Low-Intensity Shock Wave Therapy (Li-SWT)

 

This treatment has been around for many years, but has only been used to treat erectile dysfunction in recent times.

 

Read on to find out what LiSWT has been used for in the past, or book a consultation today to speak to one of our Specialist Doctors.

 

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What is Li-SWT?

 

Shockwave therapy has been around for many years. Initially it was developed to help break up kidney stones without the need for surgery. Later, it was used in orthopaedics to help improve healing in joints and muscles. More recently evidence has emerged of it’s effectiveness in treating erectile dysfunction.

 

How does it work?

 

Shockwave therapy uses a specific type of soundwave that delivers strong, rhythmic pulses to the underlying tissues. Laboratory studies have shown that these help the body release special proteins that help repair tissue, improve blood flow, and fix injured nerves.

What happens during the procedure?

 

A Verve Specialist Doctor will apply a wand-shaped device over the skin of your penis and perineum (the area behind your scrotum). The device will deliver shockwaves to these areas to try and improve blood flow.

 

The process will usually be complete in under 30 minutes, however we suggest booking 60 minutes of your time to allow for any questions beforehand, and recovery after.

 

Low-intensity shockwave therapy is most effective if it is given as a course of treatments. So at Verve Men’s Clinic, we advocate that best results are obtained when a patient undergoes two sessions per week, over three weeks (six sessions in total).

 

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FAQs

WHAT DOES THE PROCEDURE ENTAIL?

You will be asked to lie down on our treatment bed or sit in a comfortable position. A gel will then be applied to the targeted areas of the penis to facilitate the transmission of the acoustic waves.

The LiSWT device delivers shock waves to try and stimulate repair of blood vessels and nerves, allowing improved blood flow. The device will then be gently applied to the penis to deliver these low-intensity shockwaves. You may experience mild tingling or a tapping sensation during the treatment.

At Verve Men’s Clinic, we advocate that patients to undergo two sessions per week, over three weeks (six sessions in total).

HOW LONG WILL THE PROCEDURE TAKE?

The procedure is usually completed in under 30 minutes but extra time should be planned for questions, explanations and preparation. We book patients for 60 minutes to allow for extra time.

IS THE PROCEDURE PAINFUL?

Usually the strength of the shockwaves delivered is low enough that it shouldn’t cause any pain. Most men will be aware of a deep, pulsing sensation around the area being treated. The energy delivered can be modified as required by each individual patient.

ARE THERE ANY SIDE EFFECTS?

None of the published studies that looked at the use of shockwave therapy for erectile dysfunction reported any side effects from the treatment.  Some of the studies used very strong shockwaves, during which some of the men reported discomfort during treatment.

It is uncommon for men to experience any side effects to LiSWT. However temporary discomfort, skin redness, skin tingling and very rarely haematoma are possible side effects to the procedure.

IS LISWT EFFECTIVE?

There have been multiple studies that have looked into the effectiveness of shockwave therapy as a treatment for erectile dysfunction. Across these studies, between 60-86% of men reported an improvement in erectile function.

 

Low-intensity shockwave therapy is not suitable for everyone. At your initial erectile dysfunction consultation, your doctor will discuss with you whether they think it will help your erectile dysfunction.

 

Please click the links below to see referenced studies, or book your consultation today.

 

Sample of Research Evidence:

  1. H. Porst, 2020, Review of the Current Status of low Intensity Extracorporeal Shockwave Lithotripsy in Erectile Dysfunction, Peyronie’s Disease, and Sexual rehabilitation After Radical Prostatectomy With Special Focus on Technical Aspects of the Different Marketed ESWT Devices Including Personal Experience in 350 Patients. Sexual Medicine Reviews.

https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/32499189/

 

  1. E. Chung and J. Wang, 2017, A state-of-art review of low intensity extracorporeal shock wave therapy and lithotripter machines for the treatment of erectile dysfunction. Expert review of Medical Devices.

https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/29119841/

 

  1. Lu et al. 2016. Low-intensity Extracorporeal Shock Wave Treatment Improves Erectile Function: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis. European Association of Urology.

https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/27321373/

HOW SOON CAN I EXPECT RESULTS FROM LISWT?

