Month: September 2024

Shockwave Therapy for BPH & Urinary Incontinence

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Shockwave Therapy for BPH & Urinary Incontinence

As soon as I hit middle age, I noticed some minor changes in my peeing routine.

I discovered that BEFORE the age of 40, when I finished peeing, I was finished peeing.

It was over.

AFTER the age of 40, in my experience, when I finished peeing, I WASN’T REALLY finished peeing.

There’s still more pee in there.

I went to my naturopath who recommended do a GENTLE pull and squeeze, to drain out any remaining urine, and if possible, dab with some toilet paper at the end, to ensure I don’t stain my underwear or get piss on my penis (this can cause skin conditions in some guys).

It worked, and it opened my eyes as to what’s happening down there.

As we age, our bladder and prostate tend to join forces in complicating our most basic voiding process.

Pinpointing what the problem is, and addressing it, is key to ameliorating the condition.

It’s important to learn the difference between the two men’s major urinary health conditions – Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia – BPH; and Urinary Incontinence (UI) – and how they can be treated when they become a problem.

They are two distinct urological conditions that affect men, particularly as they age, but they can often be confused as there is some crossover in symptom experience.

Understanding the differences between these conditions is important for proper diagnosis and treatment.

As well, we will discuss why Focused Shockwave Therapy is the preferential treatment course to attempt resolution of either condition.

BPH

BPH is the non-cancerous enlargement of the prostate gland.

This enlargement can lead to various urinary symptoms due to the pressure the enlarged prostate places on the urethra.

Causes

The exact cause of BPH is not fully understood, but it is believed to be related to hormonal changes associated with aging.

Specifically, changes in testosterone and dihydrotestosterone (DHT) levels may play a role.

Symptoms

– Difficulty starting urination (hesitancy)

– Weak urine stream

– Intermittent urine stream (stopping and starting)

– Dribbling at the end of urination

– Frequent urination, especially at night (nocturia)

– Urgent need to urinate

– Incomplete emptying of the bladder

Diagnosis

– Digital Rectal Exam (DRE)

– Prostate-Specific Antigen (PSA) test

– Urinary flow test

– Postvoid residual volume test

– Ultrasound or MRI

Treatment

– Focused Shockwave Therapy

– Medications (alpha-blockers, 5-alpha reductase inhibitors)

– Minimally invasive procedures (TURP, TUMT)

– Lifestyle changes (reducing fluid intake before bedtime, avoiding caffeine and alcohol)

URINARY INCONTINENCE (UI)

Urinary Incontinence is the involuntary leakage of urine.

It can affect both men and women and is a symptom rather than a disease itself.

Types

Stress Incontinence: Leakage of urine during activities that increase abdominal pressure, such as coughing, sneezing, or lifting heavy objects.
Urge Incontinence: A sudden, intense urge to urinate followed by involuntary urine leakage. This is often associated with overactive bladder.
Overflow Incontinence: Occurs when the bladder cannot empty completely, leading to frequent dribbling of urine.
Functional Incontinence: Due to physical or mental impairment that prevents timely access to the toilet.
Mixed Incontinence: A combination of stress and urge incontinence.

Causes

– Weakened pelvic floor muscles

– Nerve damage

– Overactive bladder muscles

– Prostate surgery (for men)

– Medications

– Chronic medical conditions (diabetes, Parkinson’s disease)

Symptoms

– Involuntary urine leakage during physical activities (stress incontinence)

– Sudden, intense urge to urinate followed by leakage (urge incontinence)

– Frequent dribbling of urine due to an overfilled bladder (overflow incontinence)

– Difficulty reaching the toilet in time due to physical or cognitive impairments (functional incontinence)

Diagnosis

– Patient history and symptom review

– Physical examination

– Urinalysis

– Bladder diary

– Urodynamic testing

– Imaging studies (ultrasound, cystoscopy)

Treatment

– Focused Shockwave Therapy

– Pelvic floor exercises (Kegel exercises)

– Bladder training

– Medications (anticholinergics, beta-3 agonists)

– Surgical options (sling procedures, artificial urinary sphincter)

– Lifestyle modifications (diet changes, fluid management)

If you are experiencing symptoms of BPH or urinary incontinence, it is important to consult with a healthcare professional for a proper diagnosis and tailored treatment plan.

WHY FOCUSED SHOCKWAVE THERAPY (FST) FOR BPH & UI?

Focused Shockwave Therapy (FST), also known as low-intensity extracorporeal shockwave therapy (LI-ESWT), involves the application of electromagnetic shockwaves to targeted areas.

