Men’s Health & Erectile Dysfunction (ED) Physiotherapy

Overcoming Erectile Dysfunction with Shockwave Therapy

We’re Here to Help

Erectile dysfunction (ED) is a very common issue for men, especially as we age but here is something that can help – and it’s drug free!

At Ashbourne Physiotherapy Centre, we understand how ED can affect your confidence and relationships. The good news is ED is treatable, and you may not need to rely on pills forever. We offer a cutting-edge, non-invasive therapy called Shockwave Therapy that can improve your erections by healing the root cause of ED. Our friendly, professional team, based in South Derbyshire is here to support you every step of the way.

This video gives a great summary of how Focused Shockwave Therapy has proved to be effective in more than 70% of cases: https://youtu.be/11REIPO8UZc

What is Shockwave Therapy for ED?

Shockwave therapy is an innovative medical treatment that uses gentle acoustic waves to help repair and strengthen the tissues in your penis. In simpler terms, it’s like giving your body a nudge to boost blood flow and encourage natural healing. Better blood flow means firmer, more reliable erections.

How it works:

We use a small handheld device to deliver low-intensity sound waves to the penis. This is painless – you’ll feel a mild tapping sensation at most.
These sound waves stimulate the growth of new blood vessels and help revitalize the smooth muscle in the penis. Think of it as rejuvenating the area so it functions more like it did when you were younger.
Over a series of sessions, this process can restore natural erectile function, making it easier for you to get and maintain an erection without having to take a pill every time.

Shockwave therapy has been researched in numerous clinical studies over the past decade. It’s already used by urology specialists worldwide. Results show that a majority of men (especially those with ED caused by poor blood circulation) experience meaningful improvement in their erections after this therapy.

Shockwave therapy has also been folund to be very effective for treatment for tendon problems. Read more.

Why Choose Shockwave Therapy?

Non-Invasive: No surgery, no injections. Treatment is done externally with a device applied to the skin. You walk in and walk out – no downtime needed.
Drug-Free: You’re not ingesting anything, so you avoid systemic side effects (no headaches, no upset stomach that can come with some ED medications). It’s a natural healing process.
Safe and Painless: Shockwave therapy is very safe. There are no known serious side effects. Most men find it comfortable; at most you might have a bit of redness or a mild ache for an hour or two afterward. It doesn’t damage tissue – it actually helps repair it.
Long-Lasting Benefits: This therapy aims to provide lasting improvements. Many men enjoy better erections for a year or more after a full course of treatment. You may find you don’t need to use medication as often, or at all, because your body is functioning better on its own. (Results vary from person to person, but we’ll give you a realistic idea of what to expect in your case.)
Confidence and Spontaneity: Perhaps one of the biggest benefits is the boost in confidence. When you can rely on your body again, it takes away a lot of stress and anxiety around intimacy. You can be more spontaneous without always planning around taking a pill.
Works When Others Don’t: If pills like Viagra haven’t worked well for you, or if you can’t take them due to side effects or health reasons, shockwave therapy could be an ideal alternative. It tackles the problem from a different angle (improving blood flow over time rather than in-the-moment), so it may succeed where meds haven’t.

What to Expect – Your Journey with Us

Initial Consultation

We start with a friendly, private consultation. This is a relaxed conversation with our specialist to talk about your ED – when it started, what treatments you’ve tried, and how it’s affecting you. We’ll also review your overall health. This helps us confirm that shockwave therapy is a good, safe option for you. You’ll have plenty of time to ask questions. We know it can be an awkward topic, but we discuss ED every day – it’s all confidential and judgment-free and your first appointment can be an online conversation if you would prefer that.

Personalised Treatment Plan

If you’re happy to proceed, we’ll create a treatment plan tailored just for you. Typically, a full course involves 6 to 12 sessions of shockwave therapy. We often start with 6 sessions and see how you progress. Sessions are usually scheduled weekly and initially will be on Mondays during the day and Wednesday evenings.

During a Treatment Session

You’ll be in a comfortable private room. You simply lie down on an exam bed. Our specialist Physiotherapist will apply some gel to the treatment areas, then move the shockwave device along the sides and top of your penis in a specific pattern. The session lasts about 15-20 minutes. There’s no pain – you might feel a tapping or vibrating sensation. Many patients say it’s weird at first but not painful. No anaesthesia or needles are needed. We’ll chat with you or let you relax quietly, whichever you prefer, while we administer the therapy.

