Patients asking questions about Stemwave at Restore Physical Therapy in Rochester hills

StemWave Therapy FAQ | Restore Physical Therapy Rochester Hills

August 02, 20254 min read

Wondering if StemWave is right for you? Here's what local patients ask before their first session.

If you're curious about StemWave therapy, you're not alone. Whether you heard about it through a friend, saw it in a Facebook ad, or were told it might help you avoid surgery, you probably still have questions—and we’re here to answer them.

At Restore Physical Therapy in Rochester Hills, we use StemWave to help active adults find real, drug-free pain relief. Below are the most common questions our patients ask before starting treatment.

Frequently Asked Questions About StemWave Therapy


1. What is StemWave therapy?

StemWave is a non-invasive treatment that uses gentle acoustic waves (similar to sound waves) to stimulate your body’s natural healing response. It’s designed to reduce inflammation, increase blood flow, and help your body repair the source of pain—naturally.

2. Does StemWave hurt?

Most patients feel a pulsing sensation during treatment. It’s not painful—just noticeable. In fact, many people say they feel relief during the session and improved mobility right after.

3. Is StemWave FDA-approved?

Yes. The technology behind StemWave is FDA-registered and classified as a Class I medical device, which means it's non-invasive and safe for therapeutic use. It’s been trusted by providers across the country to help patients recover without meds or surgery.

4. How many sessions will I need?

It depends on your condition and how your body responds. Some people feel relief after 1–2 sessions, but a typical care plan involves 6–8 sessions for longer-lasting results.

5. What conditions does StemWave treat?

We’ve used StemWave to help with:

  • Chronic knee, shoulder, or back pain

  • Plantar fasciitis

  • Tendinitis and bursitis

  • Joint pain (including bone-on-bone)

  • Old injuries that never fully healed

6. Will it work if I’m bone-on-bone?

Yes! While StemWave doesn’t regrow cartilage, it helps reduce inflammation and improve the health of surrounding tissues. Many patients with “bone-on-bone” pain experience less pain and better mobility after treatment.

7. Is StemWave safe?

Absolutely. It’s non-invasive, drug-free, and has minimal risk of side effects. It’s been used by pro athletes and seniors alike. We’ll always review your health history before starting.

8. Is it covered by insurance?

No, StemWave is currently not covered by insurance. However, we offer affordable intro sessions and care plans that are still often far less costly than injections or surgery.

9. How long does each session take?

Most sessions take about 10–15 minutes, making it easy to fit into your day—even during a lunch break.

10. When will I feel results?

Some patients feel relief immediately or within the first couple of days. For others, results build over several sessions. The key is consistency and following your care plan.

11. Can I still be active after a session?

Yes! There’s no downtime with StemWave. You can return to work, exercise, or your regular activities right after your appointment.

12. What’s the difference between StemWave and cortisone shots?

Cortisone masks pain temporarily. StemWave actually helps your body heal. While injections may offer fast relief, they don’t fix the root issue—and repeated use can cause damage over time.

13. What does it feel like during the treatment?

It feels like a rhythmic tapping or pulsing on the skin. Some people feel a light vibration in deeper tissues, especially around sensitive or inflamed areas—but it’s not painful.

14. Can I combine StemWave with physical therapy or chiropractic?

Yes, and it often works even better when combined with movement-based care. At Restore PT, we often pair StemWave with personalized exercise programs for better, faster results.

15. Is there any downtime after a session?

Nope. You can walk out the door and go about your day. There may be mild sensitivity in the area, but nothing that requires rest or restrictions.

16. Is StemWave safe for older adults or people with other health issues?

In most cases, yes. StemWave is gentle and adaptable. We’ll always evaluate your health status before recommending it, and modify the intensity as needed.

17. How do I know if StemWave is right for me?

Simple—come in for a $79 intro session and we’ll assess your condition, walk you through what to expect, and let you experience it for yourself.


Ready to try stemwave?

If you’re in Rochester Hills, Rochester, Oakland Twp, Shelby, Troy, Auburn Hills, or nearby—and looking for pain relief without pills or surgery—StemWave might be the solution you’ve been hoping for.


Call us at (248) 844-2665

Or visit https://www.restoreptllc.com/stemwave-rochester-hills to schedule your first session.

Hi, I’m Oliver Patalinghug — a licensed physical therapist and founder of Restore Physical Therapy in Rochester Hills, Michigan. 

For over 20 years, I’ve helped people move better, feel stronger, and live with less pain.

My mission is simple: help active adults stay active—without relying on pain medications, injections, or surgery. 

I combine hands-on therapy, movement-based techniques, and advanced tools like StemWave therapy to address the root cause of pain, not just the symptoms.

I bring a diverse range of specialized skills and certifications to my patients, including:

Certified StemWave Provider
Certified Functional and Nutritional Medicine Practitioner (CFNMP)

John Barnes’ Myofascial Release

John Barnes’ Craniosacral Techniques
Stephen Kaufman’s Pain Neutralization Technique (PNT)
Dr. Michael Uriarte’s Myokinesthetic System
John Iams’ Primal Reflex Release Technique (PRRT)
Tom Dalonzo’s Total Motion Release (TMR)

Outside the clinic, I enjoy traveling, staying active, and spending time with my family. 

Guided by my faith and values, I believe every patient’s story matters—and I’m committed to making each one a success.

Oliver Patalinghug

Hi, I’m Oliver Patalinghug — a licensed physical therapist and founder of Restore Physical Therapy in Rochester Hills, Michigan. For over 20 years, I’ve helped people move better, feel stronger, and live with less pain. My mission is simple: help active adults stay active—without relying on pain medications, injections, or surgery. I combine hands-on therapy, movement-based techniques, and advanced tools like StemWave therapy to address the root cause of pain, not just the symptoms. I bring a diverse range of specialized skills and certifications to my patients, including: Certified StemWave Provider Certified Functional and Nutritional Medicine Practitioner (CFNMP) John Barnes’ Myofascial Release John Barnes’ Craniosacral Techniques Stephen Kaufman’s Pain Neutralization Technique (PNT) Dr. Michael Uriarte’s Myokinesthetic System John Iams’ Primal Reflex Release Technique (PRRT) Tom Dalonzo’s Total Motion Release (TMR) Outside the clinic, I enjoy traveling, staying active, and spending time with my family. Guided by my faith and values, I believe every patient’s story matters—and I’m committed to making each one a success.

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