We FINALLY did it…

-We got one.

A SoftWave unit!!

More than a treatment. A regenerative strategy.

---

I remember the first time I saw the research on extracorporeal shockwave therapy.

I was sitting in my office after a long day, scrolling through peer-reviewed journals (yes, that’s how I unwind sometimes), and I came across a study showing that the same technology used to break up kidney stones was triggering bone regeneration, accelerating tendon healing, and recruiting stem cells to damaged tissue.

I literally stopped mid-scroll.

Because here’s the thing: for years, I’ve been telling patients the same message—you’re not broken. Your body is designed to heal. But healing requires the right signals. The right environment. The right support.

And when I dug deeper into the science behind SoftWave therapy, I realized this wasn’t just another gadget. Because, honestly, most ‘gadgets’ annoy me and are an excuse/distraction from actually healing and getting well… But this was a tool that aligned perfectly with everything we stand for in this office.

But here’s what makes us different from the handful of other places offering SoftWave in Minnesota: we don’t just do SoftWave. We integrate it into a comprehensive approach to health restoration. Digital X-rays to identify underlying structural issues. Nutritional protocols to fuel tissue repair. Corrective spinal care to optimize nervous system function. Movement strategies to build resilience.

Because sometimes—actually, most of the time—it takes more than one modality to get the best results.

So let’s be clear about what SoftWave is, what it isn’t, and what you can expect when you walk through our doors for treatment.

---

Why We Brought SoftWave Into Our Practice

When we made the decision to integrate SoftWave therapy, it wasn’t because we wanted to add another “modality” to the menu.

It was because the science lined up with our philosophy.

We don’t chase symptoms here. We remove interference. We support the body’s innate healing capacity. We focus on root causes, not temporary fixes.

SoftWave does exactly that—at a cellular level.

This isn’t a TENS unit session.
It’s not a quick laser pass.
It’s not something you just tack on at the end of your adjustment.

We’re triggering measurable physiological change.

When applied correctly, SoftWave therapy initiates biological repair mechanisms that your body already possesses. It doesn’t mask pain. It doesn’t numb symptoms. It signals your cells to regenerate, rebuild, and restore function.

And that’s a critical distinction.

---

A Brief History: Where SoftWave Comes From

Shockwave therapy was first developed in the 1980s in Germany—not for muscles or tendons, but for breaking up kidney stones through a process called lithotripsy.

But here’s where it gets interesting.

Researchers noticed something unexpected: bone density was increasing in the areas being treated.

That single observation launched decades of orthopedic and sports medicine research. By the 1990s and early 2000s, shockwave therapy was being used throughout Europe for chronic tendinopathy, plantar fasciitis, non-healing fractures, calcific shoulder conditions, and muscle injuries.

Today? It’s standard practice in elite professional sports medicine.

Why?

Because the data is strong.

Here’s a snapshot:

• Chronic Achilles tendinopathy: 70–80% improvement rates (Rompe et al., Am J Sports Med, 2009)
• Plantar fasciitis: 60–90% success in chronic cases (Gerdesmeyer et al., JAMA, 2003)
• Bone non-unions: Demonstrated stimulation of BMP-2 and osteoblast activation (Wang et al., J Orthop Res, 2007)

But here’s what matters more than the statistics:

It stimulates regeneration.

Not symptom suppression. Not numbing. Regeneration.

---

What SoftWave Actually Does in Your Body

Let’s break this down in plain language.

SoftWave sends a focused acoustic wave into tissue. That wave creates controlled mechanical stress—not damage, but stimulation.

Your body interprets this signal as: “Hey… we need to repair this area.”

And then the magic happens.

The Key Biological Effects:

1. Angiogenesis (New Blood Vessel Formation)

Studies show shockwave therapy increases VEGF (vascular endothelial growth factor), which promotes new blood vessel growth (Wang et al., 2003).

More blood vessels = more oxygen, more nutrients, more healing capacity.

Think of it like upgrading the highway system to your injured tissue. Better roads = faster delivery of what your body needs to heal.

2. Stem Cell Recruitment

Research demonstrates increased recruitment of mesenchymal stem cells to treated areas (Mittermayr et al., Am J Sports Med, 2012).

