Is Low-intensity Extracorporeal Shock Wave Therapy (LI-ESWT) Painful?
Jun 01, 2026
If you’re one of the 30-50 million Americans who struggle with erections, low-intensity extracorporeal shockwave therapy (Li-ESWT) has a lot to offer.
This minimally invasive treatment uses your body’s natural healing properties to stimulate tissue repair and blood flow, making way for improved sexual function.
Our expert team at Kane Health in Silicon Valley, Redwood City, and the San Francisco Bay area of California provides this form of acoustic wave therapy to help restore your vitality.
Here’s a closer look at Li-ESWT, including what it entails and feels like.
In urology, low-intensity extracorporeal shock wave therapy treats erectile dysfunction (ED), Peyronie’s disease (PD), and chronic pelvic pain.
Li-ESWT uses low-intensity sound waves to create controlled microtraumas in the treatment area. These tiny traumas promote:
The sound waves also break down microplaques that fuel ED and Peyronie’s disease. This leads to stronger and more reliable erections.
Each session of shock wave therapy for ED or PD typically takes 20-25 minutes.
Before acoustic wave therapy begins, we apply a special gel that allows sound waves to penetrate your skin. Then, we move a special wand-like device over the area, delivering mild pulses.
Li-ESWT is so gentle that pain is unlikely. Most people only experience a light tapping or tingling sensation. In fact, you can probably get right back to your usual daily activities afterward.
Because Li-ESWT is drug-free, you also won’t have to worry about painful ED medication side effects, such as:
To make the most of your acoustic wave therapy, follow your treatment plan. Our team typically prescribes 6-24 sessions, with sessions occurring once or twice a week.
While long-term research is needed, your Li-ESWT results may last indefinitely or require follow-up care. In either case, our team is ready to help you achieve optimal sexual health and function.
If you have Peyronie’s disease, we may recommend proprietary, microdosed medication based on your body chemistry in addition to acoustic wave therapy.
To learn more about shock wave therapy for ED or find out if you’re a candidate for one of our programs, call our office or request an appointment through our website today.