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Chronic pelvic pain and prostatitis can make even the simplest daily activities unbearable. Whether it is constant discomfort, difficulty urinating, or issues with sexual function, the symptoms of these conditions take a serious toll on physical health and emotional well-being.
Traditional treatments like antibiotics, pain relievers, and physical therapy often provide only temporary relief. But there is growing interest in a non-invasive treatment that could offer lasting results: shockwave therapy.
At Pure Body Health, Dr. Scott Maymon, ND, MPH, and Dr. Sarah Stone, ND, specialize in integrative therapies that address pain at its source. We offer low-intensity shockwave therapy as a natural and effective option for patients struggling with prostatitis and chronic pelvic pain syndrome.
What Is Shockwave Therapy?
Shockwave therapy, also known as extracorporeal shock wave therapy (ESWT), is a non-invasive treatment that uses sound waves to stimulate healing in damaged or inflamed tissue.
It has been used for years to treat musculoskeletal pain, improve circulation, and promote tissue regeneration.
More recently, researchers have explored its potential to relieve the symptoms of prostatitis and chronic pelvic pain syndrome by improving blood flow, reducing inflammation, and calming overactive nerves.
How Shockwave Therapy Helps with Prostatitis and Chronic Pelvic Pain
There are several types of prostatitis, but many cases are classified as chronic pelvic pain syndrome (CPPS).
Unlike bacterial prostatitis, which is caused by an infection, chronic pelvic pain syndrome has no clear cause. This makes it difficult to treat, and many patients struggle with pain and discomfort for years.
Shockwave therapy offers a new approach by targeting the underlying issues that contribute to pain and dysfunction, including:
- Reduced blood flow: Poor circulation in the pelvic area can contribute to pain and tension. Shockwave therapy increases blood flow, which may help nourish tissues and promote healing.
- Inflammation and scar tissue: Chronic inflammation and the buildup of scar tissue can lead to pain and stiffness. Shockwave therapy helps break down scar tissue and reduce inflammation.
- Nerve hypersensitivity: Some cases of chronic pelvic pain are linked to nerve dysfunction. Shockwave therapy is thought to calm overactive nerves, reducing pain signals.
What the Research Says
Studies on shockwave therapy for prostatitis and chronic pelvic pain syndrome have shown promising results:
- A randomized double-blind placebo-controlled trial published in The Journal of Urology found that shockwave therapy is an effective treatment for chronic pelvic pain syndrome. Patients reported significant reductions in pain and urinary symptoms, with results lasting throughout follow-up evaluations. It also found that individuals with a history of psychological disorders or higher initial pain scores were less likely to respond to treatment. [1]
- A systematic review and meta-analysis found that patients receiving extracorporeal shock wave therapy experienced significantly more pain relief and improved symptom scores compared to control groups. The study also noted that the benefits were long-lasting, with positive effects still present six months after treatment.[2]
These findings suggest that shockwave therapy offers a safe, effective, and non-invasive treatment option for individuals suffering from chronic prostatitis and chronic pelvic pain syndrome.
What to Expect During Treatment
At Pure Body Health, we take a personalized approach to shockwave therapy, tailoring treatment plans to each patient’s specific needs.
- The procedure involves applying a handheld shockwave device to the perineal area (the region between the scrotum and anus in men or the vagina and anus in women), which delivers low-intensity sound waves to stimulate healing.
- No anesthesia or downtime is required, and each session lasts 15 to 30 minutes.
- Most treatment plans involve several sessions over a few weeks.
- Some patients experience improvements after just a few treatments, while others need multiple sessions for optimal results.
Is Shockwave Therapy Right for You?
If you have been dealing with persistent pelvic pain, urinary discomfort, or sexual dysfunction that has not improved with other treatments, shockwave therapy may be worth considering. It offers a non-invasive approach that addresses pain at its source, rather than simply masking symptoms.
We have seen firsthand how this therapy can improve pain levels and overall well-being. We combine this innovative treatment with a comprehensive approach to health, helping patients achieve long-term relief and better quality of life.
Book a Consultation Today
If you are interested in exploring shockwave therapy for prostatitis and chronic pelvic pain, schedule a consultation at Pure Body Health.
To book an appointment at our wellness clinic in Tempe, call (480) 427-0442 or complete the online inquiry form. Visit us at 1553 W Todd Drive, Suite 106, Tempe, AZ.
Additional Resources
Shockwave Therapy for Pelvic Floor Dysfunction
Shockwave Therapy for Erectile Dysfunction: What You Need To Know
Natural Treatments for Interstitial Cystitis: Exploring Extracorporeal Shockwave Therapy
References
[1] https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/34635804/ Sakr AM, Fawzi AM, Kamel M, Ali MM. Outcomes and clinical predictors of extracorporeal shock wave therapy in the treatment of chronic prostatitis/chronic pelvic pain syndrome: a prospective randomized double-blind placebo-controlled clinical trial. Prostate Cancer Prostatic Dis. 2022 Mar;25(1):93-99. doi: 10.1038/s41391-021-00464-8. Epub 2021 Oct 11. PMID:
34635804.
[2] https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/38847290/ Labetov I, Vaganova A, Kovalev G, Shkarupa D. Extracorporeal shockwave therapy in treatment of chronic prostatitis/chronic pelvic pain syndrome: Systematic review and meta-analyses. Neurourol Urodyn. 2024 Nov;43(8):1924-1937. doi: 10.1002/nau.25524. Epub 2024 Jun 7. PMID: 38847290.