What to Ask Your Practitioner Before Starting Shockwave Therapy

If you’ve been researching treatment options for erectile dysfunction (ED), you’ve probably come across shockwave therapy - also known as extracorporeal shockwave therapy (ESWT).

It’s being talked about everywhere as a way to reverse ED rather than just mask the symptoms. But before you invest your time and money, it’s worth knowing that not all shockwave therapy is the same, and not every clinic delivers it to the same standard.

As someone considering this treatment, you deserve to feel confident that the practitioner you choose is properly trained, transparent, and focused on your long-term results, not just selling you sessions.

Here are the key questions every man should ask before starting shockwave therapy for ED.

1. What type of shockwave machine do you use - focused or radial?

This is the question most men don’t think to ask, yet it’s one of the most important.

There are two main types of shockwave therapy used for ED:

• Focused shockwave therapy (the kind supported by most clinical research) penetrates deeper and directly targets the blood vessels inside the erectile tissue.

• Radial shockwave therapy works more superficially and is better suited for musculoskeletal issues like tendon pain or plantar fasciitis.

Both have value, but for ED, the studies showing improved erectile function used focused shockwave therapy (not radial).

So if you’re being offered treatment, make sure the clinic can clearly explain which device they use and why.

2. Are you medically trained or clinically qualified to deliver this treatment?

Shockwave therapy affects blood flow and penile tissue, it’s not a spa treatment.

A qualified practitioner should have medical or clinical training in anatomy, physiology, and men’s health. Ideally, they should also have experience assessing and diagnosing ED so they can confirm whether your problem is vascular, hormonal, or psychological.

A red flag is any clinic offering ESWT without any form of clinical assessment or without asking questions about your general health, medications, or cardiovascular risk.

3. How do you decide if I’m a good candidate for shockwave therapy?

Not everyone with ED will benefit equally.

Shockwave therapy is most effective for men with mild to moderate vascular ED, meaning there’s still some natural erectile function, but blood flow is reduced.

If your ED is due to diabetes, nerve damage, prostate surgery, or hormonal issues, your results may vary. A good practitioner will take a full history, sometimes recommend blood tests, and be honest if they think another approach might help more.

4. What results should I realistically expect, and when?

Honest expectations are key.

Shockwave therapy doesn’t work overnight. Most men need up to 12 sessions over several weeks, with improvements often becoming noticeable between weeks 3–8.

While some experience spontaneous erections again, others notice better response to stimulation or medication. The goal is to restore function and sensitivity over time, not to produce instant results.

If a clinic promises “instant erections” or “guaranteed results”, take it as a sign to look elsewhere.

5. Do you combine shockwave therapy with other treatments or advice?

Shockwave therapy can be life-changing, but it’s even more effective when combined with other health strategies.

A practitioner focused on genuine recovery will often discuss:

• Pelvic floor training

• Cardiovascular exercise

• Lifestyle changes (nutrition, alcohol, smoking, stress)

• Medication adjustment (if relevant)

The best outcomes come from a holistic approach that treats the cause, not just the symptom.

6. What’s your success rate, and how do you measure it?

A reputable practitioner won’t just say “we get great results.”

They’ll track progress using validated tools like:

• IIEF-5 (International Index of Erectile Function)

• EHS (Erection Hardness Score)

These help quantify improvement over time and ensure your treatment is genuinely working, not just feeling like it is.

If your practitioner doesn’t measure or record progress, it’s difficult to know whether your investment is making a difference.

7. What happens if it doesn’t work for me?

Even with the best care, no treatment works for everyone.

Ask your practitioner what their process is if you don’t see results, do they offer a review, further investigation, or referral to a specialist?

Clinics that genuinely care about outcomes will support you in understanding why it didn’t work and what your next step could be, rather than leaving you guessing.

8. How do you ensure privacy and comfort during the treatment?

It’s natural to feel anxious before a treatment like this, especially the first time.

Ask how sessions are conducted, what level of privacy is provided, and whether the practitioner explains each step before starting. Feeling respected and informed throughout the process is just as important as the treatment itself.

Takeaway: Empower Yourself Before You Commit

Shockwave therapy has helped thousands of men regain confidence and restore natural function, but only when done properly, by trained practitioners using the right equipment and protocols.

Before you commit, make sure you’ve asked the right questions. An honest clinic will welcome them.

Your sexual health is worth more than a quick fix, it deserves care, integrity, and precision.

Download our free ED info pack here.