You’ve just completed your first SoftWave Therapy session at Bridge Wellness Center with Dr. Matt McCutcheon and his team — congratulations on taking the first step toward natural, non-surgical healing!

SoftWave is more than just a pain relief treatment — it jumpstarts your body’s own repair and regeneration processes at the cellular and tissue levels. Here’s exactly what to expect in the hours, days, and weeks ahead as your body responds.

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The First 24–48 Hours After Treatment

Here’s what you may notice immediately following your first session:

• Decreased pain and inflammation in the treated area — for many patients, this happens within minutes or hours

• Increased mobility and flexibility

• A “loosened” feeling in stiff joints or tight muscles

• Mild soreness or tenderness, similar to post-exercise soreness, as tissues begin the healing process

Here’s what to do (and not do) in the first 48 hours:

• Hydrate well – SoftWave stimulates blood flow and cellular activity, and water supports nutrient delivery to healing tissues.

• Light movement – Gentle stretching or easy walking helps circulation and healing.

• Moist heat if needed – Warm compresses can ease soreness and encourage blood flow. Avoid using a heating pad - heating pads only work surface level and will increase inflammation at the treatment site.

• Consider Near Infrared Red Light Therapy – At-home or in-office red light sessions can boost cellular energy production and speed repair. Ask Dr Matt and our team about our Red Light Therapy and if it would be beneficial for your specific condition(s).

• Avoid ice for the first 24–48 hours – SoftWave works through angiogenesis (the formation of new blood vessels), and ice constricts blood flow, which may slow this process.

• Don’t overexert yourself – Avoid high-intensity exercise or heavy lifting in the treated area so the body can focus on repair.

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Your 6–8 Week SoftWave Care Plan: What’s Happening Week by Week

SoftWave works best as a progressive, cumulative therapy. While some feel dramatic improvement after the first few sessions, the true regenerative effects happen following the 6–8 week care plan as each treatment builds on the last and lays down a foundation of healing and repair for weeks and months to come.

Week 1–2: Pain & Inflammation Reduction

• What’s happening:
  SoftWave immediately begins modulating inflammation and calming overactive pain signals through Toll-like receptor modulation.
  VEGF (Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor) is activated, starting the process of angiogenesis — new blood vessel growth to nourish tissues.

• What you may notice:
  Less pain, less swelling, and easier movement in the treated area.

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Week 3–4: Stem Cell Activation & Early Tissue Repair

• What’s happening:
  Resident stem cells are activated and begin migrating to the injured tissue.
  PCNA (Proliferating Cell Nuclear Antigen) is stimulated, promoting cell replication and repair.

• What you may notice:
  Mobility and function continue to improve, soreness may be reduced, and you may feel stronger in the affected area.

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Week 5–6: Strengthening & Regeneration

• What’s happening:
  Newly formed blood vessels from angiogenesis are delivering oxygen and nutrients to fuel healing.
  Tissue remodeling begins, helping restore structural integrity in joints, tendons, ligaments, and muscles.

• What you may notice:
  More stability, less flare-up after activity, and the ability to do movements or exercises that were previously uncomfortable.

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Week 7–8: Peak Healing Response & Long-Term Recovery

• What’s happening:
  Tissue regeneration is in full swing, and damaged structures are progressively replaced with healthy, functional tissue.
  Inflammation is significantly reduced, and the joint or muscle environment is optimized for ongoing healing even after the program ends.

• What you may notice:
  Substantial improvement in strength, endurance, range of motion, and confidence in using the area without fear of pain.

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After Your Initial Care Plan

Research shows that stem cell activity remains elevated for up to 12 weeks after your last SoftWave session, meaning the healing doesn’t stop when your program ends. Many patients continue to notice improvements in comfort, mobility, and performance for months.

Some patients schedule “boost” visits to maintain progress and prevent setbacks, especially if they are active, involved in sports, have chronic conditions, autoimmune conditions or want to avoid future surgery or repeat steroid injections.

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The Key to Your Best Results

To maximize your healing potential during and after SoftWave Therapy:

• Stay well hydrated

• Move daily with gentle activity

• Avoid overexertion

• Consider adding Near Infrared Red Light Therapy

• Follow Dr. Matt’s personalized care recommendations

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Schedule A SoftWave Session Online Here!

Contact Bridge Wellness Center

Bridge Wellness Center
4645 E. Chandler Blvd. Suite 100
Chandler, AZ 85048
Phone: 480-687-3790
Email: info@bridgewellnesscenteraz.com
Website: www.bridgewellnesscenteraz.com