However, the results become apparent 5 to 11 weeks after treatment. The results of shock wave therapy are long-lasting. Patients always ask questions such as: “How long does shockwave therapy last? At first, they may experience immediate relief due to nerve numbness. Patients may experience a reduction in pain that can last for months or even a year. This period of time again depends on the patient's body's response.
Most patients feel results right away and only need two or three treatments over a period of six to 12 weeks for complete healing and lasting resolution of symptoms. The beauty of ESWT is that, if it's going to work, it's likely to start working immediately after the first treatment. So, if you don't start seeing results right away, we can investigate other possible causes of your symptoms. Based on our own experience and studies on shockwave therapy, most patients will feel a significant clinical benefit in their pain 6 to 8 weeks after treatment.
Studies show that this pain improvement continues for months and even years after the last shockwave session ends (Moya, et al.). Most people who receive shockwave therapy for erectile dysfunction usually notice benefits within one to three months. Initial results (in the first few weeks) can be dramatic. There isn't enough research or long-term data yet to say how long treatment might last, if the effects of the treatment might wear off, or if you'll need additional treatment later on. As a manual treatment, the results of shockwave therapy may take some time to become apparent.
While some patients report that they feel immediate pain relief after treatment, others may need several weeks to achieve significant pain relief results. After treatment, some patients experience immediate improvement in symptoms, such as reduced pain and increased range of motion. However, in some cases, it may take several weeks before you feel the full benefits of shockwave therapy. Most patients (especially those affected by tendon problems) report better functionality and a better quality of life after receiving a course of shockwave therapy treatments.
WHAT IF THE SHOCK WAVE TREATMENT DOESN'T WORK FOR ME? Although the response to shockwave treatment is usually exceptionally good within a few weeks, it may take several months before maximum effect is achieved. If after 3 to 4 months you still don't experience a marked improvement, surgery, for example, may be an alternative depending on your particular clinical condition. According to research, shock wave therapy can significantly reduce pain caused by tendinopathies and improve the patient's quality of life. There are currently several randomized, double-blind clinical trials supporting the use of shockwave therapy for plantar fasciitis, lateral epicondylitis, and calcified shoulder tendonitis. The National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) broadly supports the use of shockwave therapy to treat tendon problems.
Piezoidal shock wave therapy, a form of extracorporeal shock wave therapy (ESWT), uses acoustic shock waves to attack injuries at different depths to compress and manipulate tissue. Most people can resume normal activities the day after shockwave therapy, but the urologist will consider whether you should restrict your activity for a longer time to recover. NICE has developed guidelines for the use of shock waves in the treatment of Achilles tendinopathy, plantar fasciitis and calcific tendinopathy. Shockwave therapy is a non-surgical treatment and works by delivering energy impulses aimed at specific damaged tissues within the abnormal tendon.
Overall, clinical studies have shown that shockwave therapy is effective and safe, but more research is needed to identify potential risks and the best treatment protocols for people with erectile dysfunction. If you have problems with continuous tendon pain that slows you down, shock wave therapy could be the revolutionary solution that you were looking. Shockwave therapy is an effective treatment modality for a variety of lower and upper limb conditions. Because shock wave therapy is a fairly new treatment for erectile dysfunction that isn't covered by insurance plans, your urologist may first recommend other treatment options for erectile dysfunction.
Shockwave therapy is generally recommended for patients who don't respond well to medications or who don't want more invasive treatments. As part of your shockwave session, your physical therapist will also prescribe the right rehabilitation exercises for your condition in order to to ensure optimal recovery. To determine if shockwave therapy is an appropriate option for you, it's essential to consult with a doctor from Forté Sports Medicine and Orthopedics. After a shock wave treatment, your physical therapist will recommend that you do not take any anti-inflammatory medication, such as ibuprofen, as it may decrease the effect of the treatment.