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Shockwave Therapy: Does it Hurt?

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At SoftWave we promote healing using shockwave therapy. SoftWave strives to make patients’ lives easier using innovative tissue regeneration technology. We understand that chronic pain in bones, tissues, and other injured bodily areas make life mentally and physically draining for many individuals. Generally, when someone is trying to relieve pain, the last thing they want to try is a painful treatment. To continue to help the lives of our patients we have provided information about what to expect from a shockwave therapy treatment. 

What does shockwave therapy feel like?

Often, the most intimidating part of treating pain is preparing yourself for discomfort or even more pain. The most attractive feature about shockwave therapy is that most people say it feels like small pulses against the skin, sometimes a “tingling” feeling. Granted there are different types of shockwave therapy such as focused, radial, and unfocused technology, which is the type that SoftWave uses. The different types of waves produce different levels of pain. 

  • Radial pressure waves are strongest at the surface therefore can be more painful in some cases. Radial shockwave therapy devices tend to be less comfortable for patients.
  • Focused and unfocused waves tend to be more comfortable for patients than radial pressure waves because they do not produce high impact at the surface of the applicator.

What can I expect from my shockwave therapy session?

You can expect your shockwave therapy session with SoftWave TRT to be brief and efficient. The session only takes about 5-15 minutes depending on the severity of the injury and how many different areas are being treated. The machine used is a handheld device that sends energy in the form of sound waves to the problem area. This will increase the flow of blood and stimulate stem cells to promote healing. Pain relief can be noticed immediately or shortly after treatment if the injury is receptive to the treatment. 

Does shockwave therapy hurt?

Shockwave therapy is a non-invasive, non-surgical treatment. You might feel a little pain or discomfort in the treatment area during the procedure. If this occurs your specialist will be able to adjust the way they’re using the shockwave device if pain is significant. Level of discomfort also depends on the amount of pain the patient is already experiencing. Due to the shortness of the treatments most patients are capable of withstanding the pain or discomfort for the time it takes to complete the treatment, 5-15 minutes. Not all patients experience the same amount of pain, some say it is only a tapping or pulse feeling on the skin. 

What are the side effects of shockwave therapy?

After completing shockwave therapy treatments you can expect a few different side effects. The great thing about this method of therapy is that you’re able to return to your daily routine right away. It is recommended to avoid high impact movements or exercise for the first 24-48 hours. Other than this, there is no prolonged recovery period required for shockwave therapy treatments using SoftWave TRT. Most patients report having immediate pain relief from the injured area, with an exception of soreness 2-4 hours after the treatment. The soreness is minimal and not restrictive. Aside from temporary swelling or soreness, shockwave therapy side effects are very minimal. 

In Summary

SoftWave facilitates healing using unique and patented unfocused shock wave technology which sends shock waves beyond the skin into deep tissue. A SoftWave therapy machine has many benefits including quicker healing for patients, treatments are non-invasive, treatments are quick and easy, there is no need for anesthesia or numbing agents, it is convenient for both the patient and the provider, and a reimbursement path is available to some providers. Shockwave therapy has proven results with minimal pain and discomfort. SoftWave will continue to help the lives of patients and providers using shockwave therapy.

Shockwave therapy for providers

Providers have limited pain-free treatments they can offer to patients. Thankfully, SoftWave has the perfect device for patients that are non-invasive, non-surgical, and effective. 

If you’re a provider and want this convenient therapy method for both you and your patients, visit our Become a Provider page.

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