StemWave is one of the things that sets our Tinley Park office apart. It is an FDA-listed form of acoustic shockwave therapy that uses gentle, focused sound waves to reach injured tissue, calm inflammation, improve circulation, and switch your body's own repair process back on. You may know it as shockwave therapy or extracorporeal shockwave therapy (ESWT). For the right patient, it can be a genuine alternative to surgery, injections, and medication.
How StemWave works
Many painful areas heal slowly because blood flow and cellular activity there have stalled. StemWave delivers targeted acoustic waves into that tissue, which helps wake up dormant cells, draw in fresh circulation, and reduce the inflammation that keeps pain lingering. The result is healing that comes from your own body, supported rather than masked.
What it helps
- Neck and back pain involving discs, muscles, and nerves
- Joint pain in the knee, shoulder, ankle, and elbow
- Soft-tissue injuries to ligaments and muscles
- Chronic pain that has not responded to rest alone
Why patients love it: it is non-invasive and drug-free, each session takes under ten minutes, there is no recovery time, and there are no reported negative side effects. You can fit it into a lunch break and get on with your day.
What a visit looks like
First, Dr. Hoekstra evaluates your area of concern and your history to confirm StemWave is a good fit. During treatment, a handpiece delivers the acoustic waves over the area, which most people experience as a light tapping. Afterward, you are free to return to normal activity right away. We often combine StemWave with chiropractic adjustments so your body gets both alignment and accelerated healing.
Questions, answered
Is StemWave the same as shockwave therapy?
StemWave is a focused form of acoustic shockwave therapy. You may hear it called shockwave therapy or extracorporeal shockwave therapy (ESWT). The idea is the same: targeted sound waves that prompt your body to heal itself.
What does a StemWave session feel like?
Most people feel a light tapping sensation over the treatment area. It is well tolerated, takes only a few minutes, and you can return to your day right away.
How many sessions will I need?
It depends on your condition and how your body responds. Dr. Hoekstra will recommend a plan after evaluating you, and many patients notice improvement within the first several sessions.
Is StemWave safe? Are there side effects?
StemWave is non-invasive and drug-free, with no reported negative side effects and no downtime. We will review your history to make sure it is a good fit for you.
What does StemWave treat?
It is used for chronic and acute musculoskeletal pain, including neck and back pain, joint pain in the knee, shoulder, ankle, and elbow, and soft-tissue injuries.