{"id":556557860937,"title":"Peak Performance for Men Review: Can Shockwaves Treat ED?","created_at":"2022-06-10T17:42:01-04:00","body_html":"\u003cscript type=\"application\/ld+json\"\u003e\/\/ \u003c![CDATA[\n{\n \"@context\": \"https:\/\/schema.org\",\n \"@type\": \"Article\",\n \"headline\": \"Peak Performance for Men Review: Can Shockwaves Treat ED?\",\n \"keywords\": \"peak performance for men, peak performance for men reviews, peak performance for men review, peak performance for men cost, peak performance for men side effects\",\n \"description\": \"Our MD and research team analyze medical research to determine if Peak Performance for Men is likely to be effective and safe for treating ED. We overview the side effects, cost, and highlight some natural alternatives for ED.\",\n \"url\": \"https:\/\/illuminatelabs.org\/blogs\/health\/peak-performance-for-men-review\",\n\"author\": [\n {\n \"@type\": \"Person\",\n \"name\": \"Taylor Graber\",\n \"honorificSuffix\": \"M.D.\",\n \"url\": \"https:\/\/illuminatelabs.org\/pages\/taylor-graber\",\n \"sameAs\": [\n \"https:\/\/www.linkedin.com\/in\/taylor-j-graber-md-81351642\/\",\n \"https:\/\/www.asapivs.com\/\"\n ],\n \"jobTitle\": \"Content Partner\",\n \"knowsAbout\": \"medicine, health, anesthesiology, iv therapy, science, drugs, pharmaceutical, medical research, scientific research, medical journals, entrepreneurship, healthcare, orthopedic surgery, biomedical engineering\",\n \"alumniOf\": {\n \"@type\": \"EducationalOrganization\",\n \"name\": [\n \"University of California San Diego\",\n \"Arizona University\",\n \"University of Arizona College of Medicine\"\n ]\n },\n \"memberOf\": {\n \"@type\": \"Organization\",\n \"name\": \"Illuminate Labs\"\n }\n },\n {\n \"@type\": \"Person\",\n \"name\": \"Calloway Cook\",\n \"url\": \"https:\/\/illuminatelabs.org\/pages\/calloway-cook\",\n \"sameAs\": \"https:\/\/www.linkedin.com\/in\/calloway-cook\/\",\n \"jobTitle\": \"President\",\n \"knowsAbout\": \"entrepreneurship, dietary supplements, herbal supplements, eCommerce, medical research\",\n \"alumniOf\": {\n \"@type\": \"EducationalOrganization\",\n \"name\": \"S.I. Newhouse School of Public Communications at Syracuse University\"\n },\n \"memberOf\": {\n \"@type\": \"Organization\",\n \"name\": \"Illuminate Labs\"\n }\n }\n],\n\"editor\": {\n \"@type\": \"Person\",\n \"name\": \"DJ Mazzoni\",\n \"honorificSuffix\": [\n \"M.S.\",\n \"R.D.\",\n \"C.D.N.\",\n \"C.S.C.S.\"\n ],\n \"url\": \"https:\/\/illuminatelabs.org\/pages\/dj-mazzoni\",\n \"sameAs\": \"https:\/\/www.linkedin.com\/in\/dj-mazzoni-rd-cdn-cscs-00a33038\/\",\n \"jobTitle\": \"Medical Reviewer\",\n \"knowsAbout\": \"exercise, drugs, pharmaceutical, health, workout, strength and conditioning, nutrition, dietetics, medicine, medical research, scientific research, scientific method, healthcare, patient care, wellness\",\n \"alumniOf\": {\n \"@type\": \"EducationalOrganization\",\n \"name\": [\n \"State University of New York College Oswego\",\n \"D’Youville College\"\n ]\n },\n \"memberOf\": {\n \"@type\": \"Organization\",\n \"name\": \"Illuminate Labs\"\n }\n},\n\"image\": {\n\"@type\": \"ImageObject\",\n\"url\": \"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0047\/1524\/9737\/files\/Peak_Performance_For_Men_Review_Article_Header_Image_Optimized.png?v=1654900655\",\n\"width\": \"2275\",\n\"height\": \"2275\"\n},\n\"citation\": [\n\"https:\/\/www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/pmc\/articles\/PMC6499893\/\", \n\"https:\/\/pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/23918444\/\",\n\"https:\/\/www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/pmc\/articles\/PMC3607492\/\",\n\"https:\/\/peakperformanceformen.com\/science\/\",\n\"https:\/\/pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/30664671\/\",\n\"https:\/\/peakperformancemi.com\/?page_id=86\",\n\"https:\/\/pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/12029512\/\",\n\"https:\/\/pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/28890412\/\",\n\"https:\/\/illuminatelabs.org\/blogs\/health\/bluechew-review\",\n\"https:\/\/illuminatelabs.org\/blogs\/health\/red-ginseng\",\n\"https:\/\/pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/16855773\/\",\n\"https:\/\/pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/21195829\/\"\n],\n\"mentions\": [{\n \"@type\": \"Thing\",\n \"name\": \"FLCT\"\n },\n {\n \"@type\": \"Thing\",\n \"name\": \"blood flow\"\n },\n {\n \"@type\": \"Thing\",\n \"name\": \"health insurance\"\n },\n {\n \"@type\": \"Thing\",\n \"name\": \"red ginseng\"\n },\n {\n \"@type\": \"Thing\",\n \"name\": \"l-citrulline\"\n }\n],\n\"datePublished\": \"2022-06-10\",\n\"copyrightHolder\": {\n \"@type\": \"Organization\",\n \"name\": \"Illuminate Labs\"\n},\n\"publisher\": {\n \"@type\": \"Organization\",\n \"name\": \"Illuminate Labs\",\n \"url\": \"https:\/\/illuminatelabs.org\/\",\n \"description\": \"Illuminate Labs is the most transparent supplement company in the U.S., and is a leading publisher of research-based health information.