StemWave Therapy for Chronic Knee Pain: A Case Study

Chronic knee pain can significantly affect mobility, independence, and quality of life—especially when it persists even after surgery, injections, and physical therapy. At Saint Acupuncture, we often see patients who have exhausted conventional options and are still struggling with daily pain.

One recent patient case highlights the potential impact of StemWave therapy, a regenerative shockwave treatment that stimulates tissue repair and reduces inflammation.

Patient Background

A 69-year-old female presented with severe, chronic right knee pain that had persisted for over two years.

The injury occurred after she slipped while helping her mother who had fallen. During the incident, both individuals fell, and the patient sustained significant stress and trauma to her knee.

Her medical history included:

• Prior ligament repair surgery on the affected knee

• Post-surgical injections and physical therapy

• Persistent pain despite treatment

• Daily pain level averaging 7/10

• Difficulty walking and standing

• Reliance on a cane for ambulation

Additional medical considerations included a cardiac stent placed in 2017.

Pain was primarily located along the medial and lateral cruciate ligament regions, with additional discomfort near the meniscus and below the patella.

Initial StemWave Treatment

During the first visit, the knee was carefully mapped to identify the most sensitive and affected structures.

Treatment protocol:

• 100 pulses used for diagnostic mapping

• 300 pulses applied therapeutically

Immediately following treatment, the patient reported complete pain relief (0/10).

In a moment that surprised both the patient and her husband, she handed her cane to her husband and walked out of the office without assistance.

Treatment Plan

A 10-visit care plan was recommended to promote sustained tissue healing and regeneration.

Treatment parameters included:

• Up to 400 pulses per session

• Frequency: 2 Hz

• Energy level typically 0.05–0.08 mJ

• Target areas:

  • Medial knee structures

  • Lateral knee structures

  • Meniscus region

  • Inferior patella area

Progress Through Treatment

Visit 1 of 10

Two days of relief followed the first treatment.

However, pain returned after a long road trip (6+ hours) and prolonged standing.

Pain on arrival: 8/10

Treatment:

• 200 pulses medial knee

• 200 pulses lateral knee

• 100 Additional pulses near the meniscus and MCL

Post-treatment pain: 0/10

Visit 2 of 10

The patient reported she had been doing well overall.

Pain increased temporarily after driving herself to the appointment.

Pain on arrival: 6–7/10

Post-treatment pain: 3/10

Visit 3 of 10

Significant improvement was noted.

Pain on arrival: 2/10

Functional improvements included:

• Resuming use of her stationary bicycle

• Wearing heels to church

• Walking in and out of church without pain

Post-treatment pain: 0/10

Visit 4 of 10

Pain on arrival: 2/10

Primary discomfort: lateral knee

Post-treatment pain: 0/10

The patient continued functioning without the use of a cane.

Visit 5 of 10

On the morning of the appointment, the patient drove herself again and experienced increased pain.

Pain on arrival: 7–8/10

Pain location: medial knee

Treatment protocol:

• ~400 pulses

• Frequency: 2 Hz

• Energy range: 0.04–0.07 mJ

Post-treatment pain: 1–2/10

Functional Improvements So Far

Halfway through treatment, the patient has demonstrated:

✔ Reduced reliance on assistive devices✔ Ability to resume light exercise✔ Increased tolerance for standing and walking✔ Periods of complete pain relief after treatments

While temporary flare-ups occur with overuse or long drives, recovery after treatment continues to improve.

Why StemWave Can Help Chronic Knee Pain

StemWave therapy works by delivering focused acoustic shockwaves into damaged tissue.

This stimulates:

• Microcirculation

• Cellular repair mechanisms

• Collagen production

• Reduction of chronic inflammation

Unlike steroid injections, the goal is regenerative healing rather than temporary symptom suppression.

Looking Ahead

This patient is currently halfway through her 10-treatment care plan, and we will continue to monitor improvements in:

• Pain levels

• Mobility

• Functional activity

• Tissue recovery

If progress continues at the current trajectory, she may regain a level of mobility she has not experienced in over two years. Will focus on her other knee and her husband wants treatment for his knees.

At Saint Acupuncture, our mission is to help patients restore function and quality of life—especially when chronic pain has limited their independence.