Shockwave Tissue Regeneration Therapy Podcast

Shockwave Tissue Regeneration Therapy Podcast - Hosted by Thomas Helfrich
  • 5.0 (4)
  • Medicine

The Shockwave Tissue Regeneration Therapy Podcast explores the truth in the science and clinical application of shockwave therapy. Hear from physicians, chiropractors, physical therapists, researchers, and industry experts as they discuss shock wave therapy in chiropractic, clinical evidence, treatment protocols, patient outcomes, sports medicine, orthopedics, rehabilitation, pain management, and regenerative medicine. Each episode delivers practical insights, emerging research, and best practices for clinicians and patients.

Episodes

  1. 1d ago

    What Happens When Spinal Decompression and Shockwave Therapy Work Together

    “They’ve treated over 100 patients. Less than five needed surgery.” According to Saleem Musallam, these were patients treated with non-surgical spinal decompression at the University of South Florida Department of Neurosurgery, many after being referred for spine surgery. Fewer than five, he says, ultimately needed surgery. That’s the kind of number that gets your attention. But Saleem’s bigger point is what comes next: “Talking is cheap. And that’s where research matters.” Saleem is a Johns Hopkins-trained biomedical systems engineer and adjunct professor of medical engineering at the University of South Florida. In this episode of the Shockwave Tissue Regeneration Therapy Podcast, he and Thomas Helfrich dig into the research behind non-surgical spinal decompression, what makes medical evidence worth paying attention to, and where shockwave therapy may fit alongside decompression in patient care. In this episode, you'll learn: What Saleem reports from more than 100 patients treated with spinal decompression at the University of South Florida Department of Neurosurgery, including the fewer-than-five surgery figure. Why who conducts research, where it takes place, and how it is funded matter when evaluating medical evidence. How non-surgical spinal decompression works and why the body’s natural guarding response matters. Where Saleem sees shockwave therapy and spinal decompression complementing each other in patient care. Why providers should look beyond claims and examine the research, technology, and data behind the treatments they use. The numbers may grab your attention. The evidence behind them is what deserves a closer look. This episode is about asking better questions before deciding what deserves your trust. Chapters: 00:00 Why Research Matters 00:35 Meet Salim Salem 01:39 What Is Non-Surgical Spinal Decompression? 02:53 How the DRX9000 Decompresses the Spine 03:26 Why Clinical Research Matters 03:49 100 Surgery Candidates – Fewer Than 5 Needed Surgery 06:02 Why the U.S. Army Is Studying Decompression 07:41 The Body Already Knows How to Heal 08:22 Why Patients Shouldn’t Rush to Medication or Surgery 08:54 Using Shockwave + Spinal Decompression Together 10:18 Who Is the Ideal Decompression Patient? 11:17 FDA Clearance, Patents & the DRX9000 12:01 What Treatment on the DRX9000 Feels Like 13:03 Education for Decompression Providers 16:38 Cash-Pay Opportunity for Chiropractors & PTs 18:17 Global Demand for Spinal Decompression 18:53 Closing

    What Happens When Spinal Decompression and Shockwave Therapy Work Together

  2. 6d ago

    He Thought Shockwave Therapy Was “Voodoo.” Then He Tried It.

    Ron Warden had his doubts. But he trusted his doctor to give it a shot. He had been dealing with neck issues for a long time, and despite regular chiropractic care, he wasn’t getting the progress he wanted. His chiropractor suggested shockwave therapy. After one five-minute treatment, Rod says he was pain-free and has remained that way for a long time. In this episode of the Shockwave Tissue Regeneration Therapy Podcast, Thomas Helfrich sits down with Rod at The National by the Florida Chiropractic Association to talk about the experience that turned him from a skeptic into what he now calls a “firm believer.” But their conversation also raises a bigger question: How much trust are patients placing in their providers when they agree to try a technology they know very little about? In this episode, you’ll learn: What made Rod skeptical of shockwave therapy before his first treatment. What he experienced after a single five-minute treatment for his neck. Why trust in his chiropractor ultimately mattered more than understanding the technology himself. How that experience changed the conversations Rod now has with physicians and specialists through his work in medical sales. Why providers have a responsibility to research the devices and technologies they recommend to their patients. Most patients aren’t going to research every device in the treatment room. Rod didn’t, but trusted his provider to do that work for him. His story starts with something that sounded “too good to be true” and ends with a bigger conversation about shockwave therapy, patient trust, and the responsibility that comes with recommending a treatment.

