StemWave® Therapy in Metairie, LA

Precision-Guided, Non-Invasive Care for Acute and Chronic Musculoskeletal Pain

Treating pain isn’t always about doing more of the same treatment. It’s about treating the right tissue—the right way.

StemWave® therapy uses advanced acoustic technology to decrease inflammation and support tissue healing—without anesthesia or difficult recovery. At Metairie Orthopedics & Sports Medicine, our specialists offer this treatment and may also utilize state-of-the-art diagnostic tools, such as in-office ultrasound, to accurately identify sources of pain or damaged tissue. This allows our physicians to deliver targeted, non-surgical care based on anatomy and tissue findings—not guesswork. We don’t just treat pain—we identify its source and treat it precisely.

StemWave therapy for joint and soft tissue conditions at Metairie Orthopedics & Sports Medicine

Our StemWave® Services at Metairie Orthopedics & Sports Medicine

Ultrasound evaluation icon representing StemWave therapy at Metairie Orthopedics & Sports Medicine

Diagnostic Ultrasound Evaluation

Before treatment begins, imaging is often used to identify the source of a patient’s pain. If needed, this real-time imaging allows our physicians to confirm whether StemWave is appropriate and target care with precision.  It can also be utilized to assess tissue healing after treatment.

Ultrasound evaluation icon representing StemWave therapy at Metairie Orthopedics & Sports Medicine

Targeted StemWave® Therapy

StemWave therapy delivers focused acoustic energy to the identified tissue to stimulate a biological healing response. Treatments are non-invasive, performed without anesthesia, and guided by your provider based on clinical evaluation and imaging findings when used.

Pain treatment plan icon representing StemWave therapy at Metairie Orthopedics & Sports Medicine

Personalized Pain Treatment Plans

StemWave is most often recommended for patients with chronic musculoskeletal pain that has not fully responded to physical therapy or injections. Care plans are structured, time-limited, and focused on measurable progress—not indefinite visits.
Soft tissue pain icon representing StemWave therapy at Metairie Orthopedics & Sports Medicine

Tendon & Soft Tissue Care

Conditions involving tendons, ligaments, and surrounding soft tissue may benefit from StemWave when tissue quality and healing capacity are compromised. Your provider determines candidacy based on imaging, symptoms, and functional goals.
Joint support icon representing StemWave therapy at Metairie Orthopedics & Sports Medicine

Joint & Overuse Injury Support

StemWave may be used as part of a non-surgical treatment approach for certain joint-related and overuse conditions. The goal is to improve mobility and reduce pain while minimizing downtime and disruption to daily activity.
Physician-guided care icon representing StemWave therapy at Metairie Orthopedics & Sports Medicine

Physician-Guided Non-Surgical Care

What sets Metairie Orthopedics apart is not just the technology, but how it’s used. Every StemWave treatment is physician-guided, diagnosis-driven, and tailored to the individual—so care is intentional, targeted, and evidence-informed.
StemWave® Therapy

Conditions That May Benefit From StemWave

StemWave may be recommended for select patients with acute or chronic musculoskeletal conditions—especially when pain persists despite physical therapy or injections. At Metairie Orthopedics & Sports Medicine, candidacy is determined through a clinical exam and diagnostic ultrasound so treatment is directed to the correct tissue.

Plantar Fasciitis

Chronic heel pain may be related to tissue irritation or degeneration. Ultrasound helps confirm involvement.

Rotator Cuff Tendinopathy

Shoulder pain isn’t always simple inflammation. Imaging identifies the specific tendon changes involved.

Tennis Elbow (Lateral Epicondylitis)

Elbow pain related to tendon overload or degeneration may respond well to focused acoustic therapy when conservative care has not resolved symptoms.

Knee Osteoarthritis & Patellar Tendon Pain

For select patients, StemWave may support a non-surgical plan focused on pain reduction and function.

Hip & Glute Tendinopathy

Lateral hip pain often originates from overloaded tendons, not the joint itself.

Chronic Proximal Hamstring Tendinopathy

Deep buttock or upper hamstring pain may be related to tendon degeneration at the pelvic attachment and may benefit from targeted acoustic therapy.

Chronic Achilles Pain

Persistent Achilles symptoms may reflect compromised tissue quality requiring targeted care.

