SoftWave therapy is a non-invasive treatment method that utilizes acoustic waves to stimulate healing and reduce pain in targeted areas of the body. It enhances the body’s natural regenerative processes without requiring surgical intervention or long-term medication use, promoting tissue repair and regeneration.
The Science Behind SoftWave
SoftWave therapy employs unfocused electrohydraulic shockwave technology, generating high-energy sound waves that penetrate deep into damaged tissues. These acoustic waves create a controlled microtrauma at the cellular level, initiating a cascade of biological responses. This mechanical stimulation, known as mechanotransduction, converts physical force into biochemical signals within cells. The process triggers increased blood circulation by promoting new blood vessel formation, called angiogenesis, which delivers oxygen and nutrients to injured tissues.
The therapy activates and recruits dormant stem cells, encouraging them to migrate to the treatment site. These stem cells repair damaged muscles, tendons, ligaments, and joints. SoftWave therapy also helps modulate inflammation, reducing swelling and discomfort. It contributes to the breakdown of scar tissue and calcifications, improving tissue flexibility and function.
What Happens During a Session
During a SoftWave therapy session, a healthcare professional applies a water-based gel to the treatment area to facilitate acoustic wave transmission. A handheld device delivers short bursts of acoustic energy to the affected region. Patients may experience a pulsing sensation or mild tapping, which is noticeable but not painful. Treatment intensity can be adjusted for comfort.
A single SoftWave therapy session typically lasts 10 to 15 minutes, though it can extend up to 20 minutes. Anesthesia or numbing agents are not usually required, and there is generally no recovery time. Patients can resume normal daily activities immediately. A common course involves 3 to 6 sessions, spaced about a week apart, for optimal results.
Conditions Treated with SoftWave
SoftWave therapy is applied for a range of conditions and injuries, particularly those affecting the musculoskeletal system. It is commonly used for orthopedic issues such as tendinitis, including Achilles tendinitis and rotator cuff tendinitis. Plantar fasciitis, a common cause of heel pain, also responds to this treatment. Joint pain in areas like the knee, hip, shoulder, and elbow, as well as lower back pain, are frequently addressed.
The therapy is also utilized for conditions like tennis elbow and golfer’s elbow, muscle strains, and ligament injuries. Beyond orthopedic concerns, SoftWave therapy has applications in addressing chronic inflammation of soft tissues and supports wound healing, including chronic diabetic foot ulcers and acute second-degree burns. It also aids post-surgical recovery by reducing scar tissue and accelerating healing.
Important Safety Considerations
SoftWave therapy is considered safe, with minimal and transient side effects. Patients might experience mild temporary redness, swelling, or tenderness around the treated area. These minor effects are short-lived, resolving within 24 to 48 hours. Some individuals may also report a tingling sensation.
While rare, potential complications include blistering or changes in sensation, but these are infrequent. Certain conditions are contraindications for SoftWave therapy.
It is not recommended for pregnant individuals due to unknown fetal effects. Patients with pacemakers or other implanted electronic devices should also avoid treatment in the area of the device, as the shockwaves may interfere with their function. Additionally, active malignancy in the treatment area is a contraindication. A thorough consultation with a healthcare professional is important to determine if SoftWave therapy is appropriate.