    He Thought Shockwave Therapy Was “Voodoo.” Then He Tried It.

  3. Sep 3

    Shockwave Therapy Help After Meniscus Surgery

    "I was in a wheelchair the entire month of January." Cynthia Sutton wasn’t dealing with a minor knee injury. She had a root horn meniscus tear that completely separated, ultimately requiring surgery to reattach it. What followed was a long road back. But when Cynthia began rehabilitation at Logan University, shockwave therapy became part of her recovery alongside chiropractic care and other modalities.  In this episode of the Shockwave Tissue Regeneration Therapy Podcast, Thomas Helfrich sits down with Cynthia, Director of Alumni Relations at Logan University, to hear what that recovery looked like and why she believes shockwave played a significant role in helping her get back on her feet. They also talk about how future chiropractors are being exposed to technologies like shockwave during their clinical training and why evidence, equipment selection, and education matter as new treatment options enter the profession. In this episode, you'll learn: How Cynthia recovered from a severe meniscus tear that left her non-weight-bearing for an entire month. Why she believes shockwave therapy helped accelerate her healing as part of a broader rehabilitation plan. How students at Logan University gain experience with different treatment modalities during their clinical training. Why choosing the right technology and equipment matters when preparing the next generation of healthcare providers. What Cynthia learned about the potential applications of shockwave therapy, including its use for plantar fasciitis. Cynthia’s experience also highlights something important about recovery: shockwave wasn’t the only part of her rehabilitation, and she doesn’t claim that it was. But looking back at how quickly she was able to return to long days on her feet, she says it was a huge part of getting there. Hear her full story in this episode.

    Shockwave Therapy Help After Meniscus Surgery

  4. Aug 27

    Real Shockwave Therapy Results From The National by FCA 2026

    “I did two minutes of therapy onto his knee, at which time he got up and walked around like there was no problem.” Dr. Alexander Frank first encountered shockwave therapy when his father was struggling just to get out of the car. Two minutes of treatment later, he says his father was walking around the conference floor.  It’s the kind of story that makes you want to ask more questions. And at The National by the Florida Chiropractic Association in Orlando, Thomas Helfrich heard plenty of them. This special episode brings together conversations with patients, providers, researchers, and longtime skeptics to find out what made them take shockwave therapy seriously. In this episode, you'll learn: The patient outcomes that made providers take a closer look at shockwave therapy and ESWT. How shockwave is being used for knee pain, neuropathy, shoulder injuries, mobility, and musculoskeletal recovery. Why some people remained skeptical until they experienced shockwave therapy firsthand. What FDA clearance, clinical research, and device technology can tell providers when comparing treatment options. Why the provider, device, and evidence all matter when evaluating regenerative shockwave therapy. These conversations only scratched the surface. You’ll hear the highlights here, then get the full stories from several of these guests in upcoming episodes. Chapters: 00:00 - Intro  00:36 - Dr. Kyle Bowers - When Insurance Changed, So Did the Practice 02:27 - Cynthia Sutton - From a Wheelchair to Five Miles a Day 04:15 - Rod Warden - “I Thought It Was Voodoo” 05:17 - Dr. Jonathan Smith - When Shockwave Hurts: Not All Experiences Are Equal 07:35 - Dr. Laura McChesney - How Do You Know Which Technology to Trust? 08:47 - Saleem Musallam - “Talking Is Cheap. Research Matters.” 09:49 - Dr. Ryan Graham - The Results That Changed a Skeptic’s Mind 11:49 - Dr. Douglas Kane - When the Practitioner’s Body Starts Wearing Down 12:38 - Nicole Reddinger - When Your Body Is Your Career 16:10 - Dr. Alexander C. Frank - The Two-Minute Treatment That Got His Dad Walking 17:00 - Dr. Brittin Beaulieu - From Dragging Her Leg to Walking Again 17:14 - Doug Vigliano, MBA - The Hidden Cost of Paying Cash for Everything 19:54 - Dr. Kyle Bowers - What Happens After You Buy the Technology? 21:38 - Dr. Fabrizio Mancini - Find a Reason Bigger Than You 22:59  Outro

