Dr. Lauren McCabe, a sports chiropractor with 20 years of experience, transformed her Naples, Florida, practice by adding StemWave focused wave therapy after traditional modalities plateaued. Within months of implementation, she built a thriving cash-based service line treating chronic MSK cases across all demographics, from youth athletes to active retirees, with protocols averaging $1,500-$2,500 per patient.
Who Is Dr. Lauren McCabe?
Dr. Lauren McCabe is a sports chiropractor practicing in Naples, Florida, alongside her husband, who also holds a sports diplomate. With 20 years of clinical experience spanning Portland, Oregon, and Florida, Dr. McCabe brings a science-minded, evidence-based approach to patient care rooted in her background in clinical research at the University of Chicago hospitals.
After relocating to Florida in 2021, Dr. McCabe and her husband launched their Naples clinic from scratch, rebuilding their practice in a new market with different patient demographics. Naples, dubbed the “pickleball capital of the world,” presented unique opportunities to treat an active aging population alongside youth athletes.
What Led Dr. McCabe to Explore StemWave?
The Plateau Problem
Despite building a strong reputation for manual therapies and hands-on work, Dr. McCabe hit a clinical ceiling. “We were still finding that there were things that we weren’t getting the results that we really wanted,” she explained during the webinar.
The practice had tried various modalities:
- Class 4 laser therapy
- Electrical stimulation
- Ultrasound
- Taping techniques
But each had limitations. Results felt temporary. Chronic cases plateaued. Patients who couldn’t be helped through manual therapy alone faced referrals to injections or surgery, options many actively wanted to avoid.
The Insurance Reality
Insurance reimbursement in Florida proved “extremely low,” making traditional insurance-based modalities financially unsustainable. “It really wasn’t worth our time to be utilizing those interventions,” Dr. McCabe noted. The practice moved away from insurance-dependent treatments quickly, focusing primarily on manual therapies and selective laser use.
This created a gap: highly skilled providers with plateauing clinical outcomes and shrinking revenue options.
How Did Dr. McCabe Discover StemWave?
Word-of-Mouth Referrals
Dr. McCabe’s path to StemWave came through trusted professional networks rather than advertising. “I personally have stayed connected with a lot of other chiropractors in other states,” she shared. Friends in Portland and elsewhere were using various shockwave devices, prompting Dr. McCabe to investigate.
The Research Deep Dive
True to her clinical research background, Dr. McCabe didn’t rush the decision. The practice demoed multiple shockwave devices, comparing technologies, penetration depths, costs, and overhead implications.
“We wanted one that had a pretty good depth of penetration,” she explained. After narrowing options, the practice focused on StemWave’s electrohydraulic technology.
Dr. McCabe dug into primary research from Israel, Europe, and other regions, examining clinical protocols, treatment frequencies, and outcomes. “The primary research that was coming out… the StemWave device seemed to have the best depth and the best results,” she concluded.
Provider Endorsement
The deciding factor? Direct testimonials from existing StemWave providers. “The people who had the StemWave device really were very pleased with it,” Dr. McCabe said. After demoing the device herself, the clinical and financial value became clear.
What Types of Patients Does Dr. McCabe Treat With StemWave?
Active Aging Population
Naples attracts an older demographic that refuses to slow down. Dr. McCabe sees significant numbers of:
- Golfers with chronic shoulder, elbow, and low back issues
- Pickleball players (Naples is the pickleball capital of the world)
- “Snowbirds” who want to enjoy their Florida season pain-free
- Retirees seeking non-surgical options for joint pain and arthritis
“They are older, but they want to be able to enjoy their snowbird season down here,” Dr. McCabe noted. These patients are highly motivated to avoid surgery and maintain active lifestyles.
Youth Athletes
With three children ages 15, 13, and 11, Dr. McCabe’s practice naturally attracts youth athletes with sports-related injuries:
- Overuse injuries from repetitive sports movements
- Acute strains and sprains requiring fast recovery
- Growth-related pain and dysfunction
- Post-injury rehabilitation
“Our kids are almost 15, almost 13, and almost 11, so we see a lot of youth athletes as well,” she said.