Other Chronic Tendon & Soft-Tissue Conditions

Your provider will review your history, symptoms, and imaging to determine appropriate treatment.

Important: StemWave is not appropriate for every condition or every patient. Results vary. Your provider will review clinical findings and imaging to determine whether StemWave may help reduce pain and improve mobility as part of your care plan.
StemWave® Therapy

What to Expect at Your First Visit

StemWave care at Metairie Orthopedics & Sports Medicine begins with precision. We take the time to identify the true source of your symptoms, then determine whether targeted StemWave therapy may be appropriate for your condition and long-term recovery goals.

  • 1

    Clinical Evaluation

    We review your symptoms, activity history, prior treatments, and response to care.

  • 2

    Diagnostic Ultrasound

    When used, real-time imaging helps identify the tissue involved so treatment is guided by findings.

  • 3

    Targeted Treatment (If Appropriate)

    If you’re a candidate, noninvasive StemWave therapy is delivered without anesthesia.

  • 4

    Reassessment & Care Plan

    We reassess symptoms and outline a structured plan based on response and diagnosis.

Good to know: Many patients return to normal daily activities immediately. Your provider will give guidance based on the tissue treated and activity demands.
StemWave FAQs
Is StemWave the same as shockwave therapy?
StemWave is a form of advanced electrohydraulic shockwave technology. At MOSM, treatment is guided by diagnostic ultrasound to ensure precision.
Who may be a candidate?
StemWave may be considered for chronic tendon, joint, or soft-tissue pain when symptoms persist despite conservative care.
How many sessions are recommended?
Treatment plans vary by condition and response. Your provider will recommend a structured plan based on imaging and progress.
Does treatment hurt?
Sensation varies. Most patients describe it as uncomfortable but tolerable. Intensity is adjusted to comfort.
Is StemWave covered by insurance?
StemWave is typically a self-pay service. Pricing and expectations are reviewed before care begins.
Is this stem cell therapy?
No. StemWave is not a stem cell injection or procedure. It uses acoustic energy to stimulate a biological response.

About StemWave® Therapy

StemWave® is an advanced, non-invasive treatment used to address acute and chronic musculoskeletal pain by stimulating the body’s natural biological response to injury. At Metairie Orthopedics & Sports Medicine, StemWave is guided by a thorough clinical evaluation, with diagnostic imaging used when indicated, to ensure treatment is applied to the correct tissue.

This precision-first approach allows our physicians to move beyond symptom-based care and focus on the underlying source of pain. Treatments are performed without injections or anesthesia, require minimal downtime, and are delivered as part of a structured care plan designed around measurable progress.

StemWave may help reduce pain and improve mobility for select patients—particularly those who have not experienced lasting improvement with physical therapy or injections alone.

Precision-Guided Care
StemWave treatment is guided by diagnostic ultrasound, allowing physicians to target the exact tissue involved—rather than treating pain broadly.
Advanced Non-Invasive Technology
StemWave delivers focused acoustic energy without injections, anesthesia, or surgical intervention.
Physician-Led Treatment Decisions
Every StemWave treatment at MOSM is recommended and delivered by an orthopedic provider based on imaging, symptoms, and clinical findings.

Our Medical Team

At Metairie Orthopedics & Sports Medicine, StemWave therapy is delivered by an experienced, physician-led team with deep expertise in diagnosing and treating complex musculoskeletal conditions. Every treatment recommendation is grounded in clinical evaluation, imaging, and years of orthopedic and sports medicine experience.

Dr. Robert Bostick III, expert orthopedic surgeon at Metairie Orthopedics & Sports Medicine, providing litigation support, IMEs, and expert testimony for personal injury and workers’ compensation cases in New Orleans.
Robert Douglas Bostick III, M.D.
Orthopedic Surgery & Sports Medicine
 Dr. Ryan Roubion, fellowship-trained orthopedic and sports medicine surgeon at Metairie Orthopedics & Sports Medicine, specializes in arthroscopic surgery of the shoulder, elbow, hip, and knee, as well as joint replacement and fracture care.
Ryan Charles Roubion, M.D.
Sports Medicine & Orthopedic Surgery
Kristina Vidrine, PA-C
Physician Assistant – Orthopedics