    Real Shockwave Therapy Results From The National by FCA 2026

  5. Aug 18

    How Shockwave Therapy Ended 10 Years of Pain in Minutes

    "This must be a placebo..." Then the pain was gone.  After spending nearly a decade searching for relief from a wrist injury that ended his chiropractic career, Dr. Matt DiDuro had every reason to be skeptical. But one three-minute treatment changed his perspective and ultimately led him to dedicate his career to helping other healthcare providers discover shockwave therapy.  In this episode, you'll learn: How one treatment changed Dr. Matt DiDuro's perspective after nearly 10 years of chronic pain Why his personal recovery inspired a new career in shockwave therapy How shockwave therapy fits into a regenerative approach before more invasive treatments Why patient outcomes have driven adoption among clinicians and professional sports organizations What healthcare providers should consider when evaluating shockwave therapy technology and supporting clinical evidence Recovery stories like this don't replace clinical evidence, but they often spark the curiosity to look deeper. Dr. DiDuro's journey shows how personal experience, clinical practice, and ongoing research can work together to advance patient care. Chapters: 00:00 - Introduction - Meet Dr. Matt DiDuro 02:07 - The First Softwave Treatment 03:38 - Buying a Softwave Device After Three Treatments 04:28 - Using Softwave on Neuropathy Patients 05:57 - From Skeptic to Business Owner 06:45 - Why Chiropractors Were Slow to Adopt It 08:40 - 110 Doctors Said 'No' 10:27 - How COVID Accelerated Softwave Growth 11:37 - Regenerative Medicine vs. Stem Cells 14:15 - Lessons from Austria's Healthcare System 15:54 - Why Europe Adopted Shockwave First 16:52 - Why Thomas Started This Podcast 17:56 - How Softwave Grew to 80+ Clinics in Atlanta 20:56 - Why FDA Clearance Matters 25:50 - How Softwave Actually Works 28:43 - Broad Focus vs. Other Shockwave Devices 35:07 - Why Isn't This Technology Everywhere? 37:19 - Making Regenerative Care Affordable 39:36 - The Economics of Owning a Softwave Device 41:32 - Softwave vs. Generic 'Shockwave' Devices 44:29 - Closing Thoughts & Contact Information

    How Shockwave Therapy Ended 10 Years of Pain in Minutes

  6. Aug 13

    How Shockwave Therapy for Chronic Knee Pain Changed One Patient’s Career

    "Two treatments... and my knee was bulletproof." One successful treatment can change a life. It can also change a career. In this episode of the Shockwave Tissue Regeneration Therapy Podcast, host Thomas Helfrich talks with Eric Brown, a former Army National Guard pilot, commercial airline captain, and longtime SoftWave advocate. After years of living with chronic knee pain and facing the possibility of another surgery, Eric discovered shockwave therapy through a chance introduction. His recovery inspired him to spend the next decade helping athletes, military personnel, physicians, and patients learn about regenerative shockwave therapy. In this episode, you'll learn: How shockwave therapy helped one patient recover from chronic knee pain after just two treatments and why the results lasted for years. Why professional sports teams, military organizations, and healthcare providers are increasingly adopting regenerative shockwave therapy. How extracorporeal shockwave therapy (ESWT) supports tissue regeneration as a non-invasive, drug-free alternative for musculoskeletal injuries. Why FDA clearance and clinical evidence matter when choosing a shockwave therapy device for your clinic or your own care. How one remarkable wound healing case demonstrates the regenerative potential of shockwave therapy beyond orthopedic injuries. One of the stories discussed in this episode is Dr. Mullins' patient, whose severe knee wound was being considered for amputation before treatment with SoftWave. You can watch that case here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eS0gZF9-iD0  Whether you're exploring treatment options for chronic pain, recovering from an injury, or simply curious why more clinicians are turning to regenerative medicine, this episode offers a firsthand perspective on why so many people who've benefited from shockwave therapy feel compelled to share it with others. Chapters 00:00 - Introduction – Meet Eric Brown 00:58 - From Army Pilot to Medical Device Sales 01:29 - The Injury That Changed Everything 02:06 - How Eric Discovered Softwave 02:32 - From Patient to Believer 03:24 - Why Eric Dedicated Himself to the Technology 04:11 - Did the Pain Ever Come Back? 05:07 - The Early Days of Softwave 05:24 - How COVID Changed Everything 07:21 - Returning to Softwave Full-Time 09:17 - Why the Military & VA Need Shockwave 10:41 - Shockwave Is a Tool—Not a Miracle Cure 11:21 - Thomas' Personal Recovery Story 13:40 - How Shockwave Finds the Injury 14:32 - Why FDA Clearance Matters 15:14 - The Wound-Healing Case That Changed Minds 16:51 - What Patients Should Ask Their Doctor 18:14 - Why Doctors Choose FDA-Cleared Devices 18:41 - Closing Thoughts