These are your body’s repair cells. The ones that can differentiate into whatever tissue you need—tendon, ligament, bone, cartilage.

We’re not injecting anything. We’re calling your own stem cells to the site through mechanical signaling.

3. Collagen Remodeling

Tendon and ligament tissue begins producing more organized, functional collagen rather than weak scar tissue.

This is huge for anyone dealing with chronic tendon issues. You’re not just getting temporary relief—you’re getting structural improvement.

4. Reduction of Chronic Pain Signaling

Shockwave therapy reduces substance P and CGRP—neurochemicals involved in chronic pain pathways (Hausdorf et al., 2008).

Translation: Your nervous system stops sending false alarm signals. Pain decreases. Function improves.

---

This is physiology. Not symptom masking.

We’re working WITH your body, not against it.

---

What Conditions Can SoftWave Help With?

While every case is unique (and we assess individually), research supports SoftWave use for:

• Plantar fasciitis
• Achilles tendinopathy
• Patellar tendinopathy (jumper’s knee)
• Rotator cuff tendinopathy
• Tennis elbow (lateral epicondylitis)
• Golfer’s elbow (medial epicondylitis)
• Chronic hip pain
• IT band syndrome
• Calcific shoulder
• Muscle strains and tears
• Certain chronic joint conditions
• Delayed bone healing / stress injuries
• Post-surgical scar tissue and adhesions

And here’s something we do differently:

We often integrate SoftWave with corrective chiropractic care to optimize nervous system function alongside tissue repair.

Because healing isn’t isolated. It’s systemic.

If your nervous system is compromised—if there’s interference in the communication between your brain and your tissues—healing slows down.

SoftWave accelerates tissue repair. Chiropractic removes nervous system interference.

Together? That’s where we see the most dramatic results.

---

What Your Experience Looks Like in Our Office

Step 1: The Discovery Session – $59 (for current patients) : $79 – community

We intentionally make the first visit affordable.

Why?

Because not everyone is a candidate—and we want you to experience it firsthand and see if it’s appropriate for YOUR case.

This 15–20 minute session includes:

• Health history review – We’re digging into your background. What caused this? When did it start? What have you tried? What makes it better or worse?
• Functional movement assessment – We need to see how you move, where you compensate, and what patterns are contributing to dysfunction.
• Discussion of injury timeline and goals – Are we dealing with an acute injury? A chronic degenerative issue? Are you looking to get out of pain, or are you looking to actually HEAL?
• Initial SoftWave mapping session – This is where we determine if you’re a good candidate.

---

What Is “Mapping”?

This is one of the most misunderstood parts of the process.

When we apply SoftWave, we’re not just treating where you point and say, “It hurts here.”

We scan the region.

We look for areas that produce a distinct neurological pain response when stimulated.

That response tells us: “This tissue is dysfunctional.”

Pain during mapping is not damage. It’s diagnostic.

If we don’t find that response, we may recommend a different approach. We’re not here to treat blindly. We’re here to get results.

If you ARE a candidate, we can begin treatment that same day.

---

Step 2: Initial Treatment

The session typically lasts 10–15 minutes of active application.

What does it feel like?

Honestly, it depends on the tissue.

• Some areas feel mildly uncomfortable—like a deep massage.
• Dysfunctional tissue can feel sharper temporarily (that’s the neurological response we’re looking for). Some say it’s kinda like laser hair removal… some like a mild tooth ache… like a rubber band snap… kinda just depends! But overall… like a ‘good hurt’. Like you know it’s doing something for you.
• Healthy tissue feels relatively neutral.

We adjust intensity as needed. This isn’t passive therapy where you just lie there. It’s interactive and targeted.

---

What You May Feel After the First Visit

Everyone responds differently.

Here are the most common responses:

Immediate Improvement

• Increased range of motion
• Decreased tightness
• Less pain
• Better movement quality

That’s a strong response. It means your body is highly receptive to the treatment.

No Immediate Change

Also completely normal.

Regeneration is biological. It follows a timeline. Sometimes the changes happen behind the scenes before you feel them.