This treatment has been explored for various conditions, including Erectile Dysfunction, Peyronie’s Disease, Chronic Orthopaedic Pain, and BPH/Urinary Incontinence.

Mechanism of Action

– Tissue Regeneration: The mechanical effects of shockwaves stimulate cellular repair and regeneration, promoting healing in damaged tissues.

– Inflammation Reduction: Focused Shockwave Therapy may reduce inflammation in the prostate tissue through the decrease of inflammatory mediators in the body.

– Nerve Modulation: Shockwave therapy may help modulate nerve activity, reduce pain signals and improve nerve function.

– Increased Blood Flow: Shockwave therapy promotes the formation of new blood vessels (angiogenesis) and improves blood flow to the treated area, which can help improve bladder function.

Effectiveness of Shockwave Therapy for BPH & Urinary Incontinence

– Research Evidence: Studies on the use of shockwave therapy for urinary incontinence have shown promising results, with some patients experiencing significant reductions in symptoms, particularly for reducing urgency and frequency.

– Advantages: Shockwave therapy is non-invasive, well-tolerated, and has minimal side effects, making it an attractive option for individuals with urinary incontinence.

Conclusion

Urinary incontinence and bladder dysfunction are complex conditions with a variety of causes, ranging from anatomical and physiological factors to lifestyle and genetic influences. Historical understanding of these conditions has evolved significantly, leading to modern treatments that improve quality of life for many individuals.

Natural and alternative treatments, as well as emerging therapies like shockwave therapy, offer additional options for managing these conditions. Ongoing research and clinical trials will continue to refine our understanding and improve treatment strategies, ultimately enhancing the well-being of those affected by urinary incontinence and bladder dysfunction.

Call FocusWave Clinic to book your consultation with our health care professionals in Ottawa or Kitchener-Waterloo and see if focused shockwave therapy is right for you.

888-558-9283 or drop us an email at info@focuswaveclinic.com

Got Chronic Pain? Get Focused Shockwave Therapy

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Are you or someone you know suffering from persistent orthopaedic pain that just won’t go away?

Whether it’s pain from sports injuries, repetitive strain, or age-related degeneration, chronic orthopaedic pain can severely impact your quality of life, limiting your ability to move, work, and enjoy daily activities.

At FocusWave Clinic, we treat patients with an innovative, non-invasive solution that has shown remarkable results in treating various chronic musculoskeletal conditions: Focused Shockwave Therapy

This cutting-edge treatment is gaining recognition worldwide for its ability to promote healing, reduce pain, and restore mobility without surgery or medication.

Let’s discuss chronic orthopaedic pain, its causes, and how focused shockwave therapy can provide the relief you’ve been searching for.

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Understanding Chronic Orthopaedic Pain

Orthopaedic pain refers to pain that originates in the muscles, bones, joints, ligaments, tendons, or nerves. Chronic orthopaedic pain lasts for weeks, months, or even years and can result from a variety of conditions.

Some of the most common include:

– Tendinitis: Inflammation of tendons, often affecting the shoulders, elbows, or knees.

– Plantar Fasciitis: A painful condition affecting the thick tissue on the bottom of the foot.

– Achilles Tendinopathy: Pain and stiffness in the Achilles tendon, often caused by overuse.

– Rotator Cuff Injuries: Damage to the muscles and tendons that stabilize the shoulder.

– Patellar Tendinitis (Jumper’s Knee): Inflammation of the tendon connecting the kneecap to the shinbone.

– Bursitis: Inflammation of the bursae, small sacs of fluid that cushion bones and tendons.

– Epicondylitis (Tennis Elbow or Golfer’s Elbow): Pain and inflammation in the tendons around the elbow joint.

– Stress Fractures: Small cracks in bones, often caused by repetitive force or overuse.

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What about ARTHRITIS?

There is growing evidence that FST can be effective for certain arthritic conditions, especially in managing pain and improving function in joints affected by osteoarthritis and related disorders. Although shockwave therapy is more widely recognized for treating soft tissue injuries like tendinitis or plantar fasciitis, its application in arthritis treatment is becoming more popular as research continues to emerge.

– Osteoarthritis (OA) of the Knee: Osteoarthritis of the knee is a degenerative joint disease where the cartilage that cushions the knee joint gradually wears away. This results in pain, swelling, and stiffness as the bones begin to rub against each other. OA in the knee is common among older adults and can develop due to age, repetitive stress, injury, or obesity. As the condition progresses, it can limit mobility and affect daily activities.