    How Shockwave Therapy for Chronic Knee Pain Changed One Patient’s Career

  7. Aug 11

    Does Shockwave Therapy Work? FDA Clearance and Clinical Evidence

    What should healthcare providers look for before trusting a shockwave therapy device? Host Thomas Helfrich and SoftWave CEO Thomas Rhoads explore what it really means for a medical technology to be backed by evidence. Together, they discuss how clinical trials are conducted, why FDA clearance is based on device-specific data, and why independent research should play a central role in evaluating shockwave therapy technology. In this episode, you'll learn: Why clinical trials are the foundation of FDA clearance How independent research evaluates whether a device actually delivers a true shockwave The difference between peer-reviewed clinical evidence and marketing claims Why device-specific studies matter when comparing shockwave technologies How ongoing research continues to expand the understanding and applications of shockwave therapy You don't need to be a researcher to understand what good evidence looks like. At the end of the day, the goal isn't to memorize clinical studies. It's to know which questions matter when evaluating shockwave therapy so that healthcare providers can make informed decisions and give patients greater confidence in the care they receive. Chapters 00:00 - Introduction – Does Shockwave Therapy Really Work? 01:16 - How Clinical Trials Actually Work 02:09 - Why Only Two Companies Have Done the Work 03:33 - Who Runs Softwave's Clinical Trials? 04:38 - Why Professional Sports Teams Choose Softwave 05:07 - From the NFL to Entertainment 06:27 - Why the LA Rams Became a Partner 07:00 - The Three Questions Every Buyer Should Ask 07:46 - Why Doctors Buy the Wrong Device 09:00 - Marketing Claims vs. Clinical Evidence 09:55 - Why Data Matters in the Long Run 11:01 - Closing – Data Matters

    Does Shockwave Therapy Work? FDA Clearance and Clinical Evidence

  8. Aug 6

    Must Ask Questions Before Buying a Shockwave Device

    "Only a couple actually have FDA clearance. The rest are knockoffs..." When every device promises results, what should healthcare providers actually be evaluating? Host Thomas Helfrich sits down with Thomas Rhoads, CEO of SoftWave to explore what device-specific clinical evidence actually tells you and why total cost of ownership goes far beyond the purchase price. They also discuss FDA clearance, maintenance requirements, safety standards, long-term support, and how ongoing research influences the future of regenerative medicine. In this episode, you'll learn: Why FDA clearance should be one of the first questions providers ask The difference between device-specific evidence and industry-wide claims How maintenance, applicator lifespan, and operating costs affect the true cost of ownership Why quality systems, safety standards, and ongoing clinical research matter when evaluating medical technology How education, clinical support, and implementation can influence patient outcomes and practice growth Choosing a shockwave device doesn’t stop at comparing specifications or price tags. It's all about understanding the evidence, asking the right questions, and selecting technology that is designed to deliver consistent, clinically supported results for both providers and patients. Chapters 00:00 - Introduction – How to Evaluate a Shockwave Device 01:03 - How Many Shockwave Devices Are There? 01:56 - Why FDA Clearance Matters 02:39 - Patents & What Makes Sofwave Different 03:14 - The Hidden Cost of Applicators 04:04 - Maintenance, Downtime & Staff Time 04:46 - FDA vs. ISO Safety Standards 06:37 - What's the ROI for a Clinic? 08:14 - The Value of Training & Coaching 09:29 - Adding New Patients & Growing a Practice 10:16 - Insurance Reimbursement Opportunities 12:26 - Investing in Research & New FDA Indications 13:52 - How New Indications Lead to Reimbursement 14:48 - Broad Focus vs. 'Unfocused' Marketing 15:18 - Closing & How to Contact Tom

