Shockwave therapy is designed to promote healing and regeneration with long-lasting results. Many patients report having beneficial effects that can last for months or even years, depending on the specific health condition being treated and the type of shockwave therapy being administered. Most people who receive shockwave therapy for erectile dysfunction usually see benefits within one to three months. Initial results (within the first few weeks) can be dramatic.
There is still not enough research or long-term data to indicate how long treatment might last, whether its effects might wear off, or if you'll need additional treatment later on. Patients are always asking themselves questions such as: “How long does shock wave therapy last? At first, they may experience immediate relief because of the numbness of the nerves. However, results become apparent 5 to 11 weeks after treatment. The results of shock wave therapy are long-lasting.
Patients may experience a reduction in pain that can last for months or even a year. This period of time depends again on the patient's body response. If a tendon or ligament is almost completely torn, shockwave therapy could cause the remaining tissue to tear. If a patient has significantly low bone density (osteoporosis), shock wave therapy could result in an overload fracture.
It's important for patients to know that the results of shockwave therapy may not be immediately apparent, but should increase over time as injured tissues heal. Shockwave therapy is usually given by a doctor specializing in sports medicine or by a sports coach with the supervision of a physician. Shockwave therapy (ESWT) involves transmitting short, intense sound waves to affected tissues, increasing blood flow, having an analgesic effect, and stimulating repair and regeneration. Shockwave therapy is often recommended for patients who do not respond well to medication or who do not want more invasive treatments.
The device sends shock waves to injured tissues, stimulating increased blood flow and growth hormones to the area, promoting the growth of new tissues. A shockwave therapy regimen usually includes six different treatments, but treatment protocols may change as more research becomes available. As this is a non-invasive treatment, physical therapists usually do not prescribe any medication along with the therapy. Shockwave therapy is very safe and, in fact, has fewer contraindications than some better-known therapies, such as acupuncture and massage.
We recommend not using ice or anti-inflammatory drugs after shock wave therapy, as they would be counterproductive to the treatment, as they would favor the body's own natural healing process. It can treat both long-term chronic conditions and more recent acute injuries. There is plenty of evidence to show that Shockwave can achieve excellent results even under historic conditions. Most people can return to normal activities the day after shockwave therapy, but the urologist will discuss whether you should restrict your activity for longer to recover.