– Rheumatoid Arthritis: Rheumatoid arthritis is an autoimmune disorder in which the immune system mistakenly attacks the synovial lining of the joints, causing chronic inflammation. Unlike osteoarthritis, which is due to wear and tear, RA is a systemic condition that can affect multiple joints and other organs. The inflammation can lead to joint damage, pain, swelling, stiffness, and loss of function. It commonly affects the small joints of the hands, feet, and wrists but can impact larger joints as well.

– Hip Osteoarthritis: Hip osteoarthritis is a condition where the cartilage in the hip joint deteriorates over time, causing pain, stiffness, and limited movement. It is a common form of arthritis in older adults and is often a result of aging, wear and tear, or previous injury to the hip. As the cartilage wears away, the bones in the hip joint rub against each other, leading to pain and reduced range of motion.

– Ankle & Foot Arthritis: Ankle and foot arthritis refers to inflammation and damage in the joints of the feet and ankles. This can result from various forms of arthritis, including osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, or post-traumatic arthritis following an injury. The condition causes pain, swelling, and stiffness, making it difficult to walk or stand. Over time, arthritis in the ankle and foot can lead to deformities and reduced mobility.

– Shoulder Arthritis: Shoulder arthritis occurs when the cartilage in the shoulder joint wears down, causing pain, stiffness, and a reduced range of motion. There are two primary joints in the shoulder that can be affected: the glenohumeral joint (where the ball and socket of the arm meet the shoulder blade) and the acromioclavicular joint (where the shoulder blade meets the collarbone). Osteoarthritis is the most common form of arthritis affecting the shoulder, but rheumatoid arthritis and post-traumatic arthritis can also occur.

If left untreated, these conditions can lead to ongoing pain, stiffness, and reduced mobility, making it difficult to perform everyday tasks.

The frustration of living with chronic pain can be compounded by treatments that are either ineffective or come with unwanted side effects, such as pain medications or invasive surgeries.

This is where Focused Shockwave Therapy can make a significant difference.

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What is Focused Shockwave Therapy?

Focused shockwave therapy (FSWT) is a revolutionary, non-invasive treatment that uses high-energy acoustic waves to stimulate the body’s natural healing processes. Originally developed to break down kidney stones, this technology has evolved to become a leading treatment for musculoskeletal pain, particularly in orthopaedics.

During a focused shockwave therapy session, a handheld device generates electromagnetic shockwaves (travelling at 1,500 meters per second) that are transmitted into the affected area. These waves penetrate deeply into the body, to the cellular level, and help to:

– Increase blood flow to the injured area, promoting healing and regeneration.

– Stimulate collagen production, which is crucial for repairing damaged tendons and ligaments.

– Break down scar tissue and calcifications, which can impede movement and cause pain.

– Reduce inflammation, providing pain relief without the use of drugs.

– Decrease pain, through the triggering of the body’s nociceptors.

TOTALLY NON-INVASIVE with NO DOWNTIME or SIDE EFFECTS

Focused shockwave therapy is different from radial shockwave therapy, which only targets the surface layers of tissue.

Focused shockwaves can reach deeper tissues, making it ideal for treating chronic pain in hard-to-reach areas like tendons, bones, and joints.

It cannot be overstated – INSIST ON FOCUSED or LINEAR SHOCKWAVES.

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What to Expect During Treatment

An FST treatment course for chronic pain will consist of 5 treatments, done once a week for 5 consecutive weeks. A typical focused shockwave therapy session lasts between 20 and 30 minutes.

Here’s what you can expect during your visit:

1. Initial Consultation: We will evaluate your condition and determine if focused shockwave therapy is the right option for you. If it is, we’ll explain the treatment process and answer any questions you may have.

2. Treatment Session: During the session, a handheld device will be placed on the affected area, delivering focused shockwaves to the targeted region. Most patients experience minimal discomfort, but the intensity of the treatment can be adjusted to suit your comfort level.

3. Post-Treatment: After the session, you may experience mild soreness in the treated area, similar to the feeling after a workout. This typically subsides within a day or two, and there is no downtime required. A 60-90 day healing period, post the completed treatment course, is critical for patient success. Please be patient!

4. Results: Many patients report a noticeable reduction in pain after just one or two sessions, with continued improvement over the course of treatment and especially during the healing period.

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Why Choose FocusWave Clinic for Focused Shockwave Therapy?

At FocusWave Clinic, we pride ourselves on offering the latest, evidence-based treatments for chronic pain and orthopaedic conditions. Our experienced practitioners are trained in the most advanced shockwave therapy techniques and are committed to providing personalized care tailored to your needs.

