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StemWave Shockwave Therapy in Crete & Lincoln, Nebraska
Non-invasive, drug-free, non-opioid treatment for chronic musculoskeletal pain and soft-tissue injury. ICHI offers FDA-cleared StemWave extracorporeal shockwave therapy in both Crete and Lincoln.
Request an appointmentCall (402) 826-3222
What is StemWave therapy?
StemWave is an FDA-cleared extracorporeal shockwave therapy (ESWT) device that delivers targeted acoustic pressure waves to injured or painful tissue. Those pressure waves stimulate a cascade of biological responses — increased local blood flow, growth-factor release, and reduced inflammation — that support the body's own healing process. StemWave is non-invasive, drug-free, does not require anesthesia, and does not create a wound.
For patients dealing with chronic musculoskeletal pain that has not fully improved with rest, physical therapy, injections, or medication, StemWave is a reasonable next step before considering more invasive options.
Conditions we treat with StemWave
Foot & ankle
Plantar fasciitis, Achilles tendinopathy, chronic ankle pain, heel spur pain.
Knee & hip
Patellar tendinopathy, chronic knee pain, IT band pain, greater trochanteric pain syndrome.
Shoulder
Rotator cuff tendinopathy, subacromial bursitis, calcific tendinitis, chronic shoulder pain.
Elbow & wrist
Tennis elbow (lateral epicondylitis), golfer's elbow (medial epicondylitis), wrist tendinopathy.
Back & neck
Chronic myofascial pain, muscle knots, and trigger points.
Other soft tissue
Hamstring strains, muscle scarring, connective-tissue injuries that have not fully healed.
What to expect at a StemWave session
- Evaluation and consent — brief exam to confirm StemWave is appropriate for your problem and review contraindications.
- Setup — a small amount of ultrasound gel is applied to the treatment area.
- Treatment — the StemWave applicator is placed on the skin over the target tissue for 10 to 15 minutes. You'll feel a rhythmic tapping. Intensity is adjustable.
- After — most patients return immediately to normal activities. Mild soreness over the next 24 to 48 hours is common and expected — it is a sign of the tissue healing response.
Who should not have StemWave
StemWave is well tolerated by most adults, but is generally avoided in the following situations:
- Pregnancy
- Active infection or open wound over the treatment area
- Malignancy at or near the treatment site
- Uncontrolled bleeding disorder or current use of high-dose anticoagulation (individualized discussion)
- Pacemaker or implanted electrical device in the treatment area (individualized discussion)
Your ICHI provider will review your medical history at the initial visit to confirm StemWave is safe for you.
StemWave pricing
StemWave shockwave therapy is generally not covered by insurance in the United States and is offered as a self-pay service. ICHI offers per-session pricing and multi-session packages that reduce the per-session cost. Call (402) 826-3222 for current pricing.
Where we perform StemWave
Frequently asked questions
Does StemWave hurt?
Most patients describe it as tolerable — a rhythmic tapping over the treatment area. Intensity is adjustable and no anesthesia is needed. If a particular spot is too tender, the settings are adjusted or a different starting point is used.
How long until I feel better?
Many patients notice improvement after 2 or 3 sessions, but full response can build for weeks after the last session as the tissue continues to heal. A treatment course is typically 4 to 6 sessions spaced about a week apart.
Is StemWave the same as radial-pressure-wave therapy from a chiropractor?
StemWave is a specific FDA-cleared shockwave device. Other devices marketed as "shockwave" or "pressure wave" therapy vary widely in output and quality. If you have questions about a specific device you've seen elsewhere, ask us — we're happy to explain the differences.
Can I combine StemWave with physical therapy?
Yes. StemWave often works well alongside physical therapy, stretching, and strength work. Your ICHI provider will help coordinate the overall plan.
Do you offer a consultation before committing to a full package?
Yes. An initial visit lets us confirm StemWave is a reasonable option for your specific problem and explains what to expect. Call (402) 826-3222 to schedule.