Stemwave Shockwave Therapy

StemWave® Shockwave Therapy

Non-invasive biologic stimulation for tendon, muscle, and joint pain

StemWave shockwave therapy is an advanced, non-surgical treatment used to stimulate the body’s own healing response in injured or chronically painful musculoskeletal tissue. At Journey Orthopaedic Institute, this technology is used as part of a comprehensive sports-medicine strategy focused on tissue preservation, faster recovery, and avoiding surgery whenever possible.

What is StemWave?

StemWave delivers high-energy acoustic waves into injured tissue. These sound waves create controlled micro-stress within the tendon, muscle, or bone interface, which triggers a biological cascade:

• Increased local blood flow (neovascularization)

• Release of growth factors

• Recruitment and activation of stem and progenitor cells

• Breakdown of chronic scar tissue and calcifications

Unlike injections or surgery, no needles or incisions are required.

What conditions can it treat?

StemWave is particularly effective for chronic, stubborn conditions that have failed rest, physical therapy, or medications, including:

• Knee. hip, shoulder, elbow, hand/wrist, ankle osteoarthritis

• Patellar tendonitis / Osgood-Schlatter–related pain

• Achilles tendonitis

• Plantar fasciitis

• Rotator cuff and shoulder tendinopathy

• Tennis or golfer’s elbow

• Proximal hamstring and gluteal tendinopathy

• Knee, hip, and shoulder overuse injuries in active adults and athletes

It is commonly used in both competitive athletes and “weekend warriors” who want to stay active without downtime.

What does treatment feel like?

Treatments are performed in the office and typically take 10–15 minutes per area.

• Mild to moderate discomfort during treatment is common and expected

• No anesthesia or sedation required

• Patients return to normal daily activities immediately

• No post-procedure immobilization or restrictions

Many patients notice pain relief within the first few sessions, while others experience gradual improvement as tissue healing progresses.

How many sessions are needed?

Shockwave therapy works best as a series, not a one-time treatment.

• Most protocols involve 6–10 sessions

• Treatments are usually performed 1–2 times per week

• Chronic tendon problems often require higher-energy, multi-session programs

Your exact protocol is customized by Dr. Smith based on diagnosis, imaging, tissue quality, and athletic demands.

How is StemWave different from cortisone or PRP?

• Cortisone reduces inflammation but does not heal tissue and may weaken tendons over time

• PRP delivers biologics directly via injection

• StemWave stimulates your body to recruit its own regenerative cells without needles

In many cases, StemWave is used before injections, or in combination with PRP as part of a biologic optimization strategy.

Why SportsSmithMD?

• Fellowship-trained, double board-certified orthopedic sports surgeon oversight

• Precise diagnosis with ultrasound and imaging guidance

• Athlete-specific programming and return-to-sport planning

• Integrated with physical therapy, strength training, and biologics when indicated

This is not generic shockwave therapy. It is targeted, diagnosis-driven regenerative care.

Is StemWave right for you?

If you have persistent tendon or joint pain, want to avoid surgery, or are looking for a science-based regenerative option, StemWave may be appropriate.

A comprehensive evaluation is required to determine candidacy and design the correct treatment plan.

Schedule a consultation to find out if shockwave therapy fits your recovery and performance goals.