– Experienced Team: Our team of healthcare professionals is dedicated to helping you find relief from chronic pain and improve your overall quality of life.

– State-of-the-Art Equipment: We use the latest focused shockwave therapy technology to ensure the best possible outcomes for our patients.

– Holistic Approach: We take a comprehensive approach to treatment, incorporating shockwave therapy with other therapies such as physiotherapy, exercise, and lifestyle modifications for long-lasting results.

Book Your Consultation Today

If you’re tired of living with chronic orthopaedic pain and are looking for a non-invasive, effective solution, focused shockwave therapy could be the answer. Don’t let pain control your life any longer – take the first step toward recovery today.

To learn more about focused shockwave therapy or to schedule a consultation, contact us at 1-888-558-9283 or info@focuswaveclinic.com.
You can also visit our website www.focuswaveclinic.com to book online.

Our team is here to help you regain your mobility, reduce your pain, and get back to doing the things you love.

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To your best health,

The FocusWave Clinic Team

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P.S.

Want to hear success stories from other patients who have found relief through focused shockwave therapy?

Visit our review page at https://ca.trustpilot.com/review/focuswaveclinic.com to read testimonials and learn more about how this treatment is changing lives!

Men? Do you know about Peyronie’s Disease?

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Hey Man,

Has your COCK got a curve?

An abnormal, hourglass shape?

Indentations that make it feel less full?

Lumps/bumps that just don’t belong?

Painful erections?

Difficulty penetrating during intercourse?

You may be dealing with Peyronie’s Disease (PD) – a name you may have never heard of, but with symptoms which are unmistakeable.

What is Peyronie’s Disease (PD)?

Peyronie’s Disease is a condition characterized by the development of fibrous scar tissue inside the penis, causing curved, painful, or abnormal erections. The condition is named after François Gigot de La Peyronie, a French surgeon who described it in the 18th century, although descriptions of penile deformities can be found in earlier medical texts.

In fact, the Ebers Papyrus, an ancient Egyptian medical document dating back to around 1550 BCE, includes references to penile curvature, although the exact nature of these conditions is not clear.

We consider PD to be the cousin of ED – Erectile Dysfunction.
While not every man suffering with PD has ED, it is well known that, if left untreated, PD can ultimately cause ED.
However, men suffering with diabetes-related ED are much more likely (4-5X) to get PD.

PD is most common to affect men around the age of 50, but incidence is seen at all age groups. Approximately 3-11% of men will experience PD during their lifetimes.

In our clinic it’s notable that approximately 75% of our PD patients have NO IDEA how their condition started.
They mostly say “I woke up to take a morning piss, and boom, penis started looking crooked”.

The exact cause of Peyronie’s Disease is not entirely understood, but several factors are believed to contribute to its development. These factors include trauma, genetic predisposition, and connective tissue disorders.

One of the most widely accepted theories is that Peyronie’s Disease results from repeated microtrauma or injury to the penis. This can occur during sexual activity, sports, or other physical activities. When the penis is erect, it is more susceptible to injury due to its rigidity. Microtrauma can lead to inflammation and the formation of scar tissue, which eventually hardens and results in the characteristic plaques of Peyronie’s disease.

It is our opinion that most PD injuries occur during sleep, when it is well known that men can be quite active with respect to erectile function.
Men often can have 3-5 erections every single night. All it would take it turning over while half-conscious on an erect or semi-erect penis to cause damage.

Peyronie’s Disease is often associated with other connective tissue disorders, suggesting a possible systemic component. For example, men with Dupuytren’s contracture, a condition that causes the fingers to bend inward due to thickened connective tissue in the palm, are more likely to develop Peyronie’s Disease. This association indicates that abnormalities in collagen and other connective tissue components may play a role in the disease’s pathogenesis.

Some researchers believe that Peyronie’s Disease may have an autoimmune component. In this scenario, the body’s immune system mistakenly attacks healthy tissue in the penis, leading to inflammation and scar tissue formation. This theory is supported by the presence of inflammatory cells and immune system markers in the plaques of affected individuals.

Genetics may also play a role in the development of Peyronie’s Disease. Studies have reported that up to 20% of men with Peyronie’s Disease have a first-degree relative with the condition. Specific genetic polymorphisms and variations in genes related to collagen production, inflammation, and wound healing have been implicated in the disease.