The time it takes to see results can vary among individuals. Some men report improvements in erectile function shortly after completing the LiSWT treatment, while others may experience gradual improvements over the course of several weeks or months. The full effects of LiSWT may continue to develop over time.

HOW MANY TREATMENTS WILL I REQUIRE?

Low-intensity shockwave therapy is most effective if it is given as a course of treatments.

At Verve Men’s Clinic, we advocate for patients to undergo two sessions per week, over three weeks (six sessions in total).

HOW MUCH DOES THE TREATMENT COST?

At Verve Men’s Clinic, a course of six LISWT sessions, paid up front is $2,400 and is medicare reclaimable to the amount of $82.90 or $42.30.*

 

If paying for sessions individually, each session is $500 ($3,000 total), however please note that each session must be paid in full before attending your appointment.

 

After your course of treatments are complete, there is a $95 (GP) or $140 (Urologist) follow-up consultation fee, where our doctors will assess your progress and advise on any other additional or supplementary treatments to aide your recovery. Your follow-up fee attracts a medicare rebate of $82.90 or $42.30* with a valid medicare card.

 

See our handy pricing index below and please contact our friendly reception staff should you have any questions.

 

*Medicare rebates depend on which doctor you see, and the length of your appointment.

DO YOU OFFER PAYMENT PLANS?

We do not offer payment plans.

We require that full payment of the procedure is paid before your appointment.

Consultations require bank details to be given as a deposit which are only used when patients do not attend without a valid excuse.

Please contact our friendly reception staff for more information.

IS THE PROCEDURE MEDICARE CLAIMABLE?

At Verve Men’s Clinic, a course of six LISWT sessions, paid up front is $2,400 and is medicare reclaimable to the amount of $82.90 or $42.30* per session.

 

If paying for sessions individually, each session is $500 ($3,000 total), however please note that each session must be paid in full before attending your appointment.

 

After your course of treatments are complete, there is a $95 (GP) or $140 (Urologist) follow-up consultation fee, where our doctors will assess your progress, and advise on any other additional or supplementary treatments to aide your recovery. Your follow-up fee also attracts a medicare rebate of $82.90 or $42.30* with a valid medicare card.

 

If you have a valid medicare card, the rebate will be processed at the time of your consultation and will be paid into your nominated bank account.

 

Contact our friendly reception staff for more information.

 

*Medicare rebates depend on which doctor you see, and the length of your appointment.

CAN I CLAIM VIA PRIVATE HEALTH?

We do not process private health claims, however you are welcome to check with your private health cover.

Please contact our friendly reception staff, if you require consultation or procedure item numbers.

DO I NEED A REFERRAL?

You do not require a referral to see one of our GPs.

If you would like to see our Urologist Dr Philippe, either obtain a referral from your regular GP, or simply book an initial consultation with one of our GPs at our online booking service.

Pricing

We’re committed to transparency and will ensure that you have a clear understanding of all associated fees.

At Verve Men’s Clinic, we advocate that patients to undergo two LiSWT sessions per week, over three weeks (six sessions in total).

Payment Options

Start your LiSWT journey today by booking an initial erectile consultation with our Specialist Doctors.

Book a consultation

Every patient is unique and results may vary. Invasive procedures carry risks which need to be discussed with your doctor to ensure you are fully informed and realistic outcomes have been explained. We recommend seeking a second opinion from an appropriately qualified health practitioner for all medical procedures.

Verve Men’s Clinic acknowledges the Traditional Owners and Custodians of the land and waters on which we operate, the Wulgurukaba of Gurambilbarra, Bindal, Nywaigi, Yunbenun and Gugu Badhun peoples, whose sovereignty was never ceded, and we pay our respects to their Elders past, present and emerging.