SoftWave & Shockwave Therapy Questions, Answered Directly

Shockwave therapy, also called extracorporeal shockwave therapy or ESWT, is a non-invasive treatment in which acoustic pressure waves are delivered into a treatment area through an applicator placed on the skin. It is used within musculoskeletal care, most commonly for persistent tendon and plantar heel conditions.

SoftWave is a specific extracorporeal shockwave technology. Acoustic shockwaves are delivered non-invasively through an applicator over the treatment area, and it is used within musculoskeletal care. An evaluation determines whether it may be appropriate for your condition.

Shockwave therapy is the broad category; SoftWave is one technology within it. Different shockwave devices are not identical in how they produce and distribute energy, which is why the distinction matters when reading claims or research.

It delivers acoustic shockwaves into tissue as a mechanical stimulus through an applicator on the skin. Research into the biological effects of shockwave therapy is ongoing, so we describe it at that level rather than presenting a specific mechanism as settled fact.

Regulatory clearances are specific to a device, model and indication and change over time. Confirm the current clearance details for the exact device in use with Total Health Chiropractic or in the manufacturer's own regulatory documentation rather than relying on a summary.

Radial devices generate pressure waves that spread outward from the applicator surface and act more superficially. Shockwave technologies including SoftWave deliver acoustic shockwave energy with device-specific characteristics. Reviews caution against pooling results from the two.

People commonly describe tapping, pulsing or pressure. Sensitivity varies by body area and by person, and some areas can feel mildly uncomfortable during a session. Intensity can usually be adjusted, but it would not be accurate to call it painless for everyone.

Sessions are generally short. Actual treatment time depends on the area treated and the plan set by your clinician.

It depends on the condition, clinical findings, your response and your goals. We don't publish a session count, because any number stated before an examination is a package rather than a plan.

Shockwave therapy is non-invasive, with no incisions or injections. Activity guidance afterward is set by your clinician and sometimes involves deliberate load modification as part of the rehabilitation plan.

It may be considered for persistent running-related tendon and plantar heel conditions after evaluation. One early randomized trial of shockwave for chronic plantar fasciitis was conducted specifically in running athletes.

Persistent golf-related tendon problems at the elbow or shoulder may be evaluated for it. Practice volume, grip pressure and turf contact usually need addressing alongside any treatment.

Pickleball commonly produces elbow, shoulder, knee and Achilles overuse problems, and persistent tendon cases may be evaluated for shockwave. Acute injuries such as a suspected Achilles rupture need prompt assessment instead.

We make no blanket claims about children or adolescents. Young athletes often have growth-related conditions managed differently than adult tendinopathy, and any decision requires an appropriate in-person evaluation.