Physiotherapy improves the effectiveness of medications, consolidates the results of treatment and promotes the restoration of tissue and cellular immunity of the prostate.In medical institutions, procedures are carried out using professional devices that have different operating modes..At home, the device for the treatment of prostatitis can be used only with permission and under the periodic supervision of a doctor.
Types of devices and principles of their operation
Types of physiotherapeutic devices used to treat prostatitis:
- Electromyostimulant (causes muscle contraction);
- Electromagnetic;
- Vibration stimulation (massage);
- Ultrasonic;
- Laser.
The most functional and effective devices are those with combined action.
Contraindicationsto hardware physiotherapy for prostatitis:
- Individual intolerance. The patient may experience groin pain, rashes, and skin irritation.
- Malignant tumors.
- Active tuberculosis.
- Blood clotting disorders.
- Stones in the prostate (calculous prostatitis).
- The presence of foci of suppuration (focal purulent prostatitis).
In acute prostatitis, heating the gland is unacceptable, therefore devices applying heat are not used.
Electrical stimulation devices
Electrical stimulation of muscles is carried out by influencing the motor nerves with pulsed currents passing between the electrodes. The impulses are similar to those that the body itself generates to irritate nerve fibers.Therapeutic effect for prostatitis:
- Local blood circulation and metabolic processes are activated;
- Lymphatic outflow improves, venous stagnation is eliminated;
- The regeneration of damaged tissues is stimulated;
- The sensitivity of nerve endings is regulated;
- Prostate swelling decreases;
- The muscular framework of the pelvic floor is strengthened;
- In prostate tissue, the processes of atrophy and sclerosis, caused by chronic inflammation, are inhibited;
- Benign tumors with a diameter of up to 0. 5 cm are decomposed.
When carrying out the procedure, two points are important: the correct position of the electrodes and the intensity of the current.
Different types of electrical stimulation of the prostate
Prostate stimulation is done in three ways(depending on the accessories supplied with the device):
- Through the urethra. One catheter electrode (cavitary electrode) is inserted into the urethra, the other (a copper plate with a hydrophilic coating) is placed on the coccyx.
- Transrectal. A thin electrode is inserted into the rectum and a second electrode is placed on the pubis. This method is the most effective and comfortable.
- Through the skin of the perineum. The electrodes are placed in the area between the anus and the scrotum.
The procedure is performed while lying on your side or back with your legs raised. The sensations during electrical stimulation are unpleasant, but tolerable. The current intensity is selected individually on the device. The duration of the procedure is 7 to 17 minutes. Usually 10-15 sessions are prescribed.
As for effectiveness, in 86% of patients after the course, pain in the prostate is significantly reduced, urination is normalized and erection improves.. The procedures are indispensable for the treatment of chronic prostatitis caused by stagnant processes and accompanied by weakening of the muscles of the gland.
Magnetic field generators
Magnetotherapy is the effect on tissues of a constant or alternating magnetic field (continuous or pulsed radiation), generated by a special device. In our country, this technique is officially recognized, but in the United States and several other countries it is not.
The proposed mechanism for the influence of the magnetic field: electric currents appear in tissues, which change the orientation of molecules of biological fluids and the speed of biochemical reactions. Effect on the prostate:
- Reduce swelling and pain;
- Improved blood circulation;
- Acceleration of healing of inflammatory damage.
The duration of exposure depends on the power of the device and the condition of the patient. There are no unpleasant sensations during the procedure.
Vibration stimulators
Vibration stimulation of the prostate is one of the types of massage effects aimed at activating blood flow and stimulating the emptying of secretions from the ducts. There are many types of devices, the essence of which is the same:a nozzle is inserted into the anus, which begins to vibrate when you press a button. Vibration stimulation is a good way to support prostate healthin the absence of regular sexual relations.
The procedure lasts on average 5 minutes.The feeling is quite pleasant, some men reach orgasm. After the procedure, prostatic juice may be released from the urethra (if it stagnates, it comes out in the form of gelatinous clots). Contraindications are acute inflammation of the prostate, the presence of neoplasms in his body.