Modern treatments for Peyronie’s Disease aim to reduce pain, improve penile curvature, and restore sexual function. Treatment options from urologists tend to include medications, injections or surgery.
We believe that Minimally Invasive Procedures such as Focused Shockwave Therapy and Traction devices offer patients the best chance at success, while keeping pain, side effects, and infection risk extremely low.

Focused Shockwave Therapy (FST) – First Line of Defense: FST uses focused or linear waves to stimulate tissue repair and reduce plaque formation. Shockwave therapy is gaining popularity due to its non-invasive nature and promising results in improving penile curvature, scar tissue dissolution, and reduction of pain.

Radial or acoustic wave therapy is NOT recommended for the treatment of PD. It is important to know the difference between the two kinds of treatment!

The clinically defined benefits of shockwave are as follows:

Neovascularization: Shockwave therapy is believed to promote the formation of new blood vessels (neovascularization) in the treated tissues. Improved blood flow can enhance tissue healing and reduce the progression of fibrosis.
Anti-Inflammatory Effects: Shockwave therapy may exert anti-inflammatory effects by reducing the levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines and increasing the release of anti-inflammatory mediators. This can help reduce the inflammatory response associated with plaque formation in Peyronie’s Disease.
Stem Cell Activation: Shockwaves are thought to activate resident stem cells and progenitor cells in the penile tissues. These cells can differentiate into various cell types, contributing to tissue repair and regeneration.
Collagen Remodeling: Shockwave therapy may influence the remodeling of collagen fibers within the plaques, leading to a reduction in plaque size and improved penile curvature.

For most patients, Focused Shockwave Therapy is painless, requires no downtime, and side effect free. There are no needles or numbing creams needed.

Clinical Evidence for FST & Peyronie’s Disease

Numerous clinical studies have evaluated the efficacy of shockwave therapy for Peyronie’s Disease, with many reporting positive outcomes.

Improvement in Penile Curvature: Several studies have demonstrated that shockwave therapy can significantly reduce penile curvature in men with Peyronie’s Disease. Patients often experience a noticeable improvement in the degree of curvature, leading to enhanced sexual function and satisfaction. Curve improvement doesn’t happen for everyone, and it may not happen within the timeframe of the treatment – it can take time.
Reduction in Pain: Shockwave therapy has been shown to alleviate pain associated with Peyronie’s Disease, specifically through the triggering of the body’s nociceptors. The anti-inflammatory effects of the treatment contribute to pain relief, allowing men to engage in sexual activity with less discomfort.
Enhanced Sexual Function: Many patients report improved erectile function and overall sexual satisfaction following shockwave therapy. This is likely due to the combined effects of reduced plaque size, improved blood flow, and decreased pain.
Minimal Side Effects: Shockwave therapy is well-tolerated, with minimal side effects reported. The non-invasive nature of the procedure makes it an attractive option for men seeking treatment for Peyronie’s Disease without the risks associated with injections or surgery.

Treatment Protocol

The treatment protocol for shockwave therapy in Peyronie’s Disease typically involves multiple sessions over several weeks. The procedure is usually performed on an outpatient basis and does not require anesthesia. The exact number of sessions and treatment parameters may vary depending on the severity of the condition and the individual response to therapy. At FocusWave Clinic, we start everyone on a 7 treatment course. Once per week for 6 weeks, followed by a 3 month healing period, followed by a 7^th maintenance and follow-up treatment.

In conjunction with FST, our clinic recommends patients also use Traction Therapy, in the form of a Penile Traction Device (PTD), which apply gentle, continuous stretching to the penis, helping to reduce curvature and improve length.
Check out the Penimaster – which you can buy from our website www.focuswaveclinic.com or online.

Conclusion

Peyronie’s Disease is a complex condition with a multifaceted etiology, encompassing historical, genetic, and environmental factors. Modern treatments have revolutionized the management of Peyronie’s Disease, offering effective and diverse options ranging from medications and minimally invasive procedures to surgery. The future of Peyronie’s Disease treatment is promising, with ongoing research and technological advancements paving the way for innovative therapies, including shockwave therapy, gene therapy, stem cell therapy, and novel pharmacological agents. Understanding the historical context, genetic influences, and current treatment modalities is essential for advancing the care and improving the quality of life for men with Peyronie’s Disease.

Book your Focused Shockwave Therapy course for Peyronie’s Disease, and receive a $1000 discount off your treatment.

No pills, no pain, and no surgery.

So give us a call – 888-558-9283 – Book a FREE DISCOVERY CALL
and schedule a consultation with our amazing team of health professionals.

There’s never been a better time to conquer this very solvable problem.