What is SoftWave Therapy?
SoftWave Therapy is an advanced regenerative treatment that uses broad-focused electrohydraulic shockwave technology to stimulate the body’s natural healing response. It is designed to help reduce pain, improve function, and support tissue repair without drugs, injections, or surgery.
SoftWave Therapy may be helpful for a wide variety of conditions, including:
- Joint pain and arthritis
- Tendon and ligament injuries
- Plantar fasciitis
- Shoulder pain
- Knee pain
- Hip pain
- Neck and back pain
- Sports injuries
- Chronic pain conditions
- Slow-healing injuries
SoftWave vs. Traditional Shockwave Therapy
Many patients have heard of “shockwave therapy” and wonder how SoftWave is different.
While both technologies use acoustic waves to stimulate healing, the way those waves are generated and delivered to the body can be very different.
Traditional Radial Shockwave Therapy
Traditional radial shockwave systems typically use a pneumatic or radial mechanism to generate pressure waves that spread outward from the treatment applicator. These devices are often effective for treating localized musculoskeletal conditions but generally focus on smaller specific treatment areas and more superficial tissues.
SoftWave Therapy
SoftWave uses broad-focused electrohydraulic technology, allowing energy to penetrate deeper while covering a larger treatment zone. Rather than focusing on a single painful spot, SoftWave can help identify injured tissue throughout a broader area and help stimulate the body’s natural healing response more efficiently.
Key Differences
| Feature | SoftWave Therapy | Traditional Radial Shockwave |
|---|---|---|
| Technology | Electrohydraulic broad-focused waves | Pneumatic/radial pressure waves |
| Treatment Area | Larger treatment zone | Smaller targeted areas |
| Depth of Penetration | Deep tissue penetration with broad coverage (12-15 cm) | Generally more superficial (2-5 cm) |
| Energy Delivery | Broad-focused energy distribution | Energy disperses outward from the applicator |
| Tissue Detection and Coverage | Can help identify injured tissue over a wider region including injured tissue and surrounding structures | Requires provider to pinpoint treatment areas focusing on localized areas |
| Treatment Comfort | Often described as more tolerable by patients | Can be uncomfortable when high energy is required |
| Treatment Efficiency | Larger regions can often be treated during one session | Multiple treatment points may be required |
| Biological Response | Designed to stimulate stem cell activation, angiogenesis (new blood vessel formation), and tissue regeneration | Primarily focused on pain relief and tissue stimulation |
| FDA Status | FDA-cleared for improving blood supply and activating connective tissue | FDA clearances vary by device and manufacturer |
Potential Benefits of SoftWave Therapy
Research suggests that electrohydraulic shockwave technology may help:
- Increase blood flow to damaged tissues
- Stimulate cellular repair mechanisms
- Improve circulation and tissue regeneration
- Reduce inflammation
- Non-invasive treatment
- No downtime following treatment
- Encourage the body’s natural healing response
Your Discovery Visit
The first step is a SoftWave Discovery Visit.
During this visit, we will:
- Review your health history and condition
- Determine whether SoftWave is a good fit for your goals
- Perform a treatment mapping assessment
- Discuss expected outcomes and treatment recommendations
- Answer any questions you may have
What Does a Typical Treatment Plan Look Like?
Every patient is different, but most patients begin with:
- Twice per week for 2 weeks
- Once per week for 3 weeks
This initial phase allows us to stimulate healing and monitor your progress.
After the first five weeks, visits are typically spread out based on your response and goals.
How Many Treatments Will I Need?
The number of visits varies depending on several factors, including:
- The type of condition being treated
- How long the problem has existed
- The severity of the injury
- Your body’s healing response
Acute Injuries
Patients with newer injuries may complete care in as few as 10 visits.
Chronic Conditions
Patients with longstanding or degenerative conditions often benefit from additional treatments and may choose periodic maintenance visits to support long-term function and comfort.
Maintenance visits are commonly scheduled every 1-3 months depending on the individual’s needs.
Follow-Up Treatment Costs
Pricing is determined by:
- The area(s) being treated
- The amount of tissue involved
- The number of waves required during the session
- The complexity of the condition
Your provider will review all recommendations and costs with you before beginning care.
Is SoftWave Right for Me?
The best way to determine whether SoftWave Therapy is appropriate for your condition is to schedule a Discovery Visit. Our team will evaluate your specific concerns and provide personalized recommendations based on your goals and health history.
We look forward to helping you move better, feel better, and get back to doing the things you love.