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Bone-on-Bone Knee Osteoarthritis Relief Without Surgery Using SoftWave Tissue Regeneration Technology

Published November 28th, 2025 by Revive SoftWave Therapy

Knee Pain

Bone-on-Bone Knee Osteoarthritis Relief Without Surgery Using SoftWave Tissue Regeneration Technology

Being told you have “bone-on-bone” knee osteoarthritis can feel discouraging and overwhelming. Many people are told their only options are steroid injections, joint replacement surgery, or living with chronic pain and limited mobility. For individuals struggling to walk, climb stairs, stand up from chairs, or enjoy daily activities, this diagnosis can feel like the end of the road.

At Revive SoftWave Therapy, Dr. Timothy DelMedico and his team want patients to know this important truth:

Bone-on-bone does not mean hopeless.

With advancements in regenerative technology, many people with advanced knee osteoarthritis are finding meaningful pain relief, improved mobility, and a better quality of life without surgery or injections through SoftWave Tissue Regeneration Technology (TRT).

What Does “Bone-on-Bone” Knee Osteoarthritis Mean?

“Knee osteoarthritis” occurs when the cartilage that normally cushions the knee joint gradually breaks down. Over time, the space between the femur (thigh bone) and tibia (shin bone) narrows, leading to increased friction, inflammation, and pain.

The term “bone-on-bone” is commonly used when imaging shows:

  • Severe cartilage loss

  • Joint space narrowing

  • Bone spurs (osteophytes)

  • Chronic inflammation within the knee joint

While cartilage loss may be advanced, pain and function are largely driven by inflammation, poor circulation, nerve irritation, and tissue health—all areas that SoftWave Therapy directly targets.

Common Symptoms of Bone-on-Bone Knee Osteoarthritis

People with advanced knee osteoarthritis often experience:

  • Deep, aching knee pain

  • Stiffness, especially in the morning

  • Pain going up or down stairs

  • Difficulty standing from a seated position

  • Knee swelling and inflammation

  • Grinding, popping, or clicking sensations

  • Reduced range of motion

  • Instability or fear of the knee “giving out”

  • Decreased ability to walk or exercise

These symptoms can significantly impact independence and quality of life.

Why Traditional Treatments Often Fall Short

Conventional care for bone-on-bone knee arthritis often includes:

  • Anti-inflammatory medications

  • Steroid injections

  • Gel injections

  • Bracing

  • Physical therapy

  • Knee replacement surgery

While these options may temporarily reduce symptoms, they often:

  • Do not improve tissue health

  • Do not stimulate healing or regeneration

  • Lose effectiveness over time

  • Carry risks and downtime

  • Fail to address chronic inflammation and poor circulation

Many patients are searching for a conservative option that actually supports healing, not just symptom suppression.

What Is SoftWave Tissue Regeneration Technology?

SoftWave Therapy is an advanced shockwave technology developed in Germany that uses electrohydraulic, broad-focused acoustic waves to stimulate healing at the joint, tissue, and cellular levels.

Unlike narrow-focused shockwave devices or injections, SoftWave Therapy:

  • Treats large joint and soft tissue areas

  • Penetrates deeply into knee structures

  • Is safe around bone, cartilage, and nerves

  • Activates regenerative biological signaling

  • Is non-surgical, non-injection, and drug-free

SoftWave Therapy focuses on improving the joint environment, even in advanced arthritis cases.

The Science Behind SoftWave Therapy for Bone-on-Bone Knee Osteoarthritis

SoftWave Therapy initiates a powerful cascade of biological responses that help reduce pain and support long-term knee joint health.

Modulation of Chronic Inflammation

SoftWave Therapy helps regulate chronic inflammatory processes inside the knee joint, reducing swelling, stiffness, and pain.

Angiogenesis and Improved Blood Flow

SoftWave stimulates VEGF, promoting angiogenesis and improved circulation to tissues surrounding the arthritic joint. Better blood flow supports healing and joint nutrition.

Nitric Oxide Signaling (eNOS)

Activation of eNOS improves microcirculation, oxygen delivery, and vascular health—critical for joint and bone support.

Cellular Repair and Regeneration

  • PCNA supports cellular repair and regeneration

  • Toll-like receptor activation improves immune signaling and coordinated tissue healing

Activation and Migration of Resident Stem Cells

SoftWave Therapy stimulates the activation and migration of resident stem cells to the knee joint, supporting repair and regeneration of surrounding tissues without injections.

How SoftWave Therapy Helps Bone-on-Bone Knee Arthritis

Patients with advanced knee osteoarthritis often experience:

  • Reduced knee pain

  • Decreased inflammation and swelling

  • Improved ability to walk and stand

  • Easier stair climbing

  • Improved range of motion

  • Increased confidence and stability

  • Reduced reliance on medications

  • Delayed or avoided knee replacement surgery

Many patients are surprised by how much improvement is possible—even after being told they were “bone-on-bone.”

A Conservative Alternative to Knee Replacement Surgery

SoftWave Therapy does not claim to regrow cartilage overnight, but it does:

  • Improve the biological environment of the knee

  • Reduce pain and inflammation

  • Support tissue health and joint function

  • Help patients remain active and independent

  • Provide an option before committing to surgery

For many, SoftWave Therapy becomes a bridge to long-term function and quality of life.

Why Choose Revive SoftWave Therapy?

Dr. Timothy DelMedico was hand-selected by SoftWave Headquarters in Alpharetta, Georgia as a SoftWave ELITE Provider, recognizing his leadership and expertise in regenerative care.

