Acoustic Wave Therapy: What You Need to Know

“Acoustic wave therapy is extremely versatile. It’s used to treat cellulite and musculoskeletal pain, to promote smoother results after liposuction or other procedures, and to treat erectile dysfunction,” says Dr. Richard Moore, a physician in St. Louis. “In our office, we use the Zimmer Z Wave for all of these applications. There are no significant negative side effects to this therapy, when properly performed.”

AWT was originally developed to treat injuries such as tendonitis and chronic pain in joints and muscles. People who tried it reported improvements in mobility and less pain, but they also saw a reduction in the appearance of cellulite.

It can also be used “in conjunction with non-invasive fat destroying treatments, such as CoolSculpting or Vanquish Me,” adds Dr. Moore. “AWT shows more impressive results at 30 days [when combined with one of these treatments] by speeding up the process, and many offices feel the overall results are more impressive following acoustic wave therapy.”

RealSelf Tip: A type of shock wave treatment known as low-intensity extracorporeal shock wave therapy (ESWT) is used for the treatment of ED (erectile dysfunction), to improve men's sexual health and break up kidney stones.

Pros

• Shockwave therapy is a non-surgical, non-invasive treatment and doesn’t require any downtime. 
• Low-intensity shock wave therapy is typically pain-free, and the intensity can be adjusted if you’re uncomfortable. You may also request local anesthetic, if you’re particularly sensitive. 
• AWT is quick, with sessions lasting no more than half an hour.
• Results may last up to a year.

Cons

• For cellulite treatment, you’ll see the best results when AWT is combined with other treatments.
• It typically takes 12 treatments for patients to see an effect, which can end up being quite expensive. 
• If you opt for high-intensity AWT, the procedure can be anywhere from uncomfortable to downright painful. 
• You shouldn’t get AWT if you are pregnant, have a heart condition (including a pacemaker or defibrillator), take anticoagulants or blood clotting medicines, or have nerve issues (including neuropathy or vasovagal sensitivity).

A typical treatment session takes 15 to 30 minutes. First, the provider applies a conducting gel to the treatment area. 

Then they move the acoustic wand over the skin’s surface, administering a strong, vibrating massage. The level of pressure, length of the treatment session, and intensity will depend on your particular concern.

The procedure is relatively painless, and there should be no downtime afterward. Dr. Lisa Zdinak, a New York City physician, likened the feeling of AWT to “100 Swedish masseuses, treating the area at the same time.”

Any discomfort you feel should be moderate and pass within 48 hours.

Side effects of shockwave therapy can include bruising, swelling, numbness, tingling, or pain. However, these should only last a day or two, if you experience them at all. 

Doctors usually recommend over-the-counter pain medication to help with any soreness or swelling.

You’ll most likely need multiple sessions before seeing results. One 2017 study of women who had 12 treatments over the course of six weeks to the glutes and thighs of 30 women and found a statistical improvement in cellulite for all of them. 

You’ll also need maintenance sessions, starting three months after your final session, to keep up your results.