StemWave Shockwave Therapy in Carson City
Stubborn tendon or heel pain that won't settle? StemWave is a non-invasive acoustic wave treatment we use alongside physical therapy to help you move more comfortably again.
45-minute trial · No referral needed · Open Saturdays 9 AM–3 PM
Questions first? Call (775) 525-8681
What is StemWave?
StemWave is a focused shockwave device. It sends acoustic (sound) waves through the skin to the tissue underneath. You may also see this kind of treatment called shockwave therapy or ESWT, short for extracorporeal shockwave therapy.
It's non-invasive: no needles, no incisions, and no medication. A small handheld applicator is moved over the sore area, and most people go straight back to their day afterward.
At The Health Lab, StemWave isn't a stand-alone fix. We use it as one tool inside a plan built by your physical therapist. Calming a sore area can make it easier to do the strength and movement work that keeps the problem from coming back. Learn more about our physical therapy services.
Conditions StemWave is commonly used for
Shockwave therapy is most often used for long-standing (chronic) tendon and soft-tissue pain, such as:
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Plantar fasciitis and heel pain
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Achilles tendon pain
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Tennis elbow and golfer's elbow
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Rotator cuff and shoulder tendon pain
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Patellar tendon pain ("jumper's knee")
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Hip tendon pain, such as on the outside of the hip
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Chronic low back pain
Not sure if your pain is a fit? Book the trial and we'll take a look before we decide anything together. StemWave isn't right for everyone, and we'll tell you if we think something else will serve you better.
What a session is like
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Assessment and mapping. Your $49 trial starts with an assessment and a mapping session to pinpoint the sore areas. We'll ask about your pain, your history, and your goals, and make sure StemWave is a safe choice for you.
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Treatment. We apply a clear gel to the skin and move the applicator over the area. A treatment session takes about 15 minutes.
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What it feels like. Most people feel a deep tapping or pressure, and it can be achy over sore spots. We can turn the intensity up or down at any point, so tell us how it feels.
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Afterward. There's no downtime, so you can drive yourself home or go back to work.
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Your plan. StemWave is usually done as a series of 6 to 10 sessions, combined with exercises your physical therapist gives you.
Who may not be a good fit: For safety, we'll screen you first. StemWave may not be right for you if you're pregnant, have a pacemaker or other implanted device near the area, take blood thinners or have a bleeding disorder, have cancer or a tumor in the area, or have an open wound or infection where we'd treat.
Pricing
StemWave Trial (first visit) · 45 minutes · $49
StemWave session · 15 minutes · $135
8-session package · 8 × 15 minutes · $108 per session (20% off, $864 total)
Your $49 trial includes an assessment, a mapping session to pinpoint the sore areas, and your first StemWave treatment.
StemWave is a self-pay service and isn't billed to Medicare or other insurance. We accept cash, card, HSA, and FSA.
StemWave FAQ
Does StemWave hurt?
Most people describe a deep tapping or pressure that can feel achy over sore spots. It shouldn't be more than you can handle, and we can adjust the intensity at any time during the session.
How many sessions will I need?
It depends on the problem and how long you've had it. StemWave is usually done as a series of visits along with a home exercise plan. Most people need 6 to 10 sessions. After your trial we'll give you an honest recommendation.
Do I need a referral?
No. You can book a StemWave trial or a physical therapy visit directly, no doctor's referral needed.
Is StemWave covered by insurance or Medicare?
StemWave is a self-pay service. We accept cash, card, HSA, and FSA. If you have Medicare, your physical therapy visits may be covered. Ask us how StemWave and covered PT visits can work together.
Can I combine StemWave with physical therapy?
Yes, and that's how we usually use it. StemWave can help calm a sore area, and physical therapy builds the strength and movement that help keep the pain from coming back. If your pain is pelvic or hip related, see our pelvic floor therapy page too.
Is there any downtime?
No. Most people go straight back to work or their normal day after a session.
Before you book
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Insurance: We accept Medicare and Medicare secondary plans. We don't accept Medicare Advantage plans. For all other insurance we're out of network, but we can give you a superbill to submit to your insurer toward your out-of-network deductible. StemWave itself is self-pay.
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Payment: Cash, card, HSA, and FSA.
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Cancellations: Please give us at least 24 hours' notice if you need to cancel or reschedule. Late cancellations and no-shows are charged an $87.50 fee.
Ready to see if StemWave can help?
Visit us at 1102 N. Curry St. in Carson City. We're open Monday to Friday, 7:30 AM to 5 PM, and Saturday, 9 AM to 3 PM. Book your $49 StemWave trial online, or call (775) 525-8681 and we'll help you figure out the best place to start.
Book a $49 StemWave Trial · Call (775) 525-8681
