Note: This article is for informational purposes only and should not be considered medical advice. Always consult with a qualified healthcare professional for personalized recommendations and treatments.
Choosing the Best Shockwave Therapy Machine for ED
Why shockwave therapy? Erectile dysfunction is a prevalent condition in the United States, according to a study published on PubMed. It increases with age, with 52.2% of men aged 75 and above meeting the diagnostic criteria for ED.
This condition substantially affects intimate relationships, quality of life, and self-esteem of the affected individuals and their partners. It’s also typically observed to co-occur with other conditions, such as diabetes and cardiovascular disease.
Because ED dramatically affects individuals’ well-being, it’s clear why men look for practical solutions to address the issue. We will explore ESWT, a procedure that can potentially alleviate the symptoms of ED and provide you with a return to an active, intimate lifestyle.
What is Extracorporeal Shockwave Therapy?
Extracorporeal Shock Wave Therapy (ESWT) is a non-invasive modality that uses acoustic waves to stimulate healing in the body. The shock waves delivered during the therapy help to increase blood flow to the affected area, promote cell regeneration, and reduce pain. Its ability to convert a chronic condition to an acute signaling injury with a non-invasive method sets this apart from many other options.
ESWT is known for its effectiveness in promoting healing and is favored for its minimal downtime and low risk of complications as it instigates the body’s regenerative cascade. This innovative therapy aligns with the ethos of most regenerative medicine practitioners to provide a refined and wellness-focused approach to treatment modalities, offering a blend of cutting-edge treatments and natural healing.
Factors to Consider in Choosing a Professional Shockwave Therapy Machine
Several factors should be considered when selecting a shockwave therapy machine for ED to ensure the best possible outcome. These aspects include the following:
Method of Wave Generation
There are two main methods of shockwave generation: focused shockwave therapy (fSWT) and radial wave therapy (rWT).
FSWT utilizes highly focused shockwaves that penetrate deep into targeted tissues, making it suitable for treating specific areas, but it can do some physical damage if you are not careful. Alternatively, rWT disperses shockwaves in a radial pattern, covering a wider area and providing more control for medical professionals doing the treatment.
When choosing a shockwave therapy machine, consider the specific needs of your patients, the conditions you intend to treat, and your budget. Radial is significantly less expensive and provides 100% of ESWT’s benefits.
FDA Clearance
The FDA does not yet approve shockwave therapy, and it is still considered an experimental treatment by the American Urological Association (AUA) and other medical organizations for use against erectile dysfunction. As such, selecting a machine that meets the necessary safety and quality standards is essential to give your patients the peace of mind that the procedure is indeed safe and effective.
Ability to Treat a Wide Range of Conditions
Although your primary focus may be on treating erectile dysfunction, it’s beneficial to choose a shockwave therapy machine that can be used for other medical conditions as well. This versatility allows you to expand your treatment options and cater to a broader range of patients, maximizing the utility of your investment.
Complementary Training Offered for Its Use
Getting the most out of a shockwave therapy machine requires training and expertise. Choose a manufacturer or supplier that offers comprehensive programs to ensure that you and your staff are adequately trained in the correct usage and protocols, helping you achieve optimal results and provide the best possible patient care.
Ease of Transport
Consider the shockwave therapy machine’s portability. Depending on your intended use in your practice, you may require a system that can be moved easily between different treatment rooms or taken on-site for mobile treatments. Look for a compact, lightweight device designed for convenience and ease of use.
How Extracorporeal Shockwave Therapy Works Against ED
Extracorporeal Shockwave Therapy (SWT) is believed to effectively treat Erectile Dysfunction (ED) by inducing microtrauma that triggers the growth of new blood vessels (angiogenesis), proliferation of stem cells, and regeneration of nerves, and breaking up plaque, all designed to increase blood flow.
In animal studies focusing on ED, SWT has been found to stimulate the release of essential factors like vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) and endothelial nitric oxide synthase (eNOS) within the erectile tissue.
While the biological effects of radial shockwave therapy (rWT) are not fully understood, it’s reasonable to assume that if the radial wave penetrates the targeted tissue and causes non-lethal trauma to the cells, the body’s response to the injury would be independent of the energy source of the wave, mainly if a similar clinical response is observed.
Is Extracorporeal Shockwave Therapy Effective Against Erectile Dysfunction?
Numerous studies have been conducted to evaluate the efficacy of ESWT in treating erectile dysfunction, and the results have been promising.
Observed Clinical Improvements in ED Symptoms
Gruenwald, et al. (2013) performed a double-blind randomized control trial that supported the potential of using ESWT as a standard treatment for ED. Their study demonstrated positive changes in erectile function and penile blood flow after LI-ESWT. It also showed that ESWT is safe, well-tolerated, and has no adverse side effects.
This observation is also consistent with the umbrella review of five systematic reviews and meta-analyses conducted by Medrano-Sánchez, et al. (2024), in which the studies showed significant clinical improvements in ED symptoms based on the parameters set in the International Index of Erectile Function-Erectile Function (IIEF-EF) and the Erection Hardness Score (EHS) scale.
