Comparison
SoftWave? Shockwave? What's the Difference?
Short answer
"Shockwave therapy" is a broad treatment category that includes several device types. SoftWave is one particular technology within that category. Because devices differ in how energy is produced and distributed, study results for one device should not be assumed to apply to another — and no single type is universally superior.
Side by side, where the facts support it
The table below compares categories rather than ranking brands. Where a detail is device-specific, confirm it against the manufacturer's own documentation or with the clinic rather than trusting a summary.
| SoftWave | Focused Shockwave | Radial Pressure Wave | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Category | A specific extracorporeal shockwave technology | A class of shockwave devices | A pressure-wave class often grouped with shockwave |
| Type of energy | Acoustic shockwave energy delivered through an applicator | Acoustic shockwave energy | Radial pressure waves |
| How energy is produced | Device-specific — confirm details with the manufacturer's documentation | Commonly electrohydraulic, electromagnetic or piezoelectric generation | Typically a pneumatically driven projectile striking an applicator head |
| General energy distribution | Described by the manufacturer as broad-coverage acoustic energy | Converges toward a target depth | Spreads outward from the applicator surface, with more superficial effect |
| Terminology in the literature | Reported under the device or trade name in device-specific studies | Usually 'focused ESWT' or 'ESWT' | Usually 'rESWT' or 'radial pressure wave therapy' |
| Common clinical usage | Musculoskeletal care, including persistent tendon and plantar heel conditions | Plantar heel pain, tendinopathies, calcific shoulder tendinitis, bone-related indications | Superficial tendon and soft-tissue conditions, myofascial treatment |
What this means when you're comparing clinics
The useful questions are not "is this the best machine" but "what is my diagnosis, what does the evidence look like for that diagnosis, and what is the whole plan?" A well-chosen device attached to a vague diagnosis is still a guess.
We don't publish criticism of other technologies or claim that one is universally better. Different devices have been studied for different conditions at different energy levels, and clinical judgment decides.
FAQ
Terminology questions
Is SoftWave the same as shockwave therapy?
Not exactly. Shockwave therapy is the broad treatment category. SoftWave is one specific technology within that category, so calling it 'shockwave' is correct in the general sense while 'SoftWave' identifies the particular technology being used.
What is the difference between focused and radial shockwave?
Focused systems converge acoustic energy toward a target depth in tissue; radial pressure-wave systems distribute energy outward from the applicator surface, with effects concentrated more superficially. Clinical reviews have cautioned against treating results from the two as interchangeable.
Is one type of shockwave better than the other?
No type is universally superior. Different devices, energies and protocols have been studied for different conditions, and the appropriate choice depends on the diagnosis, the tissue involved and clinical judgment.
Medical disclaimer
This page is general educational information and is not medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. It does not establish a doctor-patient relationship. Whether SoftWave® or any shockwave therapy is appropriate for you can only be determined through an in-person clinical evaluation.
Reviewed by clinical staff at Total Health Chiropractic · Last reviewed 2026-09-08 · Editorial policy
Don't start with the machine. Start with the diagnosis.
An evaluation determines what is actually causing the problem and whether SoftWave is an appropriate option for you.
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