Extracorporeal Shockwave Therapy is a non-invasive treatment that delivers shockwaves into soft tissue and bone. These waves stimulate biological responses such as angiogenesis, inflammation modulation, and activation of dormant cells, supporting natural healing and regeneration.
SoftWave® Therapy is a specialized form of Extracorporeal Shockwave Therapy (ESWT) that uses a uniquely engineered parabolic and ellipsoidal reflector to generate broad-focused shockwaves. Unlike other devices that concentrate energy in a single point, SoftWave distributes energy across both deep and superficial tissues, creating a therapeutic zone that can reach up to 12 cm deep without causing microtrauma.
This broad energy field triggers a process called mechanotransduction — where the physical force of shockwaves is converted into biochemical signals at the cellular level. These signals activate stem cells, promote new blood vessel formation, reduce inflammation, and stimulate the body’s natural healing response.
Because of this design and mechanism, SoftWave Therapy is both powerful and gentle: it can treat a wide area of tissue effectively, supporting recovery, pain relief, and tissue regeneration.
SoftWave’s parabolic reflector and ellipsoidal design spreads shockwaves into a broad-focused disbursement, rather than a single painful point. This allows energy to reach 7 cm wide and up to 12 cm deep and cover a wider area, stimulating both superficial and deep tissues at once. The patented distribution avoids microtrauma while effectively triggering mechanotransduction — the cellular process that reduces inflammation, grows new blood vessels, and activates stem cells for natural healing.
Not all technologies marketed as “shockwave” are the same:
SoftWave is FDA 510(k) cleared for:
SoftWave also holds Health Canada licensure for:
View the full FDA and Health Canada clearance details
SoftWave is especially beneficial for patients with:
Yes. Providers frequently use SoftWave for tendon and ligament injuries, sprains, and overuse conditions. Athletes often experience faster recovery timelines and reduced recurrence rates.
Yes. Providers often apply SoftWave to post-operative patients who have adhesions, stiffness, or scar tissue that has not responded to traditional rehabilitation.
Shockwave therapy originated in the 1950s for lithotripsy. In Europe, it has long been a standard option for musculoskeletal injuries. In the U.S., SoftWave has been in business since 2004.
SoftWave is supported by peer-reviewed studies, real-world registries, and adoption at major U.S. medical centers such as Mayo Clinic, UCSF, Thomas Jefferson University, and more. Clinical evidence highlights its effects on angiogenesis, inflammation modulation, pain reduction, and wound healing.
Explore SoftWave Research
Many patients report improvement after the first session. Standard protocols involve weekly treatments for 3–5 weeks, with progressive pain relief and improved function. Please note SoftWave is a true tissue regeneration technology, and there is a researched timeline for regeneration. For example, weeks 0-1 represent the priming phase, weeks 2-4 focus on molecular acceleration, weeks 5-8 involve neovascularization and early remodeling, and weeks 9-12 mark the stages of regeneration and continued remodeling.
Many patients experience noticeable relief after just 1–3 sessions, and improvements often continue to build over several weeks as the body’s healing processes are activated. Because SoftWave® Therapy stimulates long-term biological changes like new blood vessel growth, stem cell activation, and reduced inflammation, results are designed to be lasting rather than temporary.
While the exact duration depends on the condition being treated, many providers report that patients maintain benefits for months to years — often with fewer retreatments compared to other therapies.
SoftWave® Therapy is generally very well tolerated. Unlike other shockwave devices, it does not cause microtrauma to tissues. The most common side effects are mild and temporary, such as slight redness, swelling, or soreness in the treated area. These usually resolve within a few hours.
Because SoftWave stimulates the body’s natural healing processes without drugs, injections, or surgery, it avoids the risks associated with more invasive treatments.
SoftWave® Therapy is generally well tolerated. Because the technology uses a broad-focused energy field instead of a pinpoint, it feels gentler than many other devices. Some patients may notice brief sensitivity in areas of injury or inflammation, but this does not cause tissue damage.
Importantly, treatments are interactive — patients give feedback during the session, and the provider can adjust the energy level, placement, and treatment area to match each patient’s tolerance. This ensures the therapy is both effective and comfortable. Sessions typically last only 5–10 minutes.
Licensed providers and trained staff can administer SoftWave Therapy after completing certification offered by SoftWave TRT.
A typical SoftWave® Therapy session lasts only 5–10 minutes. The exact time depends on the condition being treated and the size of the treatment area. Because the therapy covers both deep and wide tissue zones in a single session, it is efficient while still producing powerful biological responses.
SoftWave® Therapy is designed to be safe and easy to integrate into clinical practice. Providers receive comprehensive onboarding and clinical training that covers:
Training ensures providers can confidently tailor treatments to each patient’s needs.
SoftWave® Therapy is designed to fit seamlessly into a busy clinic. Sessions take only 5–10 minutes, require no anesthesia or downtime, and can often be performed by trained staff under provider supervision.
Because treatments are quick, efficient, and well tolerated by patients, clinics can:
This combination makes SoftWave easy to incorporate into existing workflows while expanding both treatment capabilities and practice growth.
Condition-specific treatment protocols are available for musculoskeletal pain, wounds, burns, and sports injuries. These protocols standardize dosing parameters and improve outcomes.
SoftWave TRT is SoftWave Tissue Regeneration Technologies, the company that developed the patented broad-focused shockwave device.
SoftWave is a medical therapy for pain relief, wounds, and tissue regeneration. Sofwave is a cosmetic device used for skin tightening and aesthetics. They are unrelated technologies.
Read more: SoftWave vs Sofwave
SoftWave is FDA 510(k) cleared for specific indications, including diabetic foot ulcers, burns, connective tissue activation, temporary pain relief, and improved blood supply. “Cleared” means the device is authorized for these labeled uses. Providers may also use it in broader real-world clinical settings.
Explore use in podiatry, urology, pelvic health, orthopedics, sports medicine, physical therapy, and more.
SoftWave technology has been in use in the U.S. since 2004, with past models known as UroGold, OrthoGold, DermaGold, and VetGold, with the current Gold Li-Series representing its latest generation.
The investment in SoftWave® Therapy goes beyond the purchase price — it’s about long-term value for both patients and the practice. Costs vary depending on the model and setup, but key factors include:
While exact pricing is discussed with a SoftWave representative, most clinics find that the device pays for itself quickly through new patient demand, efficient treatments, and sustainable revenue.
Most clinics charge between $150 and $250 per session, though costs vary depending on location and indication.
At this time, SoftWave is generally a cash-pay procedure for musculoskeletal conditions. Providers are getting reimbursement for 0864T and 0512T.
Not all devices marketed as “shockwave” actually produce true shockwaves, and the differences directly affect outcomes, patient comfort, and return on investment. Before choosing a device, providers should evaluate:
These questions help cut through marketing spin and ensure providers choose a proven, evidence-based shockwave technology that delivers safe, effective, and lasting outcomes
SoftWave® Therapy helps practices grow by combining clinical credibility with business efficiency:
The result is a therapy that not only improves patient outcomes but also drives sustainable growth in revenue, reputation, and efficiency.
Join hundreds of providers using SoftWave to deliver better outcomes, improve workflow, and grow their practices.