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Pulsewave therapy is a form of extracorporeal shock wave therapy (ESWT) that uses electromagnetic generation to deliver energy into tissues non-invasively. Gaining insight into its mechanism and indications helps physicians evaluate its role in improving patient outcomes and determine how it fits within their treatment strategies.
Defining Pulsewave Therapy and Its Mechanism of Action
Pulse Wave Therapy is a focused form of ESWT that uses electromagnetic generation to concentrate energy into a small focal zone within tissue. Its design allows for precise targeting of deep pathological structures such as calcifications, while limiting exposure to surrounding areas.
The mechanism of action relies on mechanotransduction, where focused shockwaves create controlled microstress in target tissues. This stimulates biological processes such as angiogenesis, neovascularization at tendon-bone interfaces, modulation of inflammatory cytokines, and changes in nociceptive signaling. Over time, these effects can support tissue repair, reduce pain, and improve functional outcomes, consistent with evidence from published systematic reviews on focused ESWT (Liu et al., 2023).
Clinicians should review FDA clearances carefully when evaluating devices. In the case of Pulse Wave Therapy, the manufacturer specifies that the device does not hold FDA approvals or clearances for the treatment of medical conditions.
Focused Shockwave Therapy Indications
While Pulse Wave Therapy is not cleared or marketed for treating specific medical conditions, focused ESWT as a modality has documented applications. It is marketed for chronic tendinopathies such as calcific rotator cuff tendinopathy. In a systematic review, Ioppolo et al., (2013) found that ESWT led to significant pain reduction, functional improvement, and calcific deposit resorption, with disappearance at six and 12 months.
More broadly, focused ESWT has been reviewed across musculoskeletal disorders, including tendinopathies, plantar fasciitis, and joint conditions. Moya et al., (2018) concluded that when appropriately dosed, ESWT is safe, effective, and can improve pain and function across a range of pathologies. Patient selection and treatment planning remain key, as lesion depth, energy flux density, pulse count, and imaging guidance strongly influence outcomes, with differences in device design and focal geometry also shaping clinical results.
Read: Focused Shockwave Therapy Machine
SoftWave Therapy: A Broad-Focused Alternative to Pulse Wave Therapy
While Pulse Wave Therapy is marketed with limitations and lacks FDA clearances, there is an established alternative. SoftWave Therapy introduces a broad-focused approach using patented electrohydraulic generation and a parabolic reflector that distributes energy across both superficial and deep tissues in a single application. The technology reaches a therapeutic field up to 7 cm wide and 12 cm deep, allowing clinicians to impact complex pathologies without the need for repeated repositioning.
SoftWave TRT has received multiple FDA 510(k) clearances, including:
- Relief of minor muscle aches and pains
- Temporary improvement in local blood circulation
- Activation of connective tissue
- Treatment of chronic diabetic foot ulcers, acute second-degree burns, and chronic wounds
These clearances reflect a wide range of approved clinical uses backed by regulatory review.
Supported by a growing body of medical research and trusted by leading clinics, SoftWave Therapy is used in orthopedics, sports medicine, physical therapy, urology, and podiatry. Its broad treatment zone, patient comfort, and versatility make it a reliable option for practitioners seeking to expand care while streamlining workflow.
Learn more about the Best Shockwave Therapy Machine for Providers.
Advance Patient Care with SoftWave Therapy
Pulse Wave Therapy illustrates how focused ESWT can address localized cases, but its lack of FDA clearances limits adoption. SoftWave TRT devices advance the field with a patented broad-focused design that reaches both superficial and deep tissues simultaneously, eliminating the need for pinpoint targeting and delivering consistent biologic responses across a wider range of conditions.
Backed by multiple FDA 510(k) clearances and trusted at leading medical institutions, SoftWave provides proven safety and efficacy. Sessions are short, non-invasive, and comfortable, making it simple to integrate into busy workflows while improving patient satisfaction.
For physicians seeking a versatile, research-backed shockwave solution, SoftWave stands apart from devices with a limited scope. Become a Provider and Schedule a Demo to see how SoftWave TRT can strengthen your practice with broad-focused technology.
