Shock wave therapy

Shockwave therapy is a hardware-based method that involves the application of acoustic waves to bone and soft tissues. It is used as part of comprehensive treatment and rehabilitation in various branches of medicine.

Shockwave therapy can serve either as a standalone treatment method (monotherapy) or be included in therapeutic programs along with other physiotherapy techniques and medication.

Indications for SWT include:

• arthritis;

• arthrosis;

• osteochondrosis;

• heel spur;

• bursitis;

• myofascial syndrome and other diseases.

SWT is also used for the prevention and treatment of urological diseases.

Urologists prescribe SWT for:

• erectile dysfunction;

• prostatitis;

• Peyronie's disease;

• prostate adenoma (benign prostatic hyperplasia).

This treatment has a number of contraindications. The main ones include: having a pacemaker (as the shockwave device may disrupt its function), taking anticoagulant medications, benign or malignant tumors, purulent prostatitis, and acute-phase infectious processes. Therefore, the final decision on the appropriateness of shockwave therapy is made by the attending physician.

The essence of the treatment lies in the short-term impact of high-amplitude infrasound waves generated by the device on the affected area. Under their influence, blood and lymph circulation in organs and tissues improves. On one hand, this enhances oxygenation; on the other, it speeds up the removal of metabolic waste.

Infrasound generated by the device relieves muscle spasms. In addition, due to microtears caused by the kinetic energy of the infrasound waves, angiogenesis—the formation of new capillaries—is activated. However, the main advantage of shockwave therapy is its pronounced analgesic effect after just one session.

After treatment, patients with erectile dysfunction reported improved erection, while those with prostatitis experienced better urination and relief of pain. Patients with Peyronie's disease, which causes penile curvature due to fibrous plaques, noted symptom relief.

Shockwave therapy does not require special preparation, but it must be performed strictly by a physician's prescription. The specialist determines the treatment area, duration, and number of sessions, and rules out any contraindications.

To begin the procedure, a gel is applied to the skin in the treatment area to ensure optimal transmission of acoustic waves. Then, an emitter that generates high-amplitude infrasound waves is placed on the patient’s body. The kinetic energy of the waves acts on organs and tissues, producing a therapeutic effect.

Shockwave therapy is non-invasive—no substances are injected under the skin or into the urethra. No medications are used during the procedure; the therapeutic effect is achieved through infrasound exposure.

Oxford Medical is a multidisciplinary medical clinic where you can undergo a comprehensive examination, consult with specialists, and receive necessary treatment.

Shockwave therapy is performed using new-generation equipment from one of the leading manufacturers of medical devices. When you turn to the clinic, you can be confident that you will receive medical care that meets the highest standards of quality.

To learn more about shockwave therapy or to book an appointment with a urologist at Oxford Medical, call us or contact our chat operator on the website.