The Phoenix ED Device: “At-Home” vs. In Office Shockwave Therapy for Erectile Dysfunction
Over recent years, low-intensity shockwave therapy has gained popularity in the treatment of ED. The good news is that, if the correct device is applied correctly by a licensed physician who is trained in using shockwave technology, this approach to treating ED can be highly effective. Conversely, the increased interest in shockwave therapy to address erectile dysfunction has led to an increase of “at home” shockwave therapy devices flooding the market - most backed by little if any scientific evidence and many providing men with highly negligible results.
Shockwave Therapy - Effective Treatment by Professional Physicians
GAINSWave™ (AKA Shockwave) therapy is a breakthrough, non-invasive treatment for erectile dysfunction. It uses high-frequency acoustical waves to stimulate the formation of new blood vessels and improve the health of existing blood vessels. The resulting enhanced blood flow helps any man, not just those with ED, to obtain stronger and more sustainable erections.
We employ two kinds of medical-grade shockwave devices - “radial” and “focused” - both FDA- approved for musculoskeletal issues. We use this kind of technology because a medical device’s true ability to address the underlying causes of ED lies in its energy output capacity and application. A certain amount of energy is necessary to cause a biological response in the tissue of the penis. With a professional medical device and sufficient energy output, a microscopic trauma is caused in the corpus cavernosum (erectile tissue of the penis), which creates a stem cell response, nerve tissue formation, encouraging neovascularization and stimulation of nitric oxide production. Nitric oxide is the chemical naturally produced by the body that causes blood vessels to dilate - resulting in a firmer, stronger erection.
There are more than 40 published research studies supporting the efficacy of low-intensity shockwave therapy for erectile dysfunction - and the research often focuses on the specific devices we employ.
The Dubious Nature of At-Home Devices
Erectile dysfunction is a very common - and highly undesirable - problem for many men. In fact, research reveals 31 percent of men report some degree of sexual difficulty, and this only increases with age. Because of this, innumerable companies are marketing “at home” devices to men looking to enhance their sexual function and “cure” ED. However most of these companies are making false claims about these devices - positioning them as equivalent to the treatment provided in a medical office by a medical provider using a medical-grade device.
Shockwave Therapy in a Clinic vs “Shockwave” Therapy At Home -- What Are The Key Differences?
Specifically, shockwave technology with negligible energy capacities like many of the devices on the market that mimic shockwave, are simply not able to deliver adequate energy to address the root causes of erectile dysfunction. In fact, many of the “at home” devices have little effect whatsoever. Companies selling these devices, such as The Phoenix (formerly known as The Rocket), do not provide any scientific evidence to support their claims. While The Phoenix is described as “a patented, FDA registered medical device designed by medical professionals….that gives men safe, effective access to clinical strength Acoustic Wave Therapy from the comfort of home” - the company does not provide specifics about energy output or feature any studies that specifically supports their claims. Rather, they rely on vague marketing language purporting the efficiencies of shockwave therapy but don’t address their own product’s specific capacity to treat erectile dysfunction.
Additionally, at-home devices are self-guided so the user is not afforded the benefits of being treated by a professional medical practitioner who is trained on how to optimize shockwave therapy protocols and procedures. As referenced in this study, “Shockwave Treatment of Erectile Dysfunction”, researchers followed a highly precise protocol in order to prove the efficacy of shockwave therapy. Products such as The Phoenix leave it up to the user to manage their treatment, and provide little if any instruction as to the exact protocols that need to be followed. Additionally, the Phoenix will only allow a certain number of pulses to be applied before the machine will turn off. So their ability to truly rehabilitate erectile tissue and treat the underlying cause of ED must be questioned.
Still Considering A Phoenix Pro Erectile Dysfunction Device?
If men want something to use at home as an adjunctive tool to in-office shockwave therapy, patients may order a Phoenix Pro from our office. We do, however, inform patients that the Phoenix Pro has no studies to support its efficacy and, while not harmful, is considered experimental. We generally believe that, if a patient has a limited budget, it is best spent on evidence-based, in-office shockwave treatment.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q. Can GAINSWave (AKA Shockwave Therapy) be done at home?
A. GAINSWave (i.e. shockwave therapy) cannot be done at home - true shockwave therapy, as referred to in actual published studies on shockwave therapy for ED, is delivered by a low-intensity shockwave device (radial or focused) and these devices are class two or three medical devices that can only be purchased and used by a medical provider. While it is not a dangerous procedure, it is important that you have the appropriate equipment and that a doctor performs the therapy to ensure the shockwave machine is calibrated to the appropriate frequency and energy level. At-home devices have no high-quality evidence to support their use. While it’s likely that they are not dangerous, it is also likely that they are not the best use of your money. Read more about the limits of at-home “shockwave therapy” here.
Q. Can you do shockwave therapy on yourself?
A. You cannot do GAINSWave (i.e. shockwave) therapy on yourself. True shockwave therapy as it is referred to in medical literature is performed with a full-strength medical device that can only be purchased and utilized by a medical provider. Please read our “Shockwave Therapy for ED at Home - Does It Work?” blog for more information.
Q. What type of machine does GAINSWave (AKA shockwave therapy) use?
A. We employ two kinds of class two and three shockwave devices - “radial” and “focused” - both FDA-approved for musculoskeletal issues. Specifically, we use devices produced by Storz, a leading medical device company founded in Switzerland. Storz was one of the original innovators of extracorporeal shockwave therapy devices, holding many of the patents for machines that have been used therapeutically in urology, neurology, and orthopedics. A large number of published shockwave therapy medical articles investigating the use of shockwave for ED use Storz devices. These devices can only be purchased by a medical provider.
Q. Is GAINSWave the same as Shockwave?
GAINSWave is simply a marketing term and a company that trains doctors in shockwave therapy. Low-intensity extracorporeal shockwave therapy is the technical term for this therapy, and is how it is referred to in medical literature.
Q. Does sonic wave work for ED?
A. Clinics around the country are heralding the effectiveness of shockwave technologies to treat erectile dysfunction, many of whom are branding their own names and protocols. It is likely that clinics referring to their therapy as sonic wave, Sound Wave, Acoustic Wave or Swiss Wave are all utilizing some form of shockwave therapy. Despite this surge in creative marketing and branding, at the end of the day it is imperative that clinics refer to the medical literature when developing their protocols and utilize high quality, professional-level shockwave devices to ensure demonstrable, quantifiable results for patients.
Q. How much does shockwave therapy cost?
A. Shockwave therapy can cost anywhere between $250-500 per treatment. Some clinics may offer package benefits. We generally recommend that patients start with a series of six treatments. It is hard to evaluate the benefits of shockwave therapy based on less than six treatments.
Q. Can shockwave therapy damage nerves?
A. Incidents of injury with shockwave therapy are rare. When applied at appropriate settings, shockwave is considered exceedingly safe.