What is Low Intensity Shockwave Therapy?
Low-intensity extracorporeal shockwave therapy (LI-ESWT) is a non-invasive medical procedure that uses low-intensity sound waves to treat certain medical conditions. The procedure involves applying a device to the skin, which generates low-intensity sound waves that penetrate the tissues of the targeted area.
The procedure is typically performed on an outpatient basis and does not require anesthesia. During the treatment, a gel is applied to the skin to help conduct the sound waves. The device is then moved over the targeted area, delivering a series of low-intensity sound waves.
What Conditions is LI-ESWT Used For?
LI-ESWT has been used to treat a variety of medical conditions, including erectile dysfunction, Peyronie’s disease, plantar fasciitis, and tendinitis. The sound waves stimulate the body’s natural healing processes, which can improve blood flow, reduce inflammation, and promote tissue regeneration.
Is Low-Intensity Shockwave Therapy Safe and Effective?
The procedure is generally considered safe, with minimal side effects such as mild discomfort or bruising. However, it is important to note that the effectiveness of LI-ESWT for certain medical conditions is still being studied, and it may not be effective for all patients. It is always important to consult with a qualified medical professional to determine if LI-ESWT is an appropriate treatment option for your specific condition.
How Do Professional-Grade and Home Devices Compare?
Professional-grade low-intensity shockwave therapy devices and devices for home use can differ in several ways, including their power, frequency, and intended use.
Professional-grade devices are typically more powerful and have a higher frequency range, which allows them to penetrate deeper into the tissues of the targeted area. They are often used in clinical settings, such as hospitals or specialized clinics, where trained healthcare professionals can administer the treatment and monitor the patient’s response.
In contrast, devices for home use are designed to be more compact and user-friendly, with lower power and frequency settings. They are intended for patients to use at home without the need for professional supervision. However, this means that their effectiveness may be limited compared to professional-grade devices.
Another important difference is the intended use of the devices. Professional-grade devices are often used to treat specific medical conditions, such as erectile dysfunction or plantar fasciitis, under the guidance of a qualified medical professional. Devices for home use may be marketed for general wellness purposes, such as muscle recovery or pain relief, and may not have the same level of scientific evidence supporting their effectiveness for specific medical conditions.
Consult With a Medical Professional
Overall, it is important to consult with a qualified medical professional before using any low-intensity shockwave therapy device, whether it is a professional-grade device or a device for home use. They can help determine if the treatment is appropriate for your specific condition and guide you in selecting a device that is safe and effective for your needs.
How Does LI-ESWT Improve Erectile Function?
The exact mechanisms by which low-intensity shockwave therapy (LI-ESWT) attracts stem cells to the penis for the treatment of erectile dysfunction (ED) are not yet fully understood. However, there are several hypotheses that have been proposed based on current research.
One hypothesis is that the mechanical stimulation from the shockwaves induces microtrauma to the tissues of the penis, triggering a healing response that involves the recruitment and activation of stem cells. The stem cells then differentiate into various cell types, including smooth muscle cells, endothelial cells, and nerve cells, which are important for maintaining erectile function.
Recruitment and Activation of Stem Cells
Another hypothesis is that the shockwaves stimulate the release of growth factors and cytokines, which are signaling molecules that play a key role in the recruitment and activation of stem cells. These growth factors and cytokines are thought to create a localized environment that is conducive to stem cell recruitment and differentiation.
There is also evidence to suggest that shockwaves may increase the expression of certain genes that are involved in stem cell proliferation and differentiation, further supporting the hypothesis that LI-ESWT can attract stem cells to the penis.
Overall, while the exact mechanisms of action are still being studied, it is believed that LI-ESWT can promote the recruitment and activation of stem cells in the penis, leading to improved erectile function in some patients with ED.
Supporting Research
The following studies provide insights into the potential mechanisms by which low-intensity shockwave therapy may attract stem cells to the penis and promote erectile function in patients with erectile dysfunction.
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- Chen X, Li X, Yin L, et al. Low-intensity extracorporeal shock wave therapy for erectile dysfunction: A systematic review and meta-analysis. Urology. 2019; 126: 116-124. doi: 10.1016/j.urology.2018.12.037 (https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/28962876/)
- Gruenwald I, Appel B, Kitrey ND, Vardi Y. Shockwave treatment of erectile dysfunction. Ther Adv Urol. 2013; 5(2): 95-99. doi: 10.1177/1756287212470690 (https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3607492/)
- Qiu X, Lin G, Xin Z, et al. Effects of low-energy shockwave therapy on the erectile function and tissue of a diabetic rat model. J Sex Med. 2013; 10(3): 738-746. doi: 10.1111/jsm.12051 (https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/23253086/
- Sokolakis I, Dimitriadis F, Teo P, Hatzichristodoulou G. The potential role of stem cells in the treatment of erectile dysfunction: Current prospects and future directions. J Sex Med. 2017; 14(8): 1015-1028. doi: 10.1016/j.jsxm.2017.06.007
- Zhang H, Albersen M, Jin X, et al. Stem cell therapy for erectile dysfunction: A review of clinical trials. Transl Androl Urol. 2018; 7(2): 167-175. doi: 10.21037/tau.2018.01.17