\",\n \"knowsAbout\": \"supplements, science, nutrition, exercise, health, medication, pharmaceutical, wellness, diet, weight loss, medical research\",\n \"publishingPrinciples\": \"https:\/\/illuminatelabs.org\/pages\/editorial-guidelines\",\n \"memberOf\": [\n {\n \"@type\": \"Organization\",\n \"name\": \"U.S. Chamber of Commerce\",\n \"url\": \"https:\/\/www.uschamber.com\/\"\n },\n {\n \"@type\": \"Organization\",\n \"name\": \"Certified B Corp\",\n \"url\": \"https:\/\/www.bcorporation.net\/en-us\/\"\n },\n {\n \"@type\": \"Organization\",\n \"name\": \"Natural Products Association\",\n \"url\": \"https:\/\/www.npanational.org\/\"\n }\n ], \n \"logo\": {\n \"@type\": \"ImageObject\",\n \"url\": \"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0047\/1524\/9737\/files\/Illuminate_Labs_Favicon_48x48_7595c3cc-e27b-47b8-a4fe-edcc7ed9b29a.png?v=1666502785\", \n \"width\": 48,\n \"height\": 48\n},\n \"foundingDate\": \"2019-01-30\",\n \"sameAs\": [\n \"https:\/\/www.instagram.com\/illuminatelabs\",\n \"https:\/\/twitter.com\/illuminatelabs\",\n \"https:\/\/www.linkedin.com\/company\/illuminate-labs-supplements\",\n \"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/channel\/UCpgSJAsIPb-fZ25djtTxBEA\"\n ]\n }\n}\n\/\/ ]]\u003e\u003c\/script\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003ci\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003e\u003cimg src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0047\/1524\/9737\/files\/Peak_Performance_For_Men_Review_Article_Header_Image_Optimized.png?v=1654900655\" alt=\"\"\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/i\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003ci\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003eDisclaimer: None of the information in this article constitutes medical advice, and is just the opinion of the writer(s) and published for informational purposes only. We recommend that patients follow their doctor’s guidance in regard to erectile dysfunction treatment.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/i\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003e\u003cspan class=\"dc\"\u003eP\u003c\/span\u003eeak Performance for Men is an erectile dysfunction (ED) treatment that’s getting a lot of attention for its bold claims. The brand claims on their website that their treatment has an 80% success rate for men ranging from their 30s to their 80s.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003eThe procedure performed at Peak Performance for Men is called focused linear compression therapy (FLCT). In this article we’ll review published medical research on this type of procedure to determine if we believe it’s likely to be safe and effective. We’ll also highlight some natural compounds that consumers may want to consider for ED treatment before surgery.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2 style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003e\u003cb\u003eWhat Is FLCT?\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003eFLCT is a legitimate medical term, and this procedure does have medical backing. It’s alternatively referred to in medical research as “low-energy linear shockwave therapy” and “linear low-energy extracorporeal shockwave therapy,” but these terms appear to refer to the same procedure.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003eThis type of medical treatment for ED is so early-stage that even researchers are unclear on exactly how it works. A \u003c\/span\u003e\u003ca href=\"https:\/\/www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/pmc\/articles\/PMC6499893\/\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003emedical review\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/a\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003e of FLCT published in the International Urology and Nephrology journal stated the following: \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003e“The precise mechanism of action of low-intensity shockwave therapy (LISWT) is not fully understood; however, it is believed that the compression and subsequent negative pressures created from the shockwave energy, the so-called cavitation phenomenon, is an important factor.”\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003eWhat’s proposed by the researchers as a potential explanation for why the treatment works is that the shockwaves promote increased expression of a growth factor in blood vessels in the penis, which causes the growth of new blood vessels. The medical terminology for this process is called neovascularization.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003eThis type of therapy has been proven effective not only for ED, but also for other soft tissue disorders. A \u003c\/span\u003e\u003ca href=\"https:\/\/pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/23918444\/\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003emedical review\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/a\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003e from 2014 found that FLCT is effective for plantar fasciitis and calcific tendonitis.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2 style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003e\u003cb\u003eWill Peak Performance Work for ED?\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003eThe technology behind Peak Performance for Men’s treatments appears to be effective for ED based on early research. A \u003c\/span\u003e\u003ca href=\"https:\/\/www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/pmc\/articles\/PMC3607492\/\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003eclinical trial\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/a\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003e published in the well-respected Therapeutic Advances in Urology journal examined the efficacy of shockwave treatment for ED.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003eThe study authors concluded that this type of therapy “is a revolutionary treatment of ED, and probably possesses unprecedented qualities that can rehabilitate erectile tissue.” The researchers found that shockwave treatment not only improved “subjective measures” of ED (meaning that patients noticed improved erections), but also objective (measurable) results like improved blood flow in the penis.