Extremity-Heavy Cases
As sports chiropractors specializing in extremity issues, the practice sees significant numbers of:
- Chronic shoulder dysfunction (rotator cuff, impingement)
- Elbow tendinopathies (tennis elbow, golfer’s elbow)
- Knee pain (arthritis, meniscus issues, patellofemoral dysfunction)
- Ankle and foot conditions (plantar fasciitis, Achilles tendinopathy)
- Hip pain and dysfunction
What Results Is Dr. McCabe Seeing With StemWave?
Personal Testimony
Dr. McCabe experienced StemWave’s effectiveness firsthand. “I had [a pickleball injury]. I got one and I was able to use StemWave on mine to heal it,” she shared during the webinar.
Clinical Outcomes
Dr. McCabe experienced StemWave’s effectiveness firsthand with her own pickleball injury, which motivated her confidence in offering it to patients.
The webinar highlighted a remarkable case: a woman with a hip labral tear scheduled for surgery. After 10 StemWave treatments over approximately 2.5 months, a follow-up MRI showed the tear was completely gone. The patient canceled her surgery and left an enthusiastic review.
“I think it’s really incredible,” Dr. McCabe said about helping patients avoid surgery. “That’s my ultimate goal for people is to heal and really to not need to come back and see anybody for their problem anymore.”
Practice Differentiation
StemWave transformed the practice’s capability to handle cases that previously required referrals. “We were still finding that there were things that we weren’t getting the results that we really wanted… trying to prevent people from having to have injections or surgeries or things like that that they didn’t want,” Dr. McCabe explained.
Now, fewer patients face surgical referrals. More complete their care in-house. The practice reputation shifted from “great hands-on care” to “the place that solves problems nobody else can.”
How Did Dr. McCabe Implement StemWave in Her Practice?
Research-Driven Decision Making
Dr. McCabe’s implementation began with thorough due diligence:
- Networking with providers using various shockwave technologies
- Reviewing primary research on treatment protocols and outcomes
- Demoing multiple devices to compare technologies
- Analyzing depth of penetration, clinical versatility, and cost structure
- Seeking endorsements from trusted peers using StemWave
Financial Considerations
The decision took into account Florida’s challenging insurance environment. With low reimbursements making traditional modalities financially unsustainable, Dr. McCabe needed a technology that could support premium cash-based pricing.
StemWave’s ability to deliver fast, measurable results justified the investment and enabled the practice to position treatments at $1,500 to $2,500 per protocol.
Clinical Integration
The practice integrated StemWave alongside existing manual therapies, not as a replacement. Patients receive comprehensive care combining hands-on techniques with advanced technology, creating outcomes neither approach could achieve alone.
What Makes StemWave Different From Other Shockwave Devices?
Depth of Penetration
Dr. McCabe specifically sought “a pretty good depth of penetration” when evaluating devices. StemWave’s electrohydraulic technology reaches up to 12 cm deep (based on StemWave technical specifications), far exceeding radial devices (1-3 cm) and matching or exceeding piezoelectric options (4-6 cm).
For chronic shoulder, hip, and spinal conditions common in Naples’s active population, depth matters. Surface-level treatments can’t reach the tissue layers where dysfunction originates.
Technology Type
StemWave uses electrohydraulic focused wave technology, creating true shockwaves through a spark-generated plasma bubble. This differs fundamentally from:
- Radial devices: Use compressed air projectiles, dispersing energy at the surface
- Piezoelectric devices: Use vibrating crystals, requiring source swaps for different depths
- Electromagnetic devices: Use magnets, creating pressure waves rather than true shockwaves
Research Support
Dr. McCabe’s research review confirmed StemWave’s clinical superiority. “The primary research that was coming out of Israel and Europe and other places… the StemWave device seemed to have the best depth and the best results,” she concluded.
Peer Endorsement
Unlike marketing claims, Dr. McCabe relied on direct provider feedback. “The people who had the StemWave device really were very pleased with it,” she noted. This peer validation proved more convincing than any advertisement.