Efficacy of ESWT Against Tadalafil (A PDE5 Inhibitor)
A study by Zanaty et al. (2022), demonstrated that the clinical improvements of patients with ED who underwent ESWT were comparable to those who took 20 mg of tadalafil, a PDE-5 inhibitor. Safety outcomes were also demonstrated to be better for those who underwent ESWT.
However, the study noted that these were still short-term observations and that more studies must be done to determine the long-term effects of ESWT on ED.
Safety Profile of ESWT for ED
Aside from promising results regarding its effectiveness, the safety profile of ESWT is also good, with only mild side effects reported by those who have undergone the therapy. Side effects of both focused SWT and radial SWT are minimal and subside a few days after the treatment. These reported side effects include bruising, swelling, and numbing or pain in the treated area.
Why the PulseWave MiniWave™ is the Best Shockwave Therapy Machine for ED
The PulseWave MiniWave stands out as the best choice for treating erectile dysfunction, as it meets the factors that must be considered in choosing a shockwave therapy machine previously discussed.
The PulseWave MiniWave™ is a state-of-the-art system that incorporates the latest technology in shockwave therapy, offering radial shockwave therapy, allowing precise targeting of the penile area for optimal results.
The PulseWave MiniWave™ is not limited to treating erectile dysfunction alone; there are 45 pre-defined protocols integrated into the control systems so you can treat various other conditions, such as musculoskeletal disorders, sports injuries, and body shaping, making it a versatile investment for any medical practice.
Additionally, transporting the PulseWave MiniWave™ is simple due to its compact and lightweight design. It even has a battery option, allowing the system to deliver up to 70,000 pulses on one charge. Whether moving between treatment rooms or going on-site for mobile treatments, the convenience and portability of the PulseWave MiniWave™ make it an excellent choice.
Final Thoughts
Choosing the best shockwave therapy machine for erectile dysfunction is a crucial decision that can significantly impact the success of your treatment outcomes. To make an informed decision, one should consider many factors, as outlined here.
Considering essential points, the PulseWave MiniWave™ stands out as the top choice due to its features consistent with these issues. Investing in PulseWave MiniWave™, you can provide your patients with the most effective and efficient treatment for erectile dysfunction.
To learn more about the PulseWave MiniWave™ and how it can benefit your practice, visit Regenomedix today.
References
Auersperg V, Trieb K. Extracorporeal shock wave therapy: an update. EFORT Open Rev. 2020 Oct 26;5(10):584-592. doi: 10.1302/2058-5241.5.190067. PMID: 33204500; PMCID: PMC7608508.
Defeudis G, Mazzilli R, Tenuta M, Rossini G, Zamponi V, Olana S, Faggiano A, Pozzilli P, Isidori AM, Gianfrilli D. Erectile dysfunction and diabetes: A melting pot of circumstances and treatments. Diabetes Metab Res Rev. 2022 Feb;38(2):e3494. doi: 10.1002/dmrr.3494. Epub 2021 Sep 21. PMID: 34514697; PMCID: PMC9286480.
Gruenwald I, Appel B, Kitrey ND, Vardi Y. Shockwave treatment of erectile dysfunction. Ther Adv Urol. 2013 Apr;5(2):95-9. doi: 10.1177/1756287212470696. PMID: 23554844; PMCID: PMC3607492.
Mark KP, Arenella K, Girard A, Herbenick D, Fu J, Coleman E. Erectile dysfunction prevalence in the United States: report from the 2021 National Survey of Sexual Well-being. J Sex Med. 2024 Mar 28;21(4):296-303. doi: 10.1093/jsxmed/qdae008. PMID: 38410029.
Medrano-Sánchez EM, Peña-Cantonero B, Candón-Ballester P, Blanco-Díaz M, Díaz-Mohedo E. Effectiveness of Low-Intensity Extracorporeal Shock Wave Therapy in Erectile Dysfunction: An Analysis of Sexual Function and Penile Hardness at Erection: An Umbrella Review. J Pers Med. 2024 Feb 4;14(2):177. doi: 10.3390/jpm14020177. PMID: 38392610; PMCID: PMC10890328.
Wu SS, Ericson KJ, Shoskes DA. Retrospective comparison of focused shockwave therapy and radial wave therapy for men with erectile dysfunction. Transl Androl Urol. 2020 Oct;9(5):2122-2128. doi: 10.21037/tau-20-911. PMID: 33209675; PMCID: PMC7658170.
Zanaty F, Badawy A, Kotb H, Elsarfy F, Salman B. Efficacy and safety of low-intensity extracorporeal shock wave therapy versus on-demand tadalafil for erectile dysfunction. Arab J Urol. 2022 Jun 24;20(4):189-194. doi: 10.1080/2090598X.2022.2090134. PMID: 36353469; PMCID: PMC9639488.