At Revive SoftWave Therapy, patients benefit from:

  • Elite-level SoftWave TRT protocols

  • Personalized knee arthritis care plans

  • A conservative, drug-free approach

  • Integration with red light therapy and wellness strategies

  • A team focused on mobility, longevity, and quality of life

Take the Next Step Toward Knee Pain Relief

If you’ve been told you have bone-on-bone knee osteoarthritis, surgery may not be your only option. SoftWave Therapy may help you reduce pain, improve mobility, and regain confidence in your knee.

Schedule a SoftWave Therapy new patient visit online today:
https://www.revivesoftwave.com/contact

Revive SoftWave Therapy Contact Information

Revive SoftWave Therapy
Two Convenient Locations in Central New York

Utica Office

2709 Genesee Street
Utica, NY 13501
Phone: 315-725-8427

Syracuse Office

5000 Brittonfield Parkway
Inside Crouse Medical Center
East Syracuse, NY 13057
Phone: 315-941-8932

Schedule Your $99 New Patient Special Here!

Frequently Asked Questions About Bone-on-Bone Knee Osteoarthritis and SoftWave Therapy

What does “bone-on-bone” knee osteoarthritis mean?

“Bone-on-bone” knee osteoarthritis refers to advanced cartilage loss in the knee joint, where joint space has narrowed significantly and bones may rub against each other. This often leads to chronic pain, stiffness, inflammation, and reduced mobility.

Does bone-on-bone knee arthritis always require knee replacement surgery?

No. While knee replacement is sometimes recommended, many people with bone-on-bone knee osteoarthritis can experience meaningful pain relief and improved function through conservative, non-surgical care focused on inflammation control, circulation, and tissue health.

Why does bone-on-bone knee arthritis hurt so much?

Pain from advanced knee arthritis is driven by chronic inflammation, irritated nerve endings, poor circulation, bone stress, and surrounding soft tissue degeneration—not just cartilage loss alone.

Can SoftWave Therapy help bone-on-bone knee osteoarthritis?

Yes. SoftWave Therapy can help reduce pain, decrease inflammation, improve circulation, and support tissue regeneration around the knee joint, even in advanced bone-on-bone arthritis cases.

Can SoftWave Therapy regrow knee cartilage?

SoftWave Therapy does not claim to regrow cartilage overnight. Instead, it improves the biological environment of the knee by reducing inflammation, improving blood flow, and activating cellular repair mechanisms that support joint health and function.

How does SoftWave Therapy help knee osteoarthritis pain?

SoftWave Therapy works by modulating inflammation, stimulating angiogenesis, improving microcirculation, activating stem cells, and supporting tissue repair and regeneration at the joint and cellular levels.

Is SoftWave Therapy better than steroid injections for knee arthritis?

Steroid injections may provide short-term pain relief but do not promote healing and can weaken tissues over time. SoftWave Therapy promotes natural tissue repair and long-term pain relief without injections or drugs.

Can SoftWave Therapy help delay or avoid knee replacement surgery?

Yes. Many patients use SoftWave Therapy to delay or avoid knee replacement surgery by reducing pain, improving mobility, and maintaining independence and quality of life.

Is SoftWave Therapy safe for advanced knee arthritis?

Yes. SoftWave Therapy is FDA-cleared and safe when delivered by trained providers. It is non-invasive and does not damage bone, cartilage, or surrounding tissues.

How many SoftWave Therapy sessions are needed for bone-on-bone knee arthritis?

The number of sessions varies based on severity, chronicity, and individual response. Many patients notice improvement within the first few sessions, with optimal results achieved through a personalized care plan.

Does SoftWave Therapy help with knee stiffness and swelling?

Yes. SoftWave Therapy helps reduce chronic inflammation, knee swelling, stiffness, and improves joint mobility in patients with advanced arthritis.

Can SoftWave Therapy help with stairs and getting out of chairs?

Yes. Many patients report improved ability to go up and down stairs, stand from seated positions, and walk longer distances after SoftWave Therapy.

Can SoftWave Therapy help older adults with knee osteoarthritis?

Yes. SoftWave Therapy is commonly used by older adults seeking a conservative, drug-free approach to managing knee arthritis pain and maintaining mobility.

Is there downtime after SoftWave Therapy for knee arthritis?

No. SoftWave Therapy requires no downtime. Patients can typically resume normal daily activities following treatment.

Should I avoid ice after SoftWave Therapy for knee osteoarthritis?

Yes. Avoid icing the treated knee for the first 48 hours after SoftWave Therapy, as ice can interfere with the body’s natural healing response stimulated by treatment.

Should I stay hydrated after SoftWave Therapy?

Yes. Staying well hydrated supports circulation, cellular repair, and tissue healing after SoftWave Therapy.

Does red light therapy help knee osteoarthritis?

Yes. Red light therapy can enhance circulation, reduce inflammation, and support cellular repair when combined with SoftWave Therapy. Ask Dr. Tim about in-office and take-home red light therapy options.

Why choose Revive SoftWave Therapy for bone-on-bone knee osteoarthritis?

Revive SoftWave Therapy is led by Dr. Timothy DelMedico, a SoftWave ELITE Provider hand-selected by SoftWave Headquarters. The clinic specializes in conservative, regenerative joint care focused on pain relief, mobility, and quality of life.

How do I schedule a SoftWave Therapy consultation for knee osteoarthritis?

You can schedule a new patient visit online here:
https://www.revivesoftwave.com/contact

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