SoftWave vs Traditional Shockwave Therapy: What’s the Difference?

by | Jul 17, 2025 | Chiropractor

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Regenerative therapies have exploded in popularity, especially among patients seeking non-invasive alternatives to surgery or long-term medication. One standout in this category is SoftWave Therapy—but how does it stack up against traditional shockwave therapy?

While both approaches use acoustic energy to stimulate healing, they differ significantly in how that energy is delivered, how comfortable the treatment feels, and how effective the outcomes are. Clinics offering softwave technology Glendale AZ have seen firsthand how this modern advancement is changing the game in musculoskeletal recovery.

Let’s break down the differences.

What Is Shockwave Therapy?

Traditional shockwave therapy (also known as radial or focused shockwave) uses high-energy sound waves directed at a very small area to treat damaged tissue. It’s been used for decades in physical therapy and orthopedics for conditions like:

  • Tendonitis
  • Plantar fasciitis
  • Tennis elbow
  • Muscle strain injuries
  • Joint inflammation

The goal is to create microtrauma that triggers a healing response, stimulating blood flow and new tissue growth.

What Is SoftWave Therapy?

SoftWave Therapy is a next-generation acoustic wave therapy that uses unfocused, low-intensity energy to stimulate a broader treatment area. It’s more comfortable and more biologically active, often leading to faster and deeper healing.

SoftWave is FDA-cleared and supported by clinical studies for musculoskeletal pain, wound healing, and soft tissue regeneration.

Key Differences: SoftWave vs Shockwave

CategoryTraditional ShockwaveSoftWave Therapy
Energy TypeFocused, high-pressure wavesUnfocused, low-pressure acoustic waves
Treatment AreaLocalized (small treatment area)Broad (larger area, deeper tissue impact)
Comfort LevelOften painful, may require numbingGentle, well-tolerated, no anesthesia needed
Healing MechanismMicrotrauma-basedRegenerative cell activation and circulation
Technology OriginDeveloped for lithotripsy (kidney stones)Designed for tissue healing and regeneration
Clinical UseSports injuries, orthopedic painChronic pain, inflammation, cellular healing

Why Patients Choose SoftWave

  • Less Pain: Unlike traditional shockwave, SoftWave doesn’t hurt during treatment.
  • More Coverage: It treats a larger area, ideal for diffuse or multi-point injuries.
  • Faster Results: Many patients feel relief in the first session.
  • No Recovery Time: Sessions are quick and require no downtime or prep.

Conditions Treated by Both Therapies

  • Plantar fasciitis
  • Shoulder and elbow tendonitis
  • Achilles tendon issues
  • Muscle strains
  • Chronic inflammation
  • Post-surgical scar tissue

However, patients with sensitive tissue, nerve involvement, or pain flare-ups often respond better to the more tolerable and regenerative effects of SoftWave.

Backed by Science

SoftWave technology is supported by peer-reviewed research showing increased recruitment of stem cells, enhanced circulation, and pain relief without harmful side effects. Traditional shockwave is still useful—but many providers are shifting toward SoftWave due to its safety profile and patient satisfaction.

Better Tech, Better Healing

If you’re comparing regenerative therapies, the distinction is clear—SoftWave Therapy offers a more comfortable, comprehensive, and faster path to healing. To learn how this softwave technology service in Glendale AZ is delivering better outcomes, schedule a consultation and see the difference for yourself.

Discover the SoftWave Difference

If you’re considering regenerative therapies for pain relief, why settle for outdated methods? Experience the power of next-generation healing with softwave technology Glendale AZ. At Trinity Advanced Health, we combine advanced technology with personalized care to help you recover faster, feel better, and move freely again.
Book your SoftWave Treatment consultation now and feel the difference for yourself.