Exploring the World of Shockwave Therapy, with Michael Strom

In a recent podcast, I had the pleasure of speaking with Michael Strom, a leading expert in shockwave therapy, about his fascinating journey and insights into this innovative treatment modality. Michael's dedication and expertise have made significant strides in the field of shockwave therapy, particularly in musculoskeletal and men's health. Here, we delve into the key subject areas raised during our conversation.?

A Journey into Shockwave Therapy?

Introduction to Shockwave Therapy: Michael's journey into shockwave therapy began in 2016. Initially working with a Danish distributor, he was introduced to erectile dysfunction treatment by a prominent urologist. This sparked his interest in the vast potential of shockwave therapy. Over the years, Michael's focus shifted from general shockwave applications to specialising in men's health, particularly erectile dysfunction and Peyronie's disease.?

Military Background and Transition: Before venturing into shockwave therapy, Michael spent 10 years in the armed forces, serving in Iraq and Afghanistan. His passion for sports led to a stress fracture, where he experienced the benefits of shockwave therapy first-hand. This pivotal moment influenced his decision to pursue a career in shockwave therapy.?

The Evolution and Efficacy of Shockwave Therapy?

Historical Perspective: Shockwave therapy originated in the 1980s for lithotripsy, a procedure to break down kidney stones. Since then, its applications have expanded to orthopaedics, sports medicine, and physical therapy. Michael highlighted how shockwave therapy has evolved from its early destructive applications to regenerative treatments, with over 800 studies published annually.?

Chronic Pain Management: Michael emphasised the remarkable ability of shockwave therapy to modulate chronic pain, offering a non-invasive alternative to traditional treatments. He noted its efficacy in treating conditions like plantar fasciitis, Achilles tendinopathy, and chronic myofascial pain, often achieving significant results with fewer sessions compared to other modalities.?

Combining Radial and Focused Shockwave Therapy?

Synergistic Approach: One of the key points Michael raised was the complementary use of radial and focused shockwave therapy. Radial shockwave therapy disperses energy over a larger area, making it ideal for broad muscle regions. In contrast, focused shockwave therapy targets specific deep tissues. By combining both modalities, practitioners can address both surface-level and deep-tissue issues, enhancing overall treatment efficacy.?

Shockwave Therapy in Men's Health?

Addressing Erectile Dysfunction and Peyronie's Disease: Michael's work in men's health has been transformative. Shockwave therapy has shown significant promise in treating erectile dysfunction and Peyronie's disease by promoting angiogenesis (formation of new blood vessels) and improving blood flow to the penis. The European Association of Urology's inclusion of shockwave therapy in their guidelines for treating vascular ED marks a significant milestone.?

Patient Success Stories: Michael shared numerous success stories of patients who experienced improved sexual performance and quality of life following shockwave therapy. These positive outcomes underscore the potential of shockwave therapy as a game-changer in men's health.?

The Importance of Comprehensive Education?

Education and Training: Michael stressed the importance of comprehensive education and training for practitioners. Shockwave therapy requires a deep understanding of its principles and applications. He advocates for workshops that balance theoretical knowledge with hands-on practice, enabling practitioners to deliver the best possible patient outcomes.?

Pathway for Education: For musculoskeletal conditions, Michael recommends a training approach that is 80% practical and 20% theoretical. Conversely, for men's health, he suggests a focus on detailed theoretical knowledge due to the intricacies of urological conditions.?

Challenges and Opportunities in the Shockwave Therapy Market?

Market Dynamics: The shockwave therapy market is growing rapidly, driven by the demand for non-invasive treatments. However, challenges such as the high cost of devices and the lack of standardised protocols remain. Michael highlighted the importance of collaboration and continuous research to address these challenges and unlock the full potential of shockwave therapy.?

Setting Up a Successful Shockwave Therapy Clinic?

Investment and Vision: Michael's approach to setting up a clinic revolves around significant investment in high-quality equipment and a long-term vision. He believes in the importance of stable suppliers and comprehensive support systems. For those sceptical about shockwave therapy's efficacy, he advises starting with radial shockwave therapy, which can address 80% of conditions before advancing to focused shockwave therapy.?

Future Goals: Michael's vision includes creating an international hub in Copenhagen for shockwave therapy education. He aims to offer weekend workshops where practitioners can try different equipment and learn from unbiased, hands-on experiences.?

Conclusion?

Michael Strom's journey and insights into shockwave therapy highlight its transformative potential in both musculoskeletal and men's health. His dedication to education and innovation continues to push the boundaries of what this non-invasive treatment can achieve. As shockwave therapy evolves, practitioners and patients alike stand to benefit from its expanding applications and improving efficacy.?

Take-Away Messages?

• Shockwave Therapy Evolution: Shockwave therapy has evolved from lithotripsy in the 1980s to a versatile treatment for musculoskeletal and urological conditions.?

• Chronic Pain Management: Shockwave therapy offers a non-invasive and effective solution for chronic pain, often achieving significant results with fewer sessions.?

• Combination Therapy: Using both radial and focused shockwave therapies can address both superficial and deep tissue issues, enhancing overall treatment outcomes.?

• Men’s Health Applications: Shockwave therapy shows significant promise in treating erectile dysfunction and Peyronie’s disease by promoting angiogenesis and improving blood flow.?

• Educational Importance: Comprehensive education and training for practitioners are crucial for delivering the best patient outcomes with shockwave therapy.?

• Market Challenges and Opportunities: The shockwave therapy market is expanding, but challenges like high device costs and lack of standardised protocols remain. Continuous research and collaboration are key to overcoming these obstacles.?

• Clinic Setup Tips: Investing in high-quality equipment and having a long-term vision are essential for setting up a successful shockwave therapy clinic. Start with radial shockwave therapy and advance to focused therapy for better results.?

• Future Vision: Creating an international hub for shockwave therapy education can provide practitioners with hands-on experience and access to various equipment, fostering a better understanding and application of this technology.?