What Are the Biggest Benefits of Adding StemWave to a Practice?
Clinical Capability Expansion
StemWave enables providers to treat cases they’d previously refer out:
- Chronic conditions plateauing with manual therapy alone
- Patients avoiding injections and surgery
- Complex multi-layer MSK dysfunction
- Cases requiring deep tissue penetration
“We were trying to prevent people from having to have injections or surgeries or things like that that they didn’t want,” Dr. McCabe explained. StemWave became the solution.
Cash-Based Revenue Stream
In Florida’s low-reimbursement insurance environment, StemWave created financial sustainability. Dr. McCabe positioned treatments as cash-based services, providing revenue independent of insurance negotiations.
According to StemWave provider data, protocols typically price at $1,500-$2,500, and clinics commonly add $5,000-$25,000 in monthly cash collections within the first year of implementation.
Practice Differentiation
Most clinics in Naples don’t offer focused wave therapy. Dr. McCabe’s practice became the destination for patients exhausting conventional options. This positioning attracts serious, motivated patients willing to invest in solutions that work.
Provider Satisfaction
After 20 years of practice and multiple cross-country moves, Dr. McCabe found renewed clinical confidence through StemWave. The technology enables her to deliver outcomes matching her expertise level, rather than watching skilled care plateau due to technology limitations.
Common Questions About StemWave & Focused Wave Therapy
These frequently asked questions provide general information about StemWave implementation and focused wave therapy. For specific questions about Dr. McCabe’s practice or results, consult the earlier sections of this article.
How long does it take to see ROI on a StemWave device?
Most practices report breaking even within 6-12 months. With protocols priced at $1,500-$2,500 and treatment times of 5-8 minutes, just 10-15 patients per month generates $15,000-$37,500 in revenue. Profit margins typically exceed 70% after device costs are recovered.
Do patients pay cash for StemWave treatments?
Yes. Most StemWave treatments are positioned as premium cash-based services. Patients with chronic conditions who’ve exhausted insurance-covered options are highly motivated to invest in solutions that work. The key is education and demonstrating value through results, testimonials, and transparent explanations.
What training does StemWave provide?
StemWave includes structured clinical onboarding, treatment protocols for 50+ conditions, optional live coaching programs, and access to a community of 750+ providers (per StemWave’s provider network data). Unlike devices that ship with just a manual, StemWave provides complete system support for clinical implementation and practice growth.
Can StemWave treat both youth athletes and aging adults?
Yes. The technology’s versatility allows providers to address acute youth sports injuries and chronic aging-related degeneration with the same device and similar protocols, adjusted for tissue condition and patient tolerance. Dr. McCabe successfully treats both demographics in her Naples practice.
How does StemWave compare to Class 4 laser therapy?
While laser therapy provides benefits, it lacks the depth and regenerative cellular response triggered by electrohydraulic focused waves. Laser works primarily through photobiomodulation at surface levels; StemWave reaches deep tissue structures and stimulates mechanotransduction-based healing responses. Dr. McCabe used Class 4 laser before adding StemWave and found focused wave therapy more effective for chronic cases.
Is focused wave therapy painful?
Most patients describe tolerable pressure or tapping sensations. Unlike some piezoelectric or electromagnetic devices that can cause significant discomfort, StemWave’s electrohydraulic technology delivers comfortable treatments. Providers can adjust intensity based on patient tolerance.
What conditions respond best to StemWave?
Based on clinical experience across StemWave practices, excellent results are commonly seen with:
- Chronic plantar fasciitis
- Achilles tendinopathy
- Rotator cuff dysfunction
- Tennis and golfer’s elbow
- Knee arthritis and meniscus issues
- Chronic low back pain
- Post-surgical scarring and adhesions
- Hip tendinopathy and bursitis
Conditions involving deep tissue structures, chronic inflammation, and degenerative changes respond particularly well.
How many treatments do patients typically need?