    Must Ask Questions Before Buying a Shockwave Device

  9. Aug 4

    Not All Shockwave Devices Are the Same

    Just because it says "shockwave" doesn't mean it is. As shockwave therapy becomes more popular, more devices are entering the market. But are they all delivering the same treatment? Thomas Helfrich and Tom Rhoads take an honest look at the current state of the industry, exploring why clinical evidence and FDA clearance matter, how some devices rely on the reputation of shockwave therapy without delivering true shockwaves, and what both patients and providers should know before choosing a treatment.  In this episode, you'll learn:  Why true shockwave therapy is different from other devices marketed as "shockwave," and how that difference can affect patient outcomes How to evaluate a shockwave therapy device, including why FDA clearance and device-specific clinical evidence should be part of the conversation The difference between tissue regeneration and short-term symptom relief, and why not every technology stimulates the body's natural healing response. How broad-focused extracorporeal shockwave therapy (ESWT) differs from narrow treatment zones, and why treatment depth and coverage matter The questions every patient and healthcare provider should ask before investing in or receiving shockwave therapy. As with any emerging technology, understanding what's backed by evidence and what's simply marketing can make all the difference. Tune in to learn how to look past the hype, ask better questions, and make more informed decisions about shockwave therapy.  00:00 - Introduction – The Reality of the Shockwave Industry 01:00 - The Good: Why the Industry Is Growing 01:20 - A Different Way to Think About Healing 01:50 - The Bad & The Ugly: Fake Shockwave Devices 03:20 - Why Competitors Mislead the Market 04:06 - Why Clinical Evidence Matters 04:39 - Depth Matters: Why Real Shockwave Works 05:30 - Broad Focus vs. Pinpoint Treatment 06:52 - Why Treating a Larger Area Matters 07:27 - The One Thing Every Patient Should Know 07:51 - Closing & Next Episode Teaser

    Not All Shockwave Devices Are the Same

  10. Jul 30

    How Shockwave Therapy Helps the Body Repair Itself

    "It doesn't cause trauma. It's just waking the body up." What if your body already knows how to heal, it just needs the right signal to start again? In Episode 2 of the Shockwave Tissue Regeneration Therapy Podcast, host Thomas Helfrich and SoftWave CEO Tom Rhoads break down the science behind shockwave therapy: what happens inside the body during treatment, why the goal isn't to damage tissue but to activate your body's own healing response, and why understanding the technology behind the device matters just as much as the treatment itself. In this episode, you'll learn: How extracorporeal shockwave therapy (ESWT) uses acoustic sound waves to restart the body's natural healing process, increase blood flow, reduce inflammation, and support tissue regenerationWhy true shockwave therapy is designed to stimulate healing without causing lasting tissue trauma, and how different energy levels are used for different medical applicationsHow to identify a true FDA-cleared shockwave therapy device, why FDA clearance matters, and the difference between cleared and uncleared technologiesWhat patients should ask before receiving shockwave therapy and why not every device marketed as "shockwave" delivers the same technology or clinical outcomesHow shockwave therapy may complement regenerative treatments such as PRP (platelet-rich plasma) and support recovery before and after surgery If you've ever wondered how shockwave therapy actually works, or why some patients see dramatically different outcomes than others, this one's for you. Chapters: 00:00 - Introduction - Shockwave 101 00:49 - What Is Shockwave Therapy? 01:25 - Why the Body Stops Healing  01:40 - How Shockwave Restarts the Healing Process  02:17 - Does Shockwave Cause Trauma?  02:27 - The Origins of Shockwave (Lithotripsy)  04:01 - FDA Clearance Explained  05:29 - Cheap Devices vs. Proven Devices  05:50 - FDA Registered vs. FDA Cleared  07:06 - The One Question Every Patient Should Ask  07:52 - Can Shockwave Be Combined with Other Treatments?  08:39 - Closing & Next Episode Preview

