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SoftWave 101: The Science Behind Pain Relief, Recovery, and Regeneration

Published May 19th, 2025 by Stoetzel Chiropractic Clinic

Softwave 101 & FAQ

SoftWave 101: The Science Behind Pain Relief, Recovery, and Regeneration

How SoftWave Therapy Works at the Cellular, Tissue, and Joint Level

In the world of regenerative medicine, few technologies have had the impact that SoftWave Tissue Regeneration Technology (TRT) has made. This FDA-cleared, non-invasive therapy is transforming the way we approach pain, inflammation, joint degeneration, and injury recovery.

At Stoetzel Chiropractic Clinic in Winston-Salem, NC, Dr. John Stoetzel and his team utilize SoftWave Therapy to help patients optimize recovery, repair damaged tissue, reduce inflammation, and restore mobility—all without surgery, injections, or medications.

What Is SoftWave Therapy?

SoftWave Therapy uses electrohydraulic supersonic acoustic waves that travel over 3,000 mph, penetrating deeply into joints, muscles, tendons, ligaments, fascia, and nerves. These waves work through mechanotransduction at the cellular level, which the body interprets as a signal to initiate and accelerate healing responses.

This treatment stimulates a cascade of regenerative biological processes that help:

  • Decrease pain

  • Control chronic inflammation

  • Improve circulation

  • Stimulate the regeneration of soft tissue

  • Support long-term joint and nerve health

How SoftWave Works: The Science of Regeneration

Let’s break down what’s happening inside the body when you receive SoftWave Therapy.

1. VEGF Activation – Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor

SoftWave stimulates the release of VEGF, a protein that promotes the formation of new blood vessels (a process called angiogenesis or neoangiogenesis). This increases nutrient delivery and oxygenation to damaged tissues, accelerating recovery and clearing away cellular waste.

2. eNOS Activation – Endothelial Nitric Oxide Synthase

SoftWave boosts the activity of eNOS, an enzyme responsible for producing nitric oxide, a powerful vasodilator. This process enhances blood flow, reduces vascular resistance, and supports faster tissue oxygenation and healing in injured or inflamed areas.

3. PCNA – Cellular Proliferation

Proliferating Cell Nuclear Antigen (PCNA) is a marker of cell regeneration. SoftWave increases PCNA expression, signaling the body to repair soft tissues like tendons, ligaments, fascia, and cartilage. This is vital for long-term healing of chronic injuries and degenerative joint conditions.

4. Stem Cell Activation and Migration

One of the most exciting benefits of SoftWave Therapy is its ability to stimulate and recruit resident stem cells to areas of injury or degeneration. These stem cells differentiate into the specific types of tissue needed—repairing cartilage, tendon, ligament, or muscle as needed.

5. Flushing Out Senescent Cells

Senescent cells are damaged or aged cells that no longer function properly but remain in the body, contributing to chronic inflammation and slowing healing. SoftWave helps flush out these dysfunctional cells, allowing space for healthy, functional cells to repopulate the area.

6. Modulation of Inflammation

SoftWave Therapy regulates inflammation at its source, not just masking symptoms. It targets pro-inflammatory cytokines and enzymes, balancing immune system responses and helping to resolve chronic pain, swelling, and stiffness.

7. Toll-Like Receptor Modulation

Toll-like receptors (TLRs) are part of the body’s innate immune response. When overactive, they can contribute to persistent pain and autoimmune inflammation. SoftWave balances TLR activity, helping reduce nerve hypersensitivity and chronic inflammatory responses.

SoftWave Helps At Every Level

Whether you're recovering from an injury, managing chronic arthritis, or dealing with nerve-related pain, SoftWave works across multiple systems:

At the Joint Level:

  • Reduces joint stiffness

  • Improves range of motion

  • Supports cartilage health

  • Stimulates joint lubrication and circulation

At the Tissue Level:

  • Breaks up scar tissue

  • Improves muscle elasticity

  • Promotes ligament and tendon regeneration

  • Reduces fascial adhesions and strain

At the Cellular Level:

  • Increases ATP (energy) production

  • Stimulates DNA repair

  • Enhances mitochondrial function

  • Drives stem cell activity and cellular turnover

Trusted by World-Class Institutions and Elite Athletes

SoftWave Therapy is not a fringe technology—it’s been widely adopted by some of the most prestigious clinics, universities, and sports organizations in the world, including:

  • The Cleveland Clinic

  • Mayo Clinic

  • Stanford University

  • Harvard Medical School

  • UCLA Health

  • Piedmont Hospital

  • Walter Reed Military Medical Center

It is also used by athletic trainers and sports performance teams in:

  • NFL, NBA, MLB, NHL, WNBA

  • PGA & LIV Golf

  • UFC & Combat Sports

  • NCAA Division I Athletic Programs

  • MLS & Premier League Soccer Teams

From pro athletes to weekend warriors, from post-surgical patients to chronic pain sufferers—SoftWave is trusted for results that last.

Begin Your Regenerative Healing Journey Today

If you’re looking for a safe, drug-free, science-backed solution to pain, limited mobility, inflammation, or soft tissue damage—SoftWave Therapy may be the answer you’ve been waiting for.

?? Request a SoftWave Therapy new patient visit online today

Contact Stoetzel Chiropractic Clinic

Stoetzel Chiropractic Clinic
3333 Brookview Hills Blvd, Suite 101
Winston-Salem, NC 27103
Phone: (336) 773-1177
Our Main Office Website: https://winston-salemchiro.com

Dr. John Stoetzel and his team are proud to bring the cutting edge of regenerative medicine to the Winston-Salem community through SoftWave Therapy. Whether you’re an athlete, a working professional, or simply someone trying to regain control of your health, we’re here to support your healing journey—one wave at a time.

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