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003ePeak Performance for Men maintains a \u003c\/span\u003e\u003ca href=\"https:\/\/peakperformanceformen.com\/science\/\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003eScience\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/a\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003e resource page on their site which links out to the above-linked study as well as other studies published in medical journals backing the effectiveness of this treatment. This is a sign of a high-quality brand that respects their customers, and we’ve been urging more consumer health brands to link out to scientific research proving or suggesting why their products are effective.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003eA more recent \u003c\/span\u003e\u003ca href=\"https:\/\/pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/30664671\/\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003emedical review\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/a\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003e backed the results from the previous study. Patients who underwent shockwave therapy for ED reported both subjective improvements and objective improvements to their erectile quality on average.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003eWe can conclude from the available research that Peak Performance for Men is likely to work on average, assuming the clinics use the same intensity and duration of shockwaves as used in the medical studies.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003eA medical device brand called “Venn Healthcare Ltd” published a useful animated video on this type of therapy which has reached over 12 million views:\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003e\u003ciframe width=\"560\" height=\"315\" src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/11REIPO8UZc\" title=\"YouTube video player\" frameborder=\"0\" allow=\"accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture\" allowfullscreen=\"\"\u003e\u003c\/iframe\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2 style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003e\n\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cb\u003eHow Much Does Peak Performance for Men Cost?\u003c\/b\u003e\n\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003ePeak Performance for Men doesn’t appear to publish a pricing schedule on their main site. However, one of their \u003c\/span\u003e\u003ca href=\"https:\/\/peakperformancemi.com\/?page_id=86\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003eregional clinics\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/a\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003e has published rates. Peak Performance’s Michigan locations charge $150 per 60 minutes for an initial evaluation and follow-up, and $1,200 for a 10 visit package.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003eBased on the medical research, continual treatment seems to be needed to maintain the maximum benefit from this type of therapy, so we would recommend calling your regional office to ask them what the average recommended frequency of visit is. This could help with budgeting. If you only need to receive treatment once every 6 months, then a 10 visit package could theoretically last 6 years.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003eSince ED is a legitimate medical condition, we also recommend that patients contact their health insurer prior to scheduling an appointment with Peak Performance for Men. The insurance company may cover or subsidize the cost. It would also be worth contacting your local Peak Performance office and checking if they take your health insurance.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2 style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003e\u003cb\u003ePeak Performance for Men Side Effects\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003ePeak Performance’s website claims that their treatment has a lack of side effects. While the side effect profile seems very mild, we do note that medical research indicates that there may be a potential for side effects with this type of treatment.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003eA \u003c\/span\u003e\u003ca href=\"https:\/\/pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/12029512\/\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003emedical review\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/a\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003e of side effects caused by extracorporeal shock wave therapy to treat tennis elbow noted that reddening of the skin was experienced by 22% of patients (but this effect was not permanent), pain was experienced by 4.8% of patients and haematomas (small blood vessel injuries) was experienced by 3% of patients.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003eSimilar side effects and rates were noted by researchers in a \u003c\/span\u003e\u003ca href=\"https:\/\/pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/28890412\/\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003ereview\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/a\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003e of shock wave therapy for plantar fasciitis.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003eSince Peak Performance for Men uses the exact same type of technology, it seems logical that the side effect profile would be similar to that seen in these studies. If their clinics use lower-intensity shock waves, then perhaps they can truly be side-effect-free, but we don’t see any evidence of that.