What is Softwave?
The science: Softwave is electrohydraulic shockwave therapy that promotes blood flow and tissue healing. The electrohydraulic acoustic sound waves create a shearing force on a cellular level that helps break up scar tissue and remove oxidative stresses that have built up around the cell membrane.
These sound waves can penetrate 12 centimeters below the skin surface, accessing structures like joints, ligaments, tendons, nerves, and muscles.
How does it work?
When the sound waves enter your tissue, they create a process called mechanotransduction — where mechanical energy is converted into a biological response. This triggers the release of growth factors (i.e. stem cells), improves blood flow, and helps the body move out of a “stuck” inflammatory phase.
To put it simply: Softwave helps your body heal itself, faster and more completely.
What does Softwave do?
Softwave tricks the body into thinking there is a new injury without damaging the tissue. This treatment:
- activates an innate healing response on a cellular level
- decreases inflammation at the treatment site
- decreases pain at the treatment site
- stimulates your OWN STEM CELLS within 45 minutes of this treatment
- Increases blood flow to the treated area by 300%
Research shows a success rate for musculoskeletal disorders of 65-91%. After 5-6 treatments, we should have the maximum stem cell production that will continue to migrate and repair the tissue over the next 8-12 weeks.
Is it safe?
Yes. Softwave is FDA-cleared. It’s completely non-invasive and doesn’t cause bruising or tissue damage. There’s no downtime — you can go right back to your day.
For optimal results, we recommend avoiding NSAIDs, ice, and vigorous activity for 24 hours after treatment.
Who cannot undergo Softwave?
Softwave cannot be applied over:
- Pacemaker
- Malignancy, i.e. tumor, cancer
- Pregnant uterus
- Growth plates
What does Softwave treat?
Softwave treats most musculoskeletal and neuromuscular injuries and pain conditions. This includes:
- Pelvic pain, pudendal neuralgia, pelvic floor myalgia
- Vestibulodynia, vulvodynia
- Chronic pelvic pain syndrome (CPPS) / chronic prostatitis (CP)
- Painful bladder syndrome (PBS) / Interstitial cystitis (IC)
- Erectile Dysfunction
- Incontinence
- Wound healing / scar tissue repair (C-section scars, post-op scars, perineal tears, etc.)
What does it feel like?
Most people describe a gentle tapping or pressure sensation. During application, you will hear a repetitive tapping sound as we administer on average 1500 shocks to the treated area. In some cases, it can recreate or reproduce your symptoms in a therapeutic way.
How many treatments do I need?
Most protocols recommend 3-6 treatments of shockwave. Depending on severity and how long you have been suffering from symptoms, it may take up to 8 treatments.
What is the cost?
There are two routes of use for shockwave therapy. You can add shockwave therapy to your physical therapy appointments or you can book shockwave as a stand alone treatment. For more booking information and prices, visit our booking page.
Do I need maintenance treatments?
No. Unlike other physical therapy modalities, shockwave is not a temporary pain relief. It is actually stimulating increased blood flow, tissue healing, and tissue regeneration. This means that after the treatment protocol, you will not need more shockwave treatments to maintain symptom relief.
