What is StemWave Shockwave Therapy?

StemWave therapy uses acoustic shockwave technology to stimulate your body’s natural healing processes at the cellular level. A shockwave is a specialized high-energy sound wave that carries energy through tissues. Unlike regular sound waves, shockwaves create rapid pressure changes, which gently squeeze cells to trigger a natural healing response.

What happens in the body from a Shockwave treatment?

  • Cell Activation: When StemWave shockwaves interact with your tissues, they gently stretch and stimulate cell membranes. This signals the body to repair that area of the body. Basically, the body thinks it is injured so it sends stem cells to repair the area where the shockwave was used.
  • Sodium-Potassium Pump Activation: This stimulation “wakes up” the sodium-potassium pumps on your cell surfaces, helping cells restore their natural electrical balance, improve nutrient exchange, and speed up healing.
  • Mitochondrial Boost: Inside the cells, mitochondria (the energy producers) respond by creating more ATP (cellular energy), releasing nitric oxide (improving blood flow), and reducing harmful oxidative stress. This supercharges your cells’ ability to heal.
  • Angiogenesis (New Blood Vessel Formation): StemWave promotes the growth of new blood vessels (angiogenesis), enhancing oxygen and nutrient delivery to injured tissues and speeding up the repair process.
  • Collagen Production: Shockwave therapy stimulates the production of collagen, the main structural protein in connective tissue. Increased collagen formation strengthens tendons, ligaments, and other soft tissues, improving stability.
  • Pain Reduction: Shockwave therapy helps reduce pain by decreasing inflammation, improving blood circulation, and stimulating the release of endorphins, the body’s natural painkillers. It also resets nerve sensitivity in injured tissues, helping to calm chronic pain signals.

What to Expect During Treatment:

  • Sessions typically last 10-15 minutes
  • The treatment is non-invasive with no downtime.
  • You might feel mild pulsing, tapping, or tingling sensations during therapy.
  • Some patients experience immediate pain relief; others notice improvement over several sessions.

How to Make StemWave Even More Effective:

  • Stay hydrated before and after treatments to support cellular recovery.
  • Maintain light movement and stretching routines to encourage blood flow.
  • Support healing with a healthy diet rich in protein, antioxidants, and anti-inflammatory foods. Such as blueberries, strawberries, kale, red peppers, nuts, seeds, and olive oil.
  • Consider adding orthotics especially for foot, knee, hip, and low back injuries. Foot orthotics can help with pain in the lower area of the body by fixing poor foot alignment that puts extra stress on the knees, hips, and low back. By supporting the arches and improving balance, orthotics take pressure off the joints and help the body move more naturally and comfortably.

Suggested Supplements to Aid Recovery:

  • Collagen Peptides: Help rebuild connective tissues.
  • Vitamin C: Essential for collagen synthesis and reducing inflammation.
  • Magnesium: Supports muscle relaxation and cellular repair.
  • Omega-3 Fatty Acids: Help decrease inflammation and improve tissue healing.
  • CoQ10: Enhances mitochondrial function and energy production.
  • Turmeric/Curcumin: Natural anti-inflammatory properties to assist with pain and swelling.
  • B-Complex Vitamins: Support energy metabolism and nerve function.

(Always consult with Dr. Kennedy before starting any new supplements.)

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs):

A: This will vary on a case by case basis. Typically, patients see results in 8-10 sessions, depending on the condition being treated. A typical treatment plan is two visits for two weeks then once a week for six. Many patients will do maintenance care which consists of a treatment every 4-6 weeks.

 

A: Chronic joint pain, tendonitis, plantar fasciitis, back and neck pain, sports injuries, and more.

 

A: No downtime is needed. You can return to your normal activities immediately after your session. It is suggested to not to do any strenuous activities 24 hours after a treatment. Too much activity may lead to increase in pain and soreness.

 

A: Unlike traditional physical therapy or medication, StemWave works at the cellular level, reactivating your body's own healing systems for long-term recovery, not just temporary relief.