in order to learn how to maintain pelvic health.
What if I use a pump or injection for my ED?
If you use a pump or an injection, we encourage use during the session in order to enhance blood flow and efficacy of treatment.
Will it hurt?
Shockwave therapy does not hurt. There is the possibility of finding “hot spots” which might be sore but the mechanism of the device improves the sensitivity and patients do not feel sore afterwards.
Should I rest after treatment?
After shockwave, we encourage patients to avoid rigorous activity for the rest of the day.
Erectile Dysfunction Treatments
Erectile Dysfunction Evaluation
Initial evaluation for ED includes a thorough history of symptoms, a pelvic floor assessment and an initial treatment with shockwave therapy. Patients will receive some breathing and exercises as homework between sessions.
Erectile Dysfunction Follow Up
This 45 minute follow up session includes the application of frequent, low intensity soundwave shocks to the penile shaft to stimulate blood flow and help promote spontaneous erections. It may also include manual therapy, pelvic health exercises and education as needed.