Temporary Rebound Inflammation (24–72 hours later)

• Mild soreness
• Local inflammation
• Feeling like you “worked out” that area

This is common after the FIRST session only.

Why?

Because we stimulated a repair cascade. Your body is rushing resources to the area. Inflammation isn’t the enemy—chronic inflammation is. Acute, controlled inflammation is part of healing.

Most patients do not experience rebound soreness after subsequent sessions.

---

The Healing Timeline: Why It’s Not “One and Done”

Think about tendon tissue for a second.

It can take 3–6 months for collagen to fully remodel. Weeks to months for muscles/tendons to heal. Months for ligaments. Etc.

HEALING TAKES TIME

That’s just a biological principle.

But… we CAN support the process!!

SoftWave accelerates the process—but biology still follows phases:

Phase 1 (Week 1–2): Inflammatory Signaling

Cellular recruitment and blood flow increase. Your body is mobilizing resources.

Phase 2 (Week 2–6): Proliferation

Collagen production and tissue rebuilding begin. This is where the real work happens.

Phase 3 (Week 6–12+): Remodeling

Stronger, more organized tissue forms. Function continues to improve.

This is why treatment plans typically range 4–12 sessions depending on:

• Chronicity of the condition (how long you’ve had it)
• Severity
• Age and overall health
• Activity level
• Your goals

Acute injuries may require fewer sessions.
Chronic degenerative tissue often requires more.

---

Frequency of Care

Typical recommendations:

• Once per week (most common)
• Every other week (for maintenance or less severe cases)
• Twice per week initially (for chronic, severe cases)

Most patients fall in the middle.

And here’s something important:

If someone only wants pain relief, we can tailor care accordingly.

But if someone wants true tissue healing—not just symptom suppression—we treat for regeneration. That takes commitment. That takes time.

Just being real with you.

---

Why SoftWave Alone Isn’t Always Enough: Our Comprehensive Approach

Here’s something you need to know about our office.

Yes, we offer SoftWave therapy. And yes, it’s powerful technology.

But we’re not just a SoftWave clinic.

SoftWave is relatively uncommon in Minnesota—there are only a handful of locations offering it. And some of those places? That’s all they do. You come in, get your treatment, and leave.

That works for some people.

But here’s what we’ve learned over years of practice, working with thousands of patients:

Most people need more than one tool to get lasting results.

Think about it.

If you’ve got chronic plantar fasciitis, sure—SoftWave can accelerate tissue healing. But if you’ve also got:

• A misaligned pelvis throwing off your gait mechanics
• Chronic inflammation from poor nutrition
• Weak intrinsic foot muscles from years of improper movement patterns
• Toxin buildup affecting tissue repair capacity

Then treating JUST the tissue won’t get you all the way there.

That’s why we’ve built a comprehensive health restoration practice under one roof.

What Makes Us Different:

Digital X-Rays On-Site

We can actually SEE what’s causing underlying structural issues. Not guessing. Not assuming. We’re identifying root causes through imaging.

If your shoulder pain is coming from thoracic spine misalignment, we need to know that. If your knee issue is tied to pelvic rotation, that changes everything.

Corrective Spinal Care

We specialize in corrective chiropractic care—not just “crack and go” adjustments. We’re removing nervous system interference that affects healing capacity throughout your entire body.

Your brain controls tissue repair. If the signal from brain to tissue is compromised, healing slows down—no matter what therapy you’re using.

Nutritional & Detox Protocols

As a MaxLiving office, we have access to evidence-based nutritional approaches that support tissue regeneration, reduce systemic inflammation, and optimize healing.

You can’t out-SoftWave or exercise your way out of a terrible diet. Your body needs the raw materials to rebuild tissue and heal from within. Stabilizing inflammation levels and consuming nutrient dense foods is key to overall health and vitality!

Movement & Corrective Exercises

We teach you the specific exercises and movement patterns that will reinforce the changes we’re making and prevent re-injury.

Healing isn’t just passive. It’s active. You need to rebuild capacity.

Proven Track Record

We’ve helped thousands of people in our office over the years using this integrated approach. Not just managing symptoms. Actually restoring function and quality of life.