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003eEven if Peak Performance for Men has similar side effects to FLCT for other conditions, it’s still a relatively mild side effect profile, and less concerning than side effects for commercial treatment of ED in our opinion. As we documented in our \u003c\/span\u003e\u003ca href=\"https:\/\/illuminatelabs.org\/blogs\/health\/bluechew-review\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003eBluechew review\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/a\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003e article, upwards of 30% of men taking that popular ED medication report side effects that last 12 hours or longer.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2 style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003e\u003cb\u003eNatural Alternatives for ED\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003eWhile Peak Performance for Men seems promising for patients with ED that requires medical intervention, it may make sense for patients with more mild ED to try some natural products which come at a lower cost and which are research-backed to improve ED.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003eRed ginseng (botanical name \u003c\/span\u003e\u003ci\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003ePanax Ginseng\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/i\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003e) is one of the most well-studied herbs for ED. We recently published a thorough \u003c\/span\u003e\u003ca href=\"https:\/\/illuminatelabs.org\/blogs\/health\/red-ginseng\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003ered ginseng benefits\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/a\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003e article that documented how this herb can improve erectile function. A \u003c\/span\u003e\u003ca href=\"https:\/\/pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/16855773\/\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003eclinical trial\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/a\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003e published in an Asian medical journal found that red ginseng extract at a daily dose of 3,000 milligrams (mg), split into 1,000 mg three doses throughout the day, significantly improved symptoms of mild-to-moderate ED.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003eSpecifically, patients taking red ginseng extract noted improved penile rigidity, improved penetrative ability, and improved erection quality.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003eAnother supplement proven in medical research to aid patients with ED is l-citrulline. This is an amino acid which is a nitric oxide precursor. Nitric oxide is a vasodilating compound, meaning it relaxes and widens blood vessels.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003eL-citrulline has been shown in a \u003c\/span\u003e\u003ca href=\"https:\/\/pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/21195829\/\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003emedical trial\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/a\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003e to improve erection hardness in men with mild erectile dysfunction. A full 50% of men taking l-citrulline reported an improvement in erectile hardness, while only 8.3% of men on placebo reported improved erectile hardness. The dose used in the study was only 1.5 grams (g) per day, but we typically recommend a dose of 10 g\/day which appears to be the maximally-effective dose for both improving athletic performance and improving ED symptoms.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2 style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003e\u003cb\u003eConclusion\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003eThe health claims made by Peak Performance for Men are so bold that we initially believed it would be a gimmick, but we’re pleasantly surprised by all of the promising research backing FLCT therapy for ED. There is definitely a need for more low-risk treatments of this condition, as it’s increasing worldwide and pharmaceutical treatment comes with a more concerning side effect profile in our opinion.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003eWe believe it’s worthwhile for patients experiencing ED to speak with their doctor about Peak Performance for Men, or to book a free consultation at one of their clinics. While research is still emerging about this type of treatment, and we hope that there are more standards published on the optimal duration, power and frequency of the shockwaves used in this treatment, it does appear currently to be a legitimate alternative to drug treatment which may have a milder side effect profile.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003ePatients with mild ED may want to try panax ginseng extract, l-citrulline or lifestyle changes like increased exercise and improved diet before committing to FLCT treatment which is relatively expensive.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","blog_id":49281925193,"author":"Calloway Cook","user_id":26601750601,"published_at":"2022-06-10T18:42:45-04:00","updated_at":"2022-12-18T20:04:42-05:00","summary_html":"We analyze medical research to determine if Peak Performance for Men is likely to be effective and safe for treating ED. We overview the side effects, cost, and highlight some natural alternatives for ED.","template_suffix":"","handle":"peak-performance-for-men-review","tags":"_related:erectile-dysfunction, _related:men's-health"}

