As you navigate the world of non-invasive therapies for your practice, you might stumble upon Acoustic Wave Therapy along the way. But what exactly does that encompass, and how can it be beneficial for you… and your patients?

This article aims to demystify both StemWave® and Laser Therapy, two forms of popular treatments for patients, and help you navigate your choices as a healthcare professional. 

Specifically, if you already have Laser Therapy devices in your practice, and you’re looking for ways to increase your overall output as a provider through StemWave®. 

History

Over the last 20 years or so, both of these non-invasive treatments have made a splash in the medical field. They offer new hope to countless patients seeking pain relief and healing. 

StemWave® – a relatively newer process – is traditionally used in a more universal fashion, for less invasive injury-related treatments, as we’ll get into later.

Within this article, you’ll explore the comparison of these therapies, look at their advantages, and learn how they might just change the game in the world of medicine and rehabilitation treatment for your practice.

Understanding Acoustic Wave Therapy

Basics of Acoustic Wave Therapy

Imagine a tiny, powerful wave of energy that can target and heal specific areas of the body. That’s exactly what Acoustic Wave Therapy can do. 

By applying focused sound waves during the treatment process, it stimulates the body’s natural healing processes, accelerating recovery and providing relief from pain, making it akin to your body’s personal repair crew. It gets to work fixing damaged tissues and providing relief for your patients from the pain they’re dealing with.

But how exactly does it work? The answer lies in the power of the waves to induce microtrauma and trigger the body’s innate ability to repair damaged tissue.

Applications in Practice and Recovery

Incorporating Acoustic Wave Therapy into your practice can open up new options for treating a myriad of medical conditions for your patients. From sports-related injuries to persistent discomfort, this therapy has found a home in various branches of medicine. 

It’s most commonly used to treat conditions like:

• Neck & Back

• Upper Extremities (Shoulder, Elbow, Wrist)

• Lower Extremities (Knee, Ankle, Foot, Hip)

• Soft Tissue (Muscle, Tendons, Ligaments)

As research continues, its potential applications only grow, making it a promising option for a wide array of patients.

StemWave® vs. Laser Therapy: The Great Debate

What Sets Them Apart?

Now that we’ve covered the basics of Acoustic Wave Therapy, let’s dive into the crux of the matter: the differences between StemWave® and Laser Therapy. 

While both therapies use the power of Acoustic Wave Therapy treatment, there are some key differences to consider as it pertains to implementing them within your practice.

First, StemWave® and Laser Therapy – although both types of Acoustic Wave treatments – have very distinct methods of healing.

StemWave® therapy uses low-intensity extracorporeal shockwave therapy (LI-ESWT) to stimulate stem cell production and promote tissue regeneration.

To truly understand this process, picture the low-intensity shock waves as small, energetic sparks that are directed at a targeted area of your body. These shockwaves, despite being low-intensity, have the power to instigate significant changes at the cellular level.

It’s a bit like planting seeds in a garden and watching them grow. 

When these shockwaves reach your body’s tissues, they create a sort of biological ‘stir’, causing the cells in the targeted area to become more active. This increased activity triggers the release of specific proteins and growth factors that are key to stem cell activity.

On the other hand, Laser Therapy uses focused light energy to promote healing at a cellular level, making it more akin to shining a spotlight on the affected area of your patient. While also effective, the process tends to take a bit longer – both in treatment and recovery time for your patients.

The Benefits of Each Therapy

Both StemWave® and Laser Therapy offer unique advantages.

StemWave® therapy is especially effective for bone and joint-related issues, as it encourages the growth of new blood vessels and the regeneration of damaged tissue around the problematic area of your patient. 

Here are some of the most common benefits you’ll find when putting StemWave® into practice:

• 3-8 minute treatment time (average)

• Average care plan of 8-12 weeks

• Cash-based service ($150/session average)

• Faster overall results for your patients

Laser Therapy, on the other hand, can be effective for soft tissue injuries, such as muscle strains or tendonitis. But tends to lack the speed of healing compared to StemWave® Therapy.

By targeting specific cells with light energy, it helps reduce inflammation and accelerates the healing process. So, whether you’re dealing with a sports injury or chronic pain, both therapies certainly have their merits. 

Making the Choice: Which One Is Right for You?

Ultimately, the choice between StemWave® and Laser Therapy depends on your individual needs and circumstances. 

However, factors like the type of condition, its severity, and your personal preferences will all play a role in determining the best course of treatment. 

If you already have a Laser Therapy device in your practice, the results above may make you consider upgrading to a StemWave® device. 

To help make an informed decision, consider booking a meeting with our StemWave® team to learn more about the process, and how it can impact your practice.

Conclusion

The world of Acoustic Wave Therapy is full of exciting possibilities. Both StemWave® and Laser Therapy offer unique benefits for those seeking relief from pain and healing. 

By understanding the differences between these treatments and considering your individual needs, you can make an informed decision on the best course of action for your specific situation. 

Remember, the key to success lies in finding the right therapy for you – and with the help of a trusted medical professional, that goal is well within reach.

If you want to speak to one of our team members about implementing StemWave® into your practice, hit the link below to book a meeting with our team.