Acoustic wave therapy is a noninvasive procedure that uses sound waves to help repair damaged soft tissues. It has very few risks, and its benefits may include decreased pain and inflammation, as well as improved mobility and blood flow. It may not be effective for more severe conditions.
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Acoustic wave therapy (AWT) is a noninvasive procedure that uses high-frequency, low-intensity sound (pulse) waves to help treat light injuries. A healthcare provider focuses AWT waves on damaged soft tissues, which may include:
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Providers often recommend AWT as a nonsurgical treatment for soft tissue injuries or conditions, especially if you don’t respond to other treatments. This may include:
There are many claims about the benefits of AWT. However, there isn’t a lot of research to support these claims. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) classifies it as an experimental treatment for many conditions. But many providers offer it to help reduce pain and discomfort. If you choose to get AWT, make sure you ask for the qualifications and experience of the person providing the therapy.
Other names for acoustic wave therapy include:
Before acoustic wave therapy, a healthcare provider will usually:
Depending on what area of your body needs treatment, you may need to remove your clothing and change into a gown. It’s a good idea to wear comfortable, loose-fitting clothing, such as a T-shirt, sweatshirt, shorts or sweatpants.
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In most cases, acoustic wave therapy isn’t painful. You may feel a light flicking or pulsing sensation. A healthcare provider can reduce the pulse wave intensity if you feel any discomfort.
During acoustic wave therapy, a healthcare provider passes a wand-like device over your affected area. The device delivers mild pulse waves. They may first apply a thin layer of gel to your skin. The gel helps conduct the waves from the device through the gel and into your body. It also helps the device glide over your skin.
Your penis needs adequate blood flow to get and maintain an erection. Problems with your circulatory system may affect your blood flow. For example, not enough blood goes into your penis, or too much blood leaves.
During AWT for erectile dysfunction, the pulse waves may help open up or regrow blood vessels (neovascularization) in your corpus cavernosa and corpus spongiosum. Your corpus cavernosa and corpus spongiosum are spongy tissues that line your penis. Blood fills these tissues when you get an erection. So, greater blood flow to these tissues gives you stronger or stiffer erections.
It’s important to note that a healthcare provider may first recommend other erectile dysfunction treatment options before acoustic wave therapy. These may include lifestyle changes, counseling or medications.
It depends on why you need acoustic wave therapy. Most conditions require regular treatments — typically once a week over six to 12 weeks. Each treatment lasts between 10 and 30 minutes.
It can take two months or longer of regular acoustic wave therapy treatments before you start to see an improvement in erectile dysfunction. The benefits of AWT for ED usually aren’t permanent. You may need annual or biannual treatment to continue to see benefits.
Some of the potential benefits of acoustic wave therapy include:
Providers generally consider AWT safe with very few risks. Potential side effects may include:
It’s also important to note that, depending on your condition, the effects of AWT might not be permanent. You may need additional treatments a year or two after AWT.
You can resume your typical activities immediately after acoustic wave therapy.
Many people see benefits from AWT after several sessions. It’s important to keep all follow-up appointments. Regular sessions and monitoring help maintain AWT benefits.
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It depends on your condition. But for many conditions, there’s a good chance you’ll see results you’re happy with. This includes:
It’s important to talk to a healthcare provider with a lot of acoustic wave therapy experience. They can give you a better idea of what to expect.
Contact a healthcare provider if you have any questions before or after acoustic wave therapy. This includes questions about how AWT works and any concerns you may have.
During your appointment, you may want to ask:
It varies according to a number of factors, including:
Before you start acoustic wave therapy, it’s important to talk to an experienced healthcare provider. They can give you a better idea of what to expect according to your unique situation.
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Acoustic wave therapy (AWT) is a safe, noninvasive treatment for pain and inflammation in your soft tissues. It’s an option for many people with mild symptoms. There’s also some thought that it may also effectively treat certain conditions, including mild erectile dysfunction. Talk to a healthcare provider if you have any questions. They can give you an idea of what to expect or recommend other treatment options with greater research and more predictable results.
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