Peak Performance for Men Review: Can Shockwaves Treat ED?

Peak Performance for Men Review: Can Shockwaves Treat ED?


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Read our Editorial Guidelines to learn more about what makes our site the premier resource for online health information.

Disclaimer: None of the information in this article constitutes medical advice, and is just the opinion of the writer(s) and published for informational purposes only. We recommend that patients follow their doctor’s guidance in regard to erectile dysfunction treatment.

Peak Performance for Men is an erectile dysfunction (ED) treatment that’s getting a lot of attention for its bold claims. The brand claims on their website that their treatment has an 80% success rate for men ranging from their 30s to their 80s.

The procedure performed at Peak Performance for Men is called focused linear compression therapy (FLCT). In this article we’ll review published medical research on this type of procedure to determine if we believe it’s likely to be safe and effective. We’ll also highlight some natural compounds that consumers may want to consider for ED treatment before surgery.

What Is FLCT?

FLCT is a legitimate medical term, and this procedure does have medical backing. It’s alternatively referred to in medical research as “low-energy linear shockwave therapy” and “linear low-energy extracorporeal shockwave therapy,” but these terms appear to refer to the same procedure.

This type of medical treatment for ED is so early-stage that even researchers are unclear on exactly how it works. A medical review of FLCT published in the International Urology and Nephrology journal stated the following: 

“The precise mechanism of action of low-intensity shockwave therapy (LISWT) is not fully understood; however, it is believed that the compression and subsequent negative pressures created from the shockwave energy, the so-called cavitation phenomenon, is an important factor.”

What’s proposed by the researchers as a potential explanation for why the treatment works is that the shockwaves promote increased expression of a growth factor in blood vessels in the penis, which causes the growth of new blood vessels. The medical terminology for this process is called neovascularization.

This type of therapy has been proven effective not only for ED, but also for other soft tissue disorders. A medical review from 2014 found that FLCT is effective for plantar fasciitis and calcific tendonitis.

Will Peak Performance Work for ED?

The technology behind Peak Performance for Men’s treatments appears to be effective for ED based on early research. A clinical trial published in the well-respected Therapeutic Advances in Urology journal examined the efficacy of shockwave treatment for ED.

The study authors concluded that this type of therapy “is a revolutionary treatment of ED, and probably possesses unprecedented qualities that can rehabilitate erectile tissue.” The researchers found that shockwave treatment not only improved “subjective measures” of ED (meaning that patients noticed improved erections), but also objective (measurable) results like improved blood flow in the penis.

Peak Performance for Men maintains a Science resource page on their site which links out to the above-linked study as well as other studies published in medical journals backing the effectiveness of this treatment. This is a sign of a high-quality brand that respects their customers, and we’ve been urging more consumer health brands to link out to scientific research proving or suggesting why their products are effective.

A more recent medical review backed the results from the previous study. Patients who underwent shockwave therapy for ED reported both subjective improvements and objective improvements to their erectile quality on average.

We can conclude from the available research that Peak Performance for Men is likely to work on average, assuming the clinics use the same intensity and duration of shockwaves as used in the medical studies.