    How Shockwave Therapy Helps the Body Repair Itself

  11. Jul 22

    Shockwave Therapy Explained - What You Need to Know

    “Shockwave therapy, and then dead silence” Why haven’t you heard of shockwave therapy?  It's been used for years, backed by hundreds of clinical studies, and helping patients around the world, yet many people are only discovering it now. So why has it stayed under the radar? In the very first episode of the Shockwave Tissue Regeneration Therapy Podcast, host Thomas Helfrich sits down with Tom Rhoads, CEO of SoftWave, to unpack this question. You'll hear how Tom's decades in healthcare led him to regenerative medicine and what changed his perspective after hearing patient stories that were hard to ignore.  In this episode, you’ll learn:  Why shockwave therapy became a standard treatment in Europe and why it's only now gaining momentum in the United States.The science behind extracorporeal shockwave therapy (ESWT), including the clinical evidence, FDA clearance, and how it stimulates the body's natural healing response.Which conditions may benefit from shockwave therapy, including plantar fasciitis, tendinopathy, chronic musculoskeletal pain, diabetic foot ulcers, and wound healing.How real patient outcomes and growing insurance reimbursement are changing the way healthcare providers view regenerative medicine.Why not all shockwave devices are the same, and what makes true shockwave technology different from other devices marketed under the same name. Whether you're dealing with chronic pain, caring for patients, or simply curious about regenerative medicine, this episode is a great place to start to learn more about shockwave tissue regeneration therapy. Chapters: 00:00 - Intro 00:44 - Tom's Background 01:25 - Host's Personal Story 01:42 - What Is Shockwave & Why Haven't People Heard of It?  03:00 - Why Patient Outcomes Matter 03:17 - Real Patient Success Story  04:40 - From Skeptic to Believer 06:18 - FDA Clearance & Insurance Reimbursement  07:47 - Patient-First vs Market-First Companies  08:10 - What Conditions Can Be Treated?  09:20 - Why Professional Sports Teams Use It  10:57 - How Healing Actually Works  11:52 - Shockwave for Sexual Health  12:01 - Outro

    Shockwave Therapy Explained - What You Need to Know

  12. Trailer

    Shockwave Tissue Regeneration Therapy Podcast - Welcome Episode

    This is the truth about shockwave, told through the lens of FDA-cleared technology, the providers who use it, the researchers who study it, the industry leaders who built it, and the patients living with the results. In this welcome episode, host Thomas Helfrich shares his personal experience with shockwave therapy and the mission of the Shockwave Tissue Regeneration Therapy Podcast: no hype, no sales pitch, just evidence. You'll discover the science behind extracorporeal shock wave therapy (ESWT) and how acoustic wave technology is used in musculoskeletal care: how treatment actually works, what the clinical research shows, why FDA clearance matters when choosing a device or provider, and what real patient outcomes look like for plantar fasciitis, tendon injuries, shoulder pain, knee pain, neuropathy, and other chronic musculoskeletal problems. Every episode features honest conversations with doctors, chiropractors, physical therapists, clinical researchers, technology experts, industry leaders, and real patients about what shockwave therapy can do, what it cannot do, and how to separate evidence-based treatment from marketing hype. Whether you're a patient searching for options or a clinician evaluating this technology for your practice, you'll leave knowing more than the brochure tells you. If you want the truth about shockwave therapy, this is the show. Follow now so you never miss an episode. Welcome to the Shockwave Tissue Regeneration Therapy Podcast

    Shockwave Tissue Regeneration Therapy Podcast - Welcome Episode

Trailer

Ratings & Reviews

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out of 5
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About

The Shockwave Tissue Regeneration Therapy Podcast explores the truth in the science and clinical application of shockwave therapy. Hear from physicians, chiropractors, physical therapists, researchers, and industry experts as they discuss shock wave therapy in chiropractic, clinical evidence, treatment protocols, patient outcomes, sports medicine, orthopedics, rehabilitation, pain management, and regenerative medicine. Each episode delivers practical insights, emerging research, and best practices for clinicians and patients.

Information

  • Creator
    Shockwave Tissue Regeneration Therapy Podcast - Hosted by Thomas Helfrich
  • Years Active
    2026
  • Episodes
    12
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © Shockwave Tissue Regeneration Therapy Podcast - Hosted by Thomas Helfrich
  • Show Website
    Shockwave Tissue Regeneration Therapy Podcast