SoftWave Therapy in Cincinnati | Dr. Faith Swartzendruber, DC

SIMPLY WELL CHIROPRACTIC

SoftWave Therapy is an FDA‑cleared, non‑invasive treatment that uses gentle acoustic sound waves to stimulate your body’s natural healing response.

Instead of masking pain with drugs or surgery, SoftWave therapy helps activate dormant stem cells, increase blood flow, and support tissue regeneration in injured or chronically painful areas.

Performed in‑office with no incisions, no injections, and no downtime.

SoftWave Therapy (also called tissue regenerative therapy or a form of extracorporeal shockwave therapy, ESWT) is a treatment that uses true electrohydraulic acoustic waves to jump‑start your body’s natural repair processes. These broad‑focused waves travel through a water medium in the device, then into muscles, tendons, ligaments, joints, and nerves to stimulate cellular healing.

Unlike older “radial” shockwave devices that concentrate energy at a single, often painful point, SoftWave’s technology treats a wider area of tissue more comfortably while reaching 4–5 inches deep.

At Simply Well Chiropractic in Cincinnati, we use SoftWave as a regenerative, evidence‑informed option for patients who have tried medications, injections, or traditional therapies and still have pain.

SoftWave therapy uses focused acoustic (sound) waves to nudge your cells into a healing mode, rather than simply numbing pain. From a medical standpoint, it combines physics (mechanical energy) with biology (cell signaling and tissue repair).

A SoftWave device generates high‑energy electrical discharges inside a water-filled chamber.


These discharges create a tiny plasma bubble that rapidly expands and collapses, producing a brief but intense pressure wave that travels through the water and into a treatment head placed on your skin.

When this acoustic wave enters the body, it spreads through soft tissue as a controlled mechanical “disturbance.”
You don’t see it, but at a microscopic level, cells and the structures around them are being gently deformed and stressed in a very specific, short-lived way.

Cells aren’t just passive; they sense mechanical forces and convert them into biochemical signals, a process called mechanotransduction.
When an acoustic wave from SoftWave passes through tissue, it slightly stretches and compresses cell membranes, the surrounding matrix, and small blood vessels.

In response, cells:

  • Open ion channels and change electrical activity across their membranes.
  • Release signaling molecules such as growth factors and cytokines.
  • Activate pathways that control inflammation, pain perception, and tissue repair.

This “chemical cascade” is what makes SoftWave a regenerative therapy rather than just a pain-masking modality.

During SoftWave Therapy, a handheld applicator delivers acoustic waves into the tissues around your painful area.
These waves trigger a biological response called mechanotransduction, which can increase circulation, calm inflammation, and signal resident stem cells to begin repairing damaged tissue.

The device creates a spark in water that forms a plasma bubble, generating high‑energy sound waves that travel through gel on your skin into deeper layers of tissue. These waves create a gentle mechanical stress that wakes up cells and activates repair signals in the area.

SoftWave promotes angiogenesis—new blood vessel formation—so more oxygen and nutrients reach damaged tissue, supporting faster, more complete healing.

At the cellular level, SoftWave modulates inflammatory pathways and can reduce chronic inflammation that has stalled healing, helping ease pain and swelling.

Research shows that SoftWave can activate previously dormant stem cells and growth factors that support tissue repair, remodeling, and regeneration long after your session ends.

By improving tissue quality, circulation, and cellular signaling, SoftWave can break the cycle of pain, guarding, and limited movement so you can move more comfortably again.

By improving circulation, reducing chronic inflammation, and activating healing cells, SoftWave supports the body’s natural ability to repair damaged tissue rather than just masking symptoms.

Because SoftWave works with your body’s own biology, many patients continue to notice improvements for weeks or even months after completing their treatment plan.

  • SoftWave Therapy activates your body’s natural healing response by improving blood flow, calming harmful inflammation, and stimulating tissue repair for longer-lasting pain relief.

Once mechanotransduction is triggered, several key processes can happen in the treated area:

Improved circulation (angiogenesis)

New micro‑blood vessels begin to form, and existing vessels dilate, increasing blood flow and bringing in more oxygen and nutrients needed for repair.

Stem cell activation and recruitment

The mechanical and chemical signals can activate local stem and progenitor cells and attract them to the injured region, increasing the pool of cells available to rebuild tissue.

Reduced chronic inflammation

SoftWave can help shift the local environment away from a chronic “stuck inflamed” state toward a more balanced, pro-healing state, modifying inflammatory mediators and reducing irritation over t

Tissue remodeling and regeneration

With better blood flow, more active repair cells, and a healthier inflammatory environment, damaged tendon, ligament, muscle, and other soft tissues can gradually remodel—strengthening and reorganizing rather than remaining scarred and painful.

Benefits SoftWave Therapy Patients Experience

SoftWave therapy is