A medical device brand called “Venn Healthcare Ltd” published a useful animated video on this type of therapy which has reached over 12 million views:

How Much Does Peak Performance for Men Cost?

Peak Performance for Men doesn’t appear to publish a pricing schedule on their main site. However, one of their regional clinics has published rates. Peak Performance’s Michigan locations charge $150 per 60 minutes for an initial evaluation and follow-up, and $1,200 for a 10 visit package.

Based on the medical research, continual treatment seems to be needed to maintain the maximum benefit from this type of therapy, so we would recommend calling your regional office to ask them what the average recommended frequency of visit is. This could help with budgeting. If you only need to receive treatment once every 6 months, then a 10 visit package could theoretically last 6 years.

Since ED is a legitimate medical condition, we also recommend that patients contact their health insurer prior to scheduling an appointment with Peak Performance for Men. The insurance company may cover or subsidize the cost. It would also be worth contacting your local Peak Performance office and checking if they take your health insurance.

Peak Performance for Men Side Effects

Peak Performance’s website claims that their treatment has a lack of side effects. While the side effect profile seems very mild, we do note that medical research indicates that there may be a potential for side effects with this type of treatment.

A medical review of side effects caused by extracorporeal shock wave therapy to treat tennis elbow noted that reddening of the skin was experienced by 22% of patients (but this effect was not permanent), pain was experienced by 4.8% of patients and haematomas (small blood vessel injuries) was experienced by 3% of patients.

Similar side effects and rates were noted by researchers in a review of shock wave therapy for plantar fasciitis.

Since Peak Performance for Men uses the exact same type of technology, it seems logical that the side effect profile would be similar to that seen in these studies. If their clinics use lower-intensity shock waves, then perhaps they can truly be side-effect-free, but we don’t see any evidence of that.

Even if Peak Performance for Men has similar side effects to FLCT for other conditions, it’s still a relatively mild side effect profile, and less concerning than side effects for commercial treatment of ED in our opinion. As we documented in our Bluechew review article, upwards of 30% of men taking that popular ED medication report side effects that last 12 hours or longer.

Natural Alternatives for ED

While Peak Performance for Men seems promising for patients with ED that requires medical intervention, it may make sense for patients with more mild ED to try some natural products which come at a lower cost and which are research-backed to improve ED.

Red ginseng (botanical name Panax Ginseng) is one of the most well-studied herbs for ED. We recently published a thorough red ginseng benefits article that documented how this herb can improve erectile function. A clinical trial published in an Asian medical journal found that red ginseng extract at a daily dose of 3,000 milligrams (mg), split into 1,000 mg three doses throughout the day, significantly improved symptoms of mild-to-moderate ED.

Specifically, patients taking red ginseng extract noted improved penile rigidity, improved penetrative ability, and improved erection quality.

Another supplement proven in medical research to aid patients with ED is l-citrulline. This is an amino acid which is a nitric oxide precursor. Nitric oxide is a vasodilating compound, meaning it relaxes and widens blood vessels.

L-citrulline has been shown in a medical trial to improve erection hardness in men with mild erectile dysfunction. A full 50% of men taking l-citrulline reported an improvement in erectile hardness, while only 8.3% of men on placebo reported improved erectile hardness. The dose used in the study was only 1.5 grams (g) per day, but we typically recommend a dose of 10 g/day which appears to be the maximally-effective dose for both improving athletic performance and improving ED symptoms.

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Conclusion

The health claims made by Peak Performance for Men are so bold that we initially believed it would be a gimmick, but we’re pleasantly surprised by all of the promising research backing FLCT therapy for ED. There is definitely a need for more low-risk treatments of this condition, as it’s increasing worldwide and pharmaceutical treatment comes with a more concerning side effect profile in our opinion.

We believe it’s worthwhile for patients experiencing ED to speak with their doctor about Peak Performance for Men, or to book a free consultation at one of their clinics. While research is still emerging about this type of treatment, and we hope that there are more standards published on the optimal duration, power and frequency of the shockwaves used in this treatment, it does appear currently to be a legitimate alternative to drug treatment which may have a milder side effect profile.

Patients with mild ED may want to try panax ginseng extract, l-citrulline or lifestyle changes like increased exercise and improved diet before committing to FLCT treatment which is relatively expensive.




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