Comfort and Discretion

We know it’s not easy to talk about ED. Our team is know for their compassion and friendly approach. Anna will make sure you feel comfortable and respected at all times. Appointments are scheduled to allow privacy (your appointments will sit alongside our normal physio clinics with no obvious distinction). We welcome partners to be involved in discussions if you wish. Follow the link to read more about Anna.

Right After a Session

Good news – there’s nothing special you need to do. You can go straight back to your normal activities. You could even return to work or drive yourself home immediately. There’s no recovery or downtime. If you want to have sex later that day, you can! (Some men might feel a tiny bit sore, but that usually doesn’t hinder anything.)

During the Course of Treatment

Because the improvements from shockwave therapy happen gradually as your tissues rebuild, you might not notice big changes after the first one or two sessions. That’s normal. Often, by the later sessions or shortly after finishing the course, patients start to notice morning erections coming back or erections feeling “stronger” than before. We’ll see you for a follow-up a few weeks after the last session to discuss your progress. Depending on results, some men choose to do additional sessions (for example, 6 more) if they and the clinician feel it could lead to even better outcomes. But this is case-by-case.

Ongoing Improvement

Many men keep improving in the month or two after the sessions are done. We’ll make sure to stay in touch and see how you’re doing. The goal is that you reach a point where you’re satisfied with your erectile function. Down the line, if you notice any regression (which can happen naturally over time), you can always come back for 1-2 maintenance sessions to give things another boost. Think of it like a tune-up. Some patients might do a refresher course every year or two; others find they’re good for much longer.

Throughout your journey, Ashbourne Physiotherapy is here for you. We pride ourselves on being approachable – you can call us with any concerns during the treatment period. Anna will also give you tips on lifestyle factors that can maximize your success (like exercises, diet, etc., if relevant).

Is Shockwave Therapy Right for You?

Shockwave therapy is effective for many, but we’ll be honest about whether it’s likely to help in your situation. It tends to work best for:

Men with mild to moderate ED, especially when related to poor blood flow. If you sometimes get erections but not as strong or reliable as you’d like, or pills help only a bit, this therapy could significantly improve your function.
Men who cannot take ED medications due to side effects or medical conditions. Shockwave gives you another option that won’t interfere with your other treatments.
Men who want a more long-term solution rather than planning around medications.

It may be a little less effective if you have:

Very severe ED (no noticeable erections at all, even with meds). It can still help, but the improvement might be more modest. In such cases, we might combine shockwave therapy with other treatments to get the best outcome.
ED primarily due to nerve damage (for example, after certain surgeries). Shockwave mainly helps vascular issues, though some research indicates it can aid nerve recovery to a degree. We can discuss realistic expectations if this is your situation.

No matter what, the first step is an assessment. If shockwave therapy isn’t right for you, we’ll tell you – and we’ll help explore other avenues. Our priority is finding something that works for you, even if it’s not our service.

Your Safety Matters – Our Professional Promise

When it comes to medical treatments, you want to be in good hands. At Ashbourne Physiotherapy and Sports Injuries Centre, you absolutely will be. Here’s our commitment to you:

Qualified Team: All treatments are performed by Anna, a vastly experienced Physiotherapist who has specialised training in shockwave therapy and Men’s Health.
Top-Notch Equipment: We use a state-of-the-art medical-grade shockwave device made by a leading European manufacturer. This is the same kind of equipment used in hospital urology departments. It’s been approved for use in the UK and is regularly checked for safety and performance.
Clinic Standards: Our clinic is registered and follows strict healthcare standards. We maintain a clean, private, and comfortable environment. And remember, everything is 100% confidential. We know this is personal – our entire staff is sensitive to that.
Evidence-Based Practice: We stay up-to-date with the latest research and guidelines on ED treatments. We won’t offer something unless we believe it’s safe and has solid evidence behind it. Shockwave therapy has passed that test, which is why we’re proud to offer it. And we’re careful not to overstate what it can do – results can vary, and we’ll give you an honest outlook.
Advertising Standards Compliance: You might not think about this, but it’s important – we adhere to strict advertising and ethical standards. That means we won’t make wild claims or guarantees just to convince you. We truly believe in this treatment, but we also believe in transparency and integrity. Our goal is to give you accurate information so you can make an informed decision.

