Extracorporeal Shockwave Therapy [ESWT] in Gynecology | A Guide

Introduction to Extracorporeal Shockwave Therapy 

Extracorporeal Shockwave Therapy [ESWT], also known as shockwave therapy, is a non-invasive treatment that delivers shockwaves to targeted areas to reduce pain and promote healing. Introduced into clinical practice in 1982 to treat kidney stones and gallstones, shockwave therapy quickly gained attention for successfully treating foot and ankle-related conditions. Today, with a 60-80% success range, ESWT has become a popular treatment across the medical world. 

How does Extracorporeal Shockwave Therapy Work? 

As aforementioned, ESWT uses shockwaves to promote healing in the affected areas. Shockwaves are transient pressure disturbances that transmit rapidly in 3D spaces. The shockwaves used in ESWT are short sound pulses that can penetrate water and soft tissues. It’s generated through a machine that disseminates sound waves outside the body to accelerate healing while diminishing pain and discomfort. 

EWST allows patients to avoid surgical procedures. Extracorporeal shockwave therapy is typically performed by professionals. 

Types of Extracorporeal Shockwave Therapy 

Extracorporeal shockwave therapy works in two distinct ways; focused shockwaves and radial pressure waves. 

Focused and radial shockwaves not only vary in their physical properties and mode of generation, but they also differ in pressure, pulse duration, impact, and penetration depths. However, both methods are outpatient, and several visits may be required depending on the condition. 

• Focused Shockwave Therapy

Generated electromagnetically through a cylindrical coil, focused shockwave therapy disseminates waves that penetrate deeper into the tissue and spread energy within the targeted area’s depths. Despite its high energy density, the energy dispersed at the actual wave generation is minimal. This allows for limiting the damage to the skin and underlying soft tissues. 

Focused shockwave therapy is ideal for treating tissues close to bone, knee and joint arthritis, shin splints, groin pain, and others. 

Key Features of Focused Shockwave Therapy: 

1. Depth Up to 12 cm 
2. Precise Energy Dissemination 
3. Fast Impulse 
4. High Energy Density 

• Radial Shockwave Therapy 

Radial shockwave therapy comprises three parts: ultrasonic pulse, audio-acoustic pulse, and slow wave. One of the primary differences of radial shockwave therapy is that its greatest energy is targeted at the source, and the waves weaken the farther they travel. Using compressed air, a shot is accelerated at its highest speed and then abruptly decelerated by a transmitter, which is held at the targeted area. 

Radial shockwave therapy is ideal for treatments where the concern is surface level and not deep such as tennis elbow, plantar fasciitis, or Achilles tendon. 

Key Features of Radial Shockwave Therapy: 

1. Depth of 3-4 cm 
2. Distributes across Large Area 
3. Slow Impulse 
4. Low Energy Density 

Unlike focused shockwave therapy, radial therapy is relatively new. 

Extracorporeal Shockwave Therapy in Gynecology 

Although ESWT is largely used to treat urological, orthopedic, and musculoskeletal conditions, ESWT is also slowly being adopted in the gynecology sector, especially to treat female orgasmic disorders [FOD]. Female orgasmic disorder is a sexual dysfunction that is characterized by delayed or absent orgasm even when intercourse is enjoyable. 

How Does ESWT Treat Female Orgasmic Disorder 

To treat female orgasmic disorder through ESWT, the shockwaves are targeted toward the clitoris. During the procedure, the emitted shockwaves create tiny tissue tears or micro trauma to the clitoral tissue. These microtraumas promote the tissues to restructure and regenerate their vascularity and nerve function. As a result of blood stimulation and tissue regeneration, the clitoris gains sensitivity and improves in response, thus leading to enjoyable intercourse. 

Primary Benefits of ESWT to Treat Female Orgasmic Disorder [FOD] Include: 

1. Pain-Free 
2. Improved Sensation 
3. Improved Sexual Satisfaction 
4. Improved Self-Confidence 

Get Help with Dr. Mozhgan 

In conclusion, extracorporeal shockwave therapy has emerged as a promising non-invasive treatment, even in gynecology. By stimulating blood flow and tissue regeneration, ESWT has shown great potential to treat sexual dysfunction in women. If you’re struggling with FOD and interested in exploring ESWT as a treatment, finding the best healthcare professional is essential. Dr. Mozhgan is a highly experienced and knowledgeable specialist who can provide you with personalized care and support. 

Take control of your sexual health and book an appointment with Dr. Mozhgan!