Digital Social Hour: The Science Behind Wasabi Method with Dr. Adam Gavine
Episode: "The Science Behind Wasabi Method: Heal Smarter, Not Harder | Adam Gavine DSH #1321"
Release Date: April 13, 2025
Host: Sean Kelly
Guest: Dr. Adam Gavine
Introduction
In this enlightening episode of Digital Social Hour, host Sean Kelly engages in a deep dive with Dr. Adam Gavine, a seasoned chiropractor and co-founder of Wasabi Method. The discussion centers around the innovative shockwave therapy developed by Wasabi Method, exploring its scientific foundations, applications, and the transformative impact it has on musculoskeletal health.
Background of Dr. Adam Gavine
Dr. Adam Gavine brings over 14 years of experience in chiropractic care, specializing in shockwave therapy. His extensive background includes international training and teaching roles across countries such as China, Indonesia, Korea, Malaysia, and Australia. Currently pursuing a Master’s of Research at the University of Sydney, Dr. Gavine emphasizes evidence-based practices and continuous learning.
Notable Quote:
"I'm all about the research because I'm actually doing my Masters of research at the University of Sydney. I'm happy to share them." [11:50]
Understanding the Wasabi Method
Wasabi Method is more than just a shockwave therapy device; it's a comprehensive approach to healing that integrates biomechanical, physiological, and pathological knowledge. The method employs radial pressure waves to stimulate the body's natural healing processes, promoting tissue repair and regeneration.
Notable Quote:
"We’re causing all these growth factors. So I’m telling your body to make new veins and new lymphatics." [26:44]
How Shockwave Therapy Works
Shockwave therapy utilizes acoustic sound waves to treat various musculoskeletal issues. Dr. Gavine explains the different energy levels used in shockwave treatments:
- High Energy: Used in lithotripsy to break down kidney stones, requiring general anesthesia due to pain intensity.
- Medium to Low Energy: Facilitates tissue healing and repair without the need for anesthesia.
Wasabi Method’s device operates within a therapeutic window, delivering radial pressure waves that are slightly lower in energy than traditional shockwaves but sufficient to induce physiological changes.
Notable Quote:
"When you use medium or low energy sound waves, they cause tissues to heal and repair." [02:09]
Physiological Benefits and Effects
Dr. Gavine highlights 19 physiological effects of shockwave therapy, with significant emphasis on:
-
Angiogenesis: Promotion of new blood vessel formation through the release of Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor (VEGF), enhancing blood flow and oxygenation to treated areas.
Quote:
"It tells your body to grow new blood vessels in that area and that's a permanent change." [13:30] -
Fibroblast Proliferation: Stimulates the production of fibroblasts, cells responsible for cleaning and repairing tissues, akin to having more "repairmen" within the body.
Quote:
"It's more that I'm stimulating the body to create more of these repairmen, the fibroblasts." [16:20] -
Neovascularization: Encourages the growth of new veins and lymphatic vessels, addressing conditions like lymphedema and improving overall tissue health.
Quote:
"It's called neovascularization. I'll link some studies that show that." [26:44] -
Inflammation Reduction: Decreases neurogenic inflammation by downregulating inflammatory pathways, providing relief from pain and swelling.
Quote:
"It causes the nociceptors to release substance P, which decreases neurogenic inflammation." [28:11]
Applications in Various Conditions
Wasabi Method’s shockwave therapy is versatile, addressing a wide range of musculoskeletal issues:
-
Tendon Problems: High success rates (80-85%) in treating tendons, such as tennis elbow and rotator cuff injuries.
Quote:
"Tendon problems are notoriously bad at getting better or they come back often. We're trying to fix the problem, not just treat the symptoms." [27:44] -
Skin Health: Enhances collagen production, aiding in the treatment of cellulite and skin rejuvenation.
-
Wound Healing: Effective for diabetic ulcers and pressure wounds by promoting tissue regeneration.
-
Lymphedema: Improves lymphatic function by encouraging new lymphatic vessels to bypass damaged areas.
Safety and Efficacy
Dr. Gavine emphasizes the safety and minimal side effects of shockwave therapy. A notable study discussed included nearly 2,000 patients with zero severe side effects, highlighting the therapy’s exceptional safety profile.
Notable Quote:
"We had zero side effects, which is unheard of." [22:13]
Common minor side effects include temporary redness, soreness, or inflammation, typically resolving within 24-48 hours.
Quote:
"The benefits just seem to outweigh the risk tremendously." [22:52]
Business Story and Origin of Wasabi Method
The inception of Wasabi Method is rooted in Dr. Gavine’s extensive experience and his collaboration with Dave Asprey, a prominent figure in the biohacking community. Initially facing challenges in partnering with major shockwave device companies due to influencer associations and lack of sales experience, Dr. Gavine and Asprey pivoted to collaborate with a more receptive company, granting them autonomy over branding and operations.
Notable Quote:
"We picked the name Wasabi because it's catchy and memorable. Our tagline is 'spicy, but it's good.'" [09:26]
This autonomy allowed Wasabi Method to develop comprehensive educational modules covering various body systems and advanced treatment techniques, distinguishing them from competitors who offer limited training.
Future Directions and Upcoming Events
Wasabi Method is actively expanding its reach and impact. Upcoming plans include participation in biohacking conferences, where they will offer free treatments to introduce more practitioners and the public to their innovative methods. Dr. Gavine also highlights the ongoing development of advanced treatment protocols and educational resources to support practitioners in delivering optimal care.
Notable Quote:
"We’re going to be offering free treatments at the biohacking conference to let people try Wasabi Method out." [20:33]
Conclusion
This episode of Digital Social Hour provides a comprehensive overview of the Wasabi Method and its groundbreaking approach to musculoskeletal health through shockwave therapy. Dr. Adam Gavine’s expertise and passion for evidence-based treatments underscore the transformative potential of this therapy in promoting long-term healing and overall well-being.
For more information on Wasabi Method and to explore their services, visit wasabimethod.com or follow them on Instagram @Wasabi_Method.
Highlighted Quotes with Timestamps:
- "It tells your body to grow new blood vessels in that area and that's a permanent change." — Dr. Adam Gavine [13:30]
- "We have about a 80 to 85 success rate on most tendons." — Dr. Gavine [27:00]
- "We had zero side effects, which is unheard of." — Dr. Gavine [22:13]
- "We’re going to be offering free treatments at the biohacking conference." — Dr. Gavine [20:33]
This summary encapsulates the key discussions and insights from the podcast, providing a detailed and structured overview for those who haven’t listened to the episode.