Frequently Asked Questions

Will it cure my ED permanently?

“Cure” is a word we’re careful with. Shockwave therapy can significantly improve your erections and for many men the results are long-lasting. Some men might consider themselves effectively cured if they don’t need other treatments afterwards. However, ED can have various causes and ongoing factors (like aging or diabetes). You might need a tune-up in a year or a few years, or you may continue to maintain healthy function long-term. We’ll celebrate the wins with you, and if you need future help, we’ll be here.

Is it awkward or embarrassing to get this treatment?

We do everything to make sure it’s not awkward. Our staff are very approachable and have seen it all. Remember, ED is super common. When you come in, you’re treated professionally and respectfully. The actual therapy is done in privacy; you’re draped appropriately so you feel comfortable. We try to create a light, friendly atmosphere. Many guys feel a bit nervous on visit 1 and then realise it’s actually no big deal. By visit 2 or 3, you’ll probably feel right at home.

How soon might I notice improvements?

Some men notice positive changes after a couple of weeks (for instance, during the treatment series you might wake up with more frequent or firmer morning erections). For others, the differences become clear a few weeks after finishing the treatment. It’s not immediate like taking a pill, but that’s because real healing is happening. Generally, within 1-3 months of completing your sessions, you should know how well it worked for you. If by that time you’re not where you want to be, talk to us – sometimes an extra few sessions can help.

Are there any side effects I should worry about?

Shockwave therapy has no significant side effects in the research and in our experience too. Right after treatment, the area might be a bit pink or numb, and on rare occasions there could be a faint bruise. These are minor and temporary. There’s no lasting harm. It won’t cause pain or make your ED worse – at worst, it just might not improve it if your condition is very stubborn. But we know that most patients respond well.

Can I still take my ED medication during the therapy?

Yes. There’s no conflict with using ED medication if you and the doctor decide to. In fact, some men continue using a low-dose pill during the course of shockwave therapy especially if they want to keep active sexually while waiting for the full effects to kick in. Over time, many find they don’t need the medication as much or at all. But you won’t hurt the process if you use both. We will guide you on this based on your specific case.

Do I need a GP or consultant referral?

You can book directly with us, no need for a Dr’s referral. It may be useful for you to have seen a Dr before attending to gain an idea of the cause of the problem. We will, if necessary, and with your permission, keep your GP informed if any other health follow-up is advisable.

How much does it cost?

We believe in being upfront about costs. At Ashborne Physio Centre, an initial consultation (including exam and discussion) is £97. Each shockwave treatment session is £150. We offer a package of 6 sessions for £850 which saves you £50. If after 6 sessions you and the therapist decide you’d benefit from more, we’ll extend the package rate.

What if it doesn’t work for me?

While we expect some improvement, nothing in medicine works 100% for everyone. If you don’t see results, we’ll re-evaluate and discuss next steps. The good thing is, shockwave therapy won’t close doors – you still have all other treatment options available. We might recommend trying a different approach or referring you to a specialist for further evaluation. Our aim is to help you, one way or another. We’re not going to do a hard sell and then leave you high and dry. We’re committed to your improvement, whatever path that ends up taking.

Take the First Step Towards Better Sexual Health

Dealing with ED can be frustrating, but you absolutely don’t have to face it alone or just accept it. There are effective solutions available, and shockwave therapy is one of the latest advancements that could make a real difference for you. Imagine gaining back confidence in the bedroom and the peace of mind that comes with it.

We invite you to book a confidential consultation. At Ashbourne Physio Centre, we’re not just about treatments – we’re about caring for you as a person. When you visit us, you’ll find a team that listens, understands, and genuinely wants to help you achieve the best outcome.

Don’t let ED hold you back any longer. We’re here to help you get back to a satisfying sex life and put ED in the past. Contact us today via phone at 01335 344952 or email our confidential Men’s Health mailbox MH@ashbournephysio.co.uk. More information about Anna can be found here and she will answer any questions you have about how shockwave can help get you on the path to improved sexual health and confidence.

Are You A New Patient?

If you have not visited us before and have not experienced physiotherapy before you may be unsure what to expect. We're here to help.

Please give us a call and one of our experienced team will be able to answer any questions or queries you may have.

What To Expect