Comparison
SoftWave vs Traditional Shockwave Therapy
Direct answer
Is SoftWave the same as shockwave therapy?
SoftWave® is a brand of shockwave therapy. So the honest framing is not "SoftWave or shockwave" — it is which category of shockwave device is being used, and what evidence exists for that category in your condition.
| Feature | Focused | Radial | Unfocused (SoftWave) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Wave generation | Electromagnetic, piezoelectric or electrohydraulic; energy converges at depth | Ballistic — a projectile strikes an applicator head at the skin | Electrohydraulic, delivered unfocused across a broad field |
| Energy distribution | Concentrated at a targeted focal depth | Highest at the surface, dissipating with depth | Spread over a wider area at lower peak intensity |
| Typical sensation | Can be sharp at higher energies; sometimes anaesthetised | Percussive tapping | Tapping or thumping; intensity adjustable |
| Research base | Largest body of orthopedic trials | Substantial, especially plantar fasciitis and tendinopathy | Smaller device-specific literature; much cited evidence is from other ESWT devices |
We do not claim SoftWave is superior to other shockwave devices. The comparison above describes technical differences, not outcome rankings.
Common questions
Is SoftWave the same as shockwave therapy?
SoftWave® is a brand of shockwave therapy, so all SoftWave treatment is shockwave therapy — but not all shockwave therapy is SoftWave. SoftWave uses unfocused, broad-field electrohydraulic waves, while many other systems are focused or radial.
Is one type better than another?
The published research does not support a simple ranking. Different device categories have been studied in different conditions with different protocols, and head-to-head comparisons are limited. Anyone claiming a definitive winner is going beyond the evidence.
Does research on focused shockwave apply to SoftWave?
Not automatically. A trial tells you about the device, energy level and protocol used in that trial. Mechanistic similarity is a reason to study a device, not a substitute for studying it.
See if SoftWave therapy is worth exploring for your pain.
Candidacy is determined by evaluation — not by a website. Start with the quiz or call the clinic directly.
Serving Iowa City, Coralville and surrounding Johnson County communities from Total Health Chiropractic's Coralville clinic.