Sometimes SoftWave is the key piece that accelerates everything.

Sometimes it’s one part of a bigger puzzle.

Either way, you’re getting a full assessment and a comprehensive plan—not just a single modality.

---

Investing Smart in Your Health

Time and Money

They’re both a part of the investment. And both primary reasons people do, or don’t start something.

Understandable!!

SoftWave therapy is advanced regenerative technology. The equipment is specialized. The unit itself is over 6 figures. The upkeep is costly. The training is extensive. And the biological changes it creates are measurable and significant.

So yes, it’s an investment.

But consider what you’re actually investing IN:

• Tissue regeneration instead of repeated injections
• Avoiding surgery and the recovery time that comes with it
• Long-term function instead of temporary symptom relief
• Getting back to activities you love without limitation
• Preventing chronic degeneration from worsening

When you compare the cost of ongoing physical therapy with minimal results, repeated cortisone shots (which actually degrade tissue over time), or surgical intervention with months of recovery—suddenly, investing in regenerative care makes a lot of sense. Time missed at the gym, work, or playing with your kids. It ALL adds up!!

We also offer treatment packages that make comprehensive care more affordable for people committed to their healing process.

A No-Brainer for Personal Injury & Workers’ Compensation Cases

If you’ve been injured in a car accident or have a workers’ compensation claim, this becomes even more straightforward.

SoftWave therapy is covered under personal injury and workers’ comp cases.

That means you can access cutting-edge regenerative treatment without out-of-pocket expense—and you can accelerate your healing process significantly.

We work directly with case managers and attorneys to ensure proper documentation and billing. We’ve handled hundreds of these cases over the years.

If you’re dealing with a PI or WC case and struggling to heal, this is a no-brainer. You have access to technology that professional athletes use—and it’s covered.

Why wouldn’t you take advantage of that?

The Discovery Session: Start Here

For everyone else, we’ve made the entry point as accessible as possible.

Your first visit—the discovery session—is $59. ($79 for non-patients)

That gets you:

• Full health history review
• Functional assessment
• Initial SoftWave mapping
• Determination of candidacy
• Discussion of realistic treatment timeline

From there, you’ll know exactly what your body needs and what a comprehensive care plan looks like.

No guessing. No surprises.

---

How This Fits Into Our Bigger Philosophy

SoftWave does not replace:

• Corrective chiropractic care
• Movement rehabilitation
• Strength training
• Proper nutrition
• Quality sleep
• Inflammation control

It enhances them.

We operate from a 5-pillar approach to health:

1. Nervous system optimization (chiropractic care)
2. Nutrition (fueling repair and recovery)
3. Movement (building resilience and capacity)
4. Toxin reduction (minimizing what breaks you down and interferes with healing)
5. Mindset and recovery (sleep, stress management, community)

SoftWave supports the repair side of that equation.

But healing is still holistic.

You can’t out-SoftWave a terrible diet, chronic stress, and zero sleep. The body doesn’t work in isolation.

That’s why we assess the whole person—not just the injury.

---

---

Is It Right for You?

Start with the discovery session.

(If you’ve made it this far… the answer is a resounding YES) 😉

Just do it!!

For less than a dinner for 2, you’ll know:

• If you’re a candidate
• What your tissue/healing response looks like
• What a realistic timeline would be
• Whether additional interventions (X-rays, nutrition, corrective care) would accelerate your results

And from there, we build a plan aligned with YOUR goals.

Because in this office, we don’t chase symptoms.

We restore function. Health. Your POTENTIAL.

And we do it comprehensively.

---

Dr. Justin Lee, DC
Minnetonka Family Chiropractic
Restoring health by removing interference and supporting the body’s innate healing capacity.

---

Ready to see if SoftWave is right for you?

Schedule your $59 Discovery Session here →

You can also call or text my direct line at (612) 470-9210 or our office at (952) 229-8750 to schedule or ask questions.

Dealing with a personal injury or workers’ compensation case?
Call (612) 470-9210 to discuss coverage and care coordination. We’ll handle the documentation and billing directly with your case manager or attorney.

Have questions? Reach out. Let’s chat.