SoftWave Therapy - FAQs

1. What is SoftWave Therapy?

Softwave Therapy is a non-invasive regenerative treatment that uses electrohydraulic shockwaves to stimulate healing, reduce inflammation, and promote tissue repair at a cellular level.

2. How does SoftWave Therapy work?

The shockwaves penetrate deep into the tissue, triggering a biological response that increases blood flow, stimulates stem cell activation, and accelerates natural healing.

3. Is SoftWave Therapy painful?

Most patients experience mild to moderate discomfort during treatment, but it is typically well-tolerated. The sensation often feels like a tapping or tingling in the treated area.

4. How long does a Therapy session take?

Sessions vary from 30 to 90 minutes depending on care plan. Initial evaluations are 60 minutes and include a treatment.

5. How many sessions will I need?

The number of sessions varies based on the condition and individual response to treatment. Many patients experience relief after 1–3 sessions, while chronic conditions may require 6–10 treatments for optimal results.

6. Are there any side effects?

Softwave Therapy is generally safe with minimal side effects. Some patients may experience mild redness, soreness, or swelling in the treated area, which usually resolves within a few hours to days.

7. How soon will I feel results?

Stem cell migration takes about 48 hours to complete. Many patients report immediate pain relief after their first session, while others notice gradual improvements over a few days or weeks.

8. what should I do after my treatment?

  • Take it easy and relax if possible

  • Light stretching and walking are ok

  • Epsom salt bath and applying topical ointments/creams can help with soreness

  • Hydrate and replenish electrolytes

9. What should i avoid doing after my treatment?

  • Do not take anti-inflammatories (e.g. ibuprofen)

  • Do not perform strenuous activities for at least 15-24 hours (i.e. weightlifting; running; sports; etc.)

  • Do not apply ice to any area treated with softwave (heat and topical ointments are OK to use)

  • Do not receive additional treatments/bodywork on the same day AFTER softwave (i.e. massage; chiro adjustment; dry needling; acupuncture; etc. / these treatments are OK to have on the same day if they are done BEFORE softwave)

10. Is SoftWave Therapy covered by insurance?

We accept Anthem BCBS if used as a primary (not secondary) insurance plan. Patients are responsible for the cost of treatment if insurance does not cover treatment. Receipts are offered to Medicare patients looking to submit info for reimbursement.

11. Who should NOT get SoftWave Therapy?

  • Pregnant individuals

  • Individuals with blood clotting disorders

  • Those with active infections in the treatment area

  • Softwave cannot be performed over any area injected with cortisone for 21 days, but other areas can be safely treated during this time

12. Will softwave fix neuropathy?

Softwave therapy for neuropathy is variable and maybe a slow process due to the regeneration speed of nerves. Faster results have been known to occur in patients combining softwave with red light therapy.

13. How do I know if SoftWave Therapy is right for me?

The best way to determine if softwave is right for you is to schedule an evaluation with a therapist who will assess your condition and medical history to see if you’re a good candidate.

14. How do I schedule an appointment?

You can book an evaluation/session through our online scheduling system or call our office at 502-255-2041.

Book here!

Peer Reviewed Articles on ESWT (softwave) Therapy:

De la Corte-Rodríguez, H.; Román-Belmonte, J.M.; Rodríguez-Damiani, B.A.; Vázquez-Sasot, A.; Rodríguez-Merchán, E.C. Extracorporeal Shock Wave Therapy for the Treatment of Musculoskeletal Pain: A Narrative Review. Healthcare 2023, 11, 2830. https://www.mdpi.com/2535208

Zhang, X., Ma, Y. Global trends in research on extracorporeal shock wave therapy (ESWT) from 2000 to 2021. BMC Musculoskelet Disord 24, 312 (2023). https://bmcmusculoskeletdisord.biomedcentral.com/articles/10.1186/s12891-023-06407-9

Xiong Y, Wen T, Jin S, Lin L, Shao Q, Peng Y, Zheng Q and Li W (2024) Efficacy and safety of extracorporeal shock wave therapy for upper limb tendonitis: a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials. Front. Med. 11:1394268.doi:10.3389/fmed.2024.1394268 https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/medicine/articles/10.3389/fmed.2024.1394268/full