Q&A with Dr. Sam Wagner, Owner of Rehab Lab Wisconsin

At StemWave, we’re always inspired by the ways providers integrate our technology into their unique practices. Today, we’re highlighting Dr. Sam Wagner of Rehab Lab Wisconsin, a chiropractor with a master’s degree in sports rehabilitation. Dr. Wagner works with a wide spectrum of patients—from professional athletes to weekend warriors—and has built his clinic around a model of personalized sessions that combine manual therapy, corrective exercise, and advanced modalities like StemWave.

In this interview, Dr. Wagner shares his journey with StemWave: why he brought it into his practice from day one, the life-changing results he’s seen in patients, and how it’s shaped both his clinical outcomes and business growth.

Background & Journey

Q: Can you tell us a bit about your background and your practice?
I’m a doctor of chiropractic with a master’s in sports rehabilitation and several additional certifications. At Rehab Lab, we see everyone from professional athletes to everyday people who haven’t gotten results from traditional care models like PT or standard chiropractic.

We spend an hour with every patient. That time isn’t just about soft tissue work—we combine modalities like StemWave with corrective exercise. The goal isn’t only to get patients out of pain, but to keep it from coming back so they can perform long-term.

Q: How did you first get introduced to StemWave?
I first experienced StemWave while rehabbing an injury myself, and the results were incredible. When I started my own practice, I knew right away I wanted it to be part of the model. If it worked for me, I knew my patients could benefit too.

Q: What challenges were you facing before adding StemWave?
It wasn’t that we had major challenges—it was more about differentiation. I wanted to set myself apart from other clinics in the area and stay cutting-edge by offering the most advanced technology available.

Clinical Experience

Q: What kinds of patient cases have you seen StemWave help most with?
We’ve had patients cancel knee and shoulder replacements because of the results they’ve gotten with StemWave. Others have avoided stem cell injections, PRP, or other procedures that would have cost them tens of thousands of dollars.

We’ve also used StemWave successfully post-surgery. When combined with PT or exercise rehab, the improvements are often immediate and significant. It’s saved patients time, money, and unnecessary procedures.

Q: What’s been your experience using StemWave alongside other modalities?
It’s been fantastic. We love pairing StemWave with Class IV laser therapy. Using them back-to-back has given patients incredible results. Together, they’ve become a cornerstone of our approach to performance, pain, and recovery.

Business Perspective

Q: You didn’t stop at one device. What convinced you to expand?
The biggest factor was simple: we wanted to help more people, and we saw results happening faster. We went from one device to two at our first location, and when we expanded, we added a third.

One patient’s story stands out. A woman came in with chronic knee pain that had lasted over 10 years. She wore braces and had already decided to move forward with double knee replacements. After her first StemWave treatment, she started crying, not because of pain, but because it was the first time in a decade she wasn’t in pain.

That moment confirmed for me that investing in multiple devices wasn’t just about business, but also about impact.

Q: From a business standpoint, what impact has StemWave had?
It’s helped tremendously with patient retention and word-of-mouth. Revenue has gone up, of course, but most importantly, StemWave has allowed us to scale care while giving patients a treatment option that truly works.

Closing Thoughts

Q: A lot of providers hesitate before investing in new technology. What would you tell someone on the fence about StemWave?

Yes, it’s a big investment, but you won’t know unless you try. The 60-day timeline gives you more than enough time to see if it works for your patients and your business.

What stood out to me was the customer service and support. I talked with other device companies before, and none came close to the experience we’ve had with StemWave. From top to bottom, they’ve been incredible to work with.

Q: Outside of your practice, how do you recharge and take care of your own well-being?
For me, it’s about staying active and spending time outdoors. My wife and I take our dogs for walks, focus on nutrition, and prioritize our own health. If I can’t be the best version of myself, I can’t show up fully for my patients either.

The ripple effect
Dr. Sam Wagner’s story is a reminder of why so many providers are turning to StemWave: not just as a tool, but as a catalyst for both clinical breakthroughs and business growth. His journey from one device to three highlights the power of investing in technology that transforms lives—starting with his own.

If you’re considering StemWave for your practice, take Dr. Wagner’s advice: you won’t know until you try.