Standard protocols run 8-12 sessions spaced over several weeks. Patients typically notice improvement within the first 3-5 sessions, with progressive gains throughout the protocol. Chronic conditions may require longer protocols than acute injuries.
FAQ: General Questions About Building a Cash-Based StemWave Practice
The following questions represent common concerns providers have when considering StemWave. These answers are based on general StemWave provider experiences and are not specific to Dr. McCabe’s interview responses.
Q: How do I convince patients to pay cash when insurance covers other treatments?
A: Reframe the conversation. Insurance covers treatments that manage symptoms temporarily. StemWave addresses root causes and delivers lasting tissue-level healing. Patients have often spent thousands through insurance on failed treatments. A one-time investment in a solution that works is cheaper long-term.
Q: What if my market can’t afford premium pricing?
A: Dr. McCabe successfully operates in Naples, which has diverse socioeconomic demographics. The key is targeting the right patients: those with chronic conditions who’ve exhausted other options and are motivated to invest in solutions. These patients exist in every market. Additionally, offering financing through companies like CareCredit removes upfront payment barriers.
Q: Will adding StemWave cannibalize my existing services?
A: No. StemWave complements manual therapies and other services. Dr. McCabe continues providing hands-on care alongside StemWave treatments. The technology expands clinical capability rather than replacing existing services, allowing you to treat cases you’d previously refer out.
Q: How much time does StemWave add to my daily schedule?
A: According to StemWave provider data, sessions typically take 5-8 minutes. Many providers delegate treatments to trained staff after initial protocols are established. The efficiency actually saves time compared to lengthy manual therapy sessions for chronic cases.
Q: What happens if patients don’t respond to StemWave?
A: According to StemWave’s reported data across provider practices, they report 98% success rates. Poor outcomes typically stem from incorrect patient selection, inadequate protocols, or failure to complete full treatment courses. Proper training and following established protocols minimize non-responders.
Q: Do I need special certifications to offer StemWave?
A: StemWave is a Class I medical device registered by the FDA. Licensed healthcare providers (chiropractors, physical therapists, physicians, etc.) can operate the device with proper training. StemWave provides comprehensive clinical training as part of implementation.
Q: Can I try StemWave before committing?
A: Yes. StemWave offers a 60-day risk-free trial period. Practices can implement the device, treat patients, and evaluate clinical and financial outcomes before making a long-term commitment. 98% of practices keep the device after the trial period.
Q: How does StemWave handle marketing support?
A: StemWave provides marketing templates, email campaigns, social media content, consultation scripts, and patient education materials. The system includes proven strategies for launching and scaling cash-based service lines, not just clinical protocols.
The Bottom Line: Dr. McCabe’s StemWave Journey
Dr. Lauren McCabe’s path to StemWave reflects a common provider journey: clinical excellence plateauing due to technology limitations, frustration with insurance dependency, and a desire to help patients avoid surgery and injections.
Through trusted peer networks, thorough research, and hands-on device comparison, Dr. McCabe identified StemWave’s electrohydraulic technology as the solution matching her clinical needs and financial goals.
The results transformed her Naples practice. Chronic cases that once required referrals now receive complete care in-house. Cash-based revenue provides financial stability independent of insurance reimbursements. Patients across all demographics, from youth athletes to active retirees, achieve outcomes they couldn’t find elsewhere.
The question isn’t whether focused wave therapy works. Dr. McCabe’s research, peer validation, and personal experience confirm it does. The question is whether you’re ready to offer it to patients who need it most.
Disclosure Statement: The content provided in this blog post is for informational purposes only and should not be considered medical advice. The opinions expressed are those of medical professionals and are based on a collective analysis of publicly available studies and data. Our company’s product is a Class I medical device, and while it may be related to the topics discussed in this post, it is important to note that our product may not cause similar effects as stated in the post. Additionally, this post should not be interpreted as a guarantee of any specific outcome or result. It’s important to consult with a qualified healthcare professional for personalized medical advice and treatment. We encourage readers to consult the FDA’s website for information on our product’s clearance and any relevant labeling information.
