GAINSWave (AKA Shockwave) Therapy - Technology Matters
As explained on our “How It Works” page, shockwave (AKA GAINSWave) therapy utilizes advanced technology to treat erectile dysfunction. And the precise type of technology employed makes a significant difference.
Dr. Kass uses two kinds of shockwave devices - “radial” and “focused”, both FDA-approved for musculoskeletal issues. There are over 40 studies speaking to the efficacy of shockwave therapy for erectile dysfunction, the majority of which use a focused shockwave device. Dr. Kass employs radial and focused devices - both manufactured by Storz Medical, an industry leader which leverages over 75 years of medical research and development. These are both “classified” medical devices - which can only be overseen and purchased by a medical professional.
Whereas a focused device is technically a more powerful device that penetrates deeper into the tissue, the radial device affects shallower tissue. The focused device casts a shockwave that is similar to a laser beam - compared to a radial device that transmits a wider, shallower beam - similar to a flashlight in a dark hallway. Both devices have literature that supports their use to treat erectile dysfunction. However, the focused shockwave device, with the support of the majority of the literature, creates a deeper and more intense response in the tissue - making it more effective at treating moderate to severe cases of erectile dysfunction. It is more rare to find a clinic that offers focused shockwave therapy - likely because these devices require higher level medical providers to operate them (i.e. a doctor or registered nurse) and are more costly. Because Dr. Kass is dedicated to providing the most effective and evidence-based solutions, she chooses to offer both focused and radial shockwave therapy.
A medical device’s true ability to address the underlying causes of ED lies in its application and energy output capacity. A certain amount of energy is necessary to cause a biological response in the tissue of the penis, and more specifically the corpus cavernosum. There is a minimum amount of energy that is needed to break up scar tissue, encourage angiogenesis, create a stem cell response, cause neovascularization, and stimulate nitric oxide production. Medical devices with negligible capacities, like several of the devices on the market that try to mimic radial shockwave (that generate less than .22 mj/mm2) are simply incapable of delivering adequate energy to address the root causes of erectile dysfunction. Focused shockwave devices are more powerful devices and offer deeper penetration - generating adequate energy to produce changes in the tissue is not an issue for a focused device.
Since shockwave therapy became popular in the U.S., several companies have developed sub-standard devices, purported to treat ED. Even GAINSWave providers are not required to use any particular type of machine. Many devices are even sold direct to consumers - several can even be found on Amazon! Consumers are being inundated with suspect information about these home shockwave devices. Additionally, pop-up clinics or “overnight ED specialists” are offering their own versions of “shockwave” therapy. Dr. Kass recommends that consumers beware - evidence and experience matter. The efficacy of many of these devices is not proven and consumers should not expect lasting or significant results.
You can read more about this on our Blog: The Importance of Technology in Treating ED with Shockwave, or GAINSWave, Therapy