Ultrasound devices
Physiotherapy devices generate ultrasonic waves with a frequency of 800 to 3000 kHz, causing particle vibrations (cellular micromassage). The impact is carried out in constant or pulsed modes.The effect of ultrasound on prostate tissue:
- Improving the condition of cell walls, increasing vascular permeability (therefore, in case of acute inflammation of the prostate with the formation of pockets of infected fluid, the procedure is not performed).
- Stimulation of biochemical processes (fermentation, oxidation) and tissue respiration.
- An increase in the number of nucleic acids that perform many of the functions essential to maintaining the life of cells.
- Relieve spasms, facilitate urination.
- Prevent the formation of scars in the prostate body (ultrasound breaks down collagen into individual fibers).
- Block painful impulses.
- Increased activity of cellular defense mechanisms.
For prostatitisultrasound is used as a transport agent for medicinal substances(hydrocortisone, antibiotics)to prostate tissue– rectal and urethral phonophoresis. To perform the procedure, the patient must assume a knee-elbow position. First you need to rinse the rectum with a rubber bulb. The rectal transmitter is inserted to a depth of 8-10 cm and medications in emulsion form are delivered directly through it. With urethral phonophoresis, the therapeutic solution is introduced into a heater inserted into the urethra. The emitter nozzle is pre-lubricated with a contact substance. The procedure takes 15 to 20 minutes. For prostatitis, 6 to 8 sessions are carried out every two days.
Ultrasound exposure is recommended in cases of changes in scar tissue, parenchymal prostatitis (with purulent discharge). Optimal results are obtained when exposed to waves with a power of 0. 3 to 0. 4 W/cm2in pulse mode. An increase in potency can lead to urinary disorders and exacerbation of chronic prostatitis.
Laser devices
A laser is a device used to generate a concentrated flow of light particles. Photons of light penetrate through the skin into the prostate tissue and are distributed into the bloodstream. Essentially, the effect is similar to treatment with a blue lamp, but infrared radiation has greater penetrating power and does not have a warming effect.Under the influence of the beam, blood circulation in the prostate tissue is activated, pain and swelling decrease.
Irradiation is carried out using a contact or non-contact method. Types of transmitters: rectal, transdermal and acupuncture (points on the chest, forehead, lower back, sacrum are illuminated). The intrarectal procedure lasts up to two minutes. The course will require approximately 10 irradiations. In most patients, prostate pain disappears after the second session..
Popular devices for home use
Home portable devices for the treatment of prostatitis are usually less functional than professional devices, but they are quite suitable as maintenance therapy and for prevention.. You can buy them in pharmacies or on the manufacturers' websites.
It should be noted that the use of household appliances implies their regular hygienic maintenance. Rectal sensors should be washed with soap and disinfected with chlorhexidine solution. It is advisable to put a condom on it before use.
Device with electrodes
It consists of a control unit with two electrodes attached: a physiotherapy one, which is inserted into the rectum, and a passive one, fixed in the lower abdomen.
It affects the prostate in three directions:
- Stimulation by pulsed currents to improve blood circulation.
- Massage with low frequency mechanical vibration to activate venous flow, dilate the arteries and improve gland nutrition.
- Irradiation with a magnetic field to relieve swelling and inflammation.
All modes of this device can be used separately.
Darsonval
Darsonval is a class of devices that generate low intensity, high frequency currents. Outwardly similar to electric toothbrushes.
Special electrode accessories are provided to treat various areas. For prostatitis, a large or small rectal is used, which can be purchased separately and is inexpensive.
Magnetotherapeutic device
The device consists of a power supply to which a strip of four magnetic emitters (induction coils) is attached. There is no rectal probe.
The current magnetic field penetrates to a depth of 8 cm, so to influence the prostate, the coils can be placed both on the abdomen and in the perineum (from the scrotum to the anus).
Thermal and vibrating device
Provides thermal, vibrational and magnetic (impulse field) effects on the prostate. Consists of a wave generator and a rectal probe. The device only has one button ("start") and two indicator lights.
Electromagnetic device
Urological device for electromagnetic influence. Consists of a lightweight control unit with an anatomically shaped rectal probe. Has a combined effect on the prostate:
- Thermal;
- Magnetic wave irradiation;
- Vibrations (massage).
