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Chronic pelvic pain · Focal shockwave · Specialist Urologist

Chronic Pelvic Pain Syndrome Treatment London

Assessment and focal shockwave therapy for chronic pelvic pain syndrome — a condition that is common, poorly understood, and frequently dismissed.

Delivered byDr Kishore Bahl, Specialist Urologist
ConsultationAssessment before any treatment
Session timeTypically 15–30 min
DowntimeNone
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Educational information — not a substitute for clinical assessment

This page describes chronic pelvic pain syndrome (cpps) in general terms to help you decide whether an assessment may be useful. It is not a diagnosis and does not promise a particular result. Suitability, the number of sessions and whether treatment is appropriate at all are decided at consultation. Outcomes vary between individuals and treatment is not suitable for everyone.

Why people come to us about this.

Chronic pelvic pain syndrome is one of the conditions men most often tell us they have been dismissed over. Investigations come back normal, antibiotics do not help, and the implication is left hanging that the pain is imagined. It is not.

What this condition actually is.

Chronic pelvic pain syndrome, also called chronic non-bacterial prostatitis, means persistent pelvic, perineal or genital pain for at least three months, without demonstrable infection.

It is the commonest form of prostatitis and one of the commonest reasons men see a urologist.

It is best understood as a condition involving muscle, nerve and inflammatory factors together, rather than a single problem in one organ. That is why single treatments often disappoint and combined approaches do better.

What you might be noticing.

  • Persistent pain in the perineum, testicles, penis, lower abdomen or lower back
  • Pain that is worse with sitting
  • Urinary frequency, urgency or hesitancy
  • Pain during or after ejaculation
  • Erectile difficulty
  • Fatigue, low mood and sleep disturbance — common consequences of chronic pain

What tends to cause it.

  • Pelvic floor muscle tension and dysfunction — a major contributor in many men
  • Nerve sensitisation, where the pain system becomes overactive
  • Previous infection or inflammation that has resolved but left changes behind
  • Stress and anxiety, which amplify rather than cause the pain
  • Referred pain from the lower back, hips or abdomen
  • In many cases, no single cause is identified

How treatment helps.

Focal shockwave has been studied in chronic pelvic pain syndrome, with the aim of reducing pain and muscle tension in the pelvic floor.

It is non-invasive and requires no anaesthetic, which matters in a condition where examination and treatment can already be uncomfortable.

It works best as part of a plan that also addresses pelvic floor function, pain management and, where relevant, psychological factors.

Improvement is usually gradual and partial rather than complete.

Why we use focal shockwave.

We use focal shockwave because it delivers energy to a defined depth — up to approximately 12 cm — allowing accurate treatment of deeper structures. Radial devices spread energy outwards from the applicator and lose intensity quickly, which limits them to more superficial targets.

Why focal reaches what radial cannot.

Pulses travel from the probe and converge on a target at depth. The dashed line marks where radial devices stop.

036912 cm Radial device range ► stops here Focal probe Target SkinFat layerMuscleDeepmuscle
Focal shockwave · depth of penetration

What treatment can offer.

Being taken seriously and assessed properly

Being taken seriously and assessed properly

Exclusion of causes that need different treatm

Exclusion of causes that need different treatment

Non-invasive, drug-free option that avoids fur

Non-invasive, drug-free option that avoids further antibiotic courses

Can be combined with pelvic floor physiotherap

Can be combined with pelvic floor physiotherapy

No downtime

No downtime

What to expect during treatment.

  1. Step 1

    A long consultation. Chronic pelvic pain cannot be assessed quickly.

  2. Step 2

    History covering pain pattern, urinary and sexual symptoms, bowel symptoms, and the effect on your life.

  3. Step 3

    Examination including pelvic floor assessment where appropriate, and investigation to exclude infection and other causes.

  4. Step 4

    A management plan that is likely to involve more than one component.

  5. Step 5

    Realistic discussion of what improvement is likely to look like, and over what timeframe.

Questions people usually ask.

Is CPPS the same as prostatitis?

Chronic non-bacterial prostatitis and CPPS describe the same condition. The name has shifted because the prostate is often not the main source of the pain.

Will it ever go away?

Many men improve substantially, particularly with a combined approach. Complete resolution is less predictable, and we will be honest about that.

Do I need more antibiotics?

Not if infection has been excluded. Repeated courses without infection do not help and carry risks.

Is it caused by stress?

Stress amplifies the pain but does not cause the condition. Addressing it is part of treatment, not a dismissal of the problem.

Can pelvic floor physiotherapy help?

Often substantially, particularly where muscle tension is prominent.

How long before I notice a difference?

Typically weeks to months, and often partial rather than complete.

Related treatments.

Shockwave Therapy for Prostatitis

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Shockwave Therapy for Erectile Dysfunction

Non-invasive, drug-free focal shockwave therapy for erectile dysfunction of vascular origin — offered after as…

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Before you book.

Referral

No GP referral needed. You can book directly.

First appointment

An assessment with Dr Kishore Bahl, Specialist Urologist. Treatment follows only if the assessment supports it.

Where

Whitechapel, East London. Whitechapel station is on the Elizabeth line, District, Hammersmith & City and Overground.

Fees

Published in full on our price list.

Privacy

Consultations are private and confidential. You are entitled to a chaperone at any appointment, at no cost.

Speak to a specialist.

Speak to Dr Kishore Bahl, Specialist Urologist, about whether this treatment is appropriate for you.

Book a consultation Call 020 7916 0029 See full pricing on our price list
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