Vacuum device
The device works with vacuum and traveling magnetic waves. It consists of a control unit and a vacuum chamber in which the penis is placed. The procedures effectively activate blood circulation in the penis and prostate.
The device operates in two-minute cycles, during which the pressure inside the bottle alternately increases and decreases. It has anti-edematous, anti-inflammatory and analgesic effects.
Vibro-acoustic device
Portable vibro-acoustic device, consisting of a control unit and two transmitters. According to the manufacturer's information, under the influence of waves, the vibrations of the capillary walls increase, which helps activate lymphatic and blood circulation.
For physiotherapy rooms
On an outpatient basis, physiotherapeutic effects on the prostate are carried out using professional multifunctional devices. They cost several orders of magnitude more than homemade products, but the results are visible after just a few procedures.
High frequency electromagnetic device
Physiotherapy device using a high frequency electromagnetic field (microwave decimeter waves). There are all the necessary registration documents, conclusions and certificates. The package includes several transmitters, including a rectal one.
Laser physiotherapy complex
Laser physiotherapeutic complex - a device for vibration-laser-magnetic therapy (VLMT),intended for professional use in medical establishments. Equipment:
- Base unit (three channels).
- Vibromagnetic laser head.
- Three laser heads.
- Nozzle set.
- Book on laser therapy in urology.
- A vacuum massager with a bottle and a laser emitting head (for the treatment of erectile dysfunction using LOD therapy).
Electrolaser device
Electrolaser devicehas a triple effect on the prostate:
- Irradiation with four-wave laser radiation (red, infrared IR-1, IR-2 types).
- Stimulation by bipolar electrical impulses (medicinal electrophoresis, transcutaneous electrical neurostimulation).
- Magnetic wave radiation (the kit includes a mirror accessory for percutaneous prostate treatment).
Equipped with transrectal and urethral probes. Impact parameters are selected individually, the waves are synchronized with the patient's pulse. The device is controlled from a PC or remote control.
Vacuum phototherapy device
The device is a vacuum phototherapeutic penis massager.Designed to improve trophism (blood flow and metabolic processes) of the penis and prostate. It belongs to the professional class, but can also be used at home. This works in two ways:
- Local decompression (dilatation of the vessels of the penis due to the vacuum created in the bottle);
- Irradiation with LED matrix (phototherapy, quasi-monochromatic radiation).
The device is compatible with a PC, has 15 built-in programs, but you can simulate individual ones.
Hardware and software complex
Professional hardware and software complex, with the help of whichit is possible to influence the body with pulsed electric, laser, magnetic and color radiation. For irradiation of the prostate, an intracavitary rectal magnetic laser transmitter with an electrical stimulation function and a plate electrode placed on the lower abdomen are provided.
The device is mass-produced, used by medical institutions and occupies a leading position in the evaluation of physiotherapeutic medical devices.
Light therapy lamp
A lamp is a device used to carry out light therapy sessions. The device is available in various modifications.Polarized polychromatic light has a gentle effect on prostate tissues, stimulating their regeneration by activating biological processes (light affects intracellular molecules). The procedures relieve pain and reduce inflammation.
Course of the procedure: the light of the lamp is directed to the lower abdomen area, previously cleaned with a special liquid, and then to the perineum. Exposure time is 5 minutes. There may be several heating points. For lasting relief of prostatitis symptoms, 10 sessions are enough.
Questionable devices
In various sources there are advertisements for devices without a certificate and information about the manufacturer is very difficult to find. Many resellers pose as the manufacturer and prices vary widely. In particular, some of them are missing from the register.
Physiotherapeutic devices for the treatment of prostatitis are not cheap.You need to purchase products from manufacturers who do not hide their contacts, display scanned certificates on devices and give a guarantee.
Conclusion
Physiotherapeutic devices do not replace drug treatment, but only complement it. Home sessions should be carried out strictly according to the instructions, without fanaticism. Otherwise, you could provoke an exacerbation of prostatitis. You shouldn't expect much from household appliances. Manufacturers often hedge their bets by limiting the power of their exposure. For example, not all laser devices use lasers. In most cases they have been replaced by cheap LED emitters. The result of interventions also depends on the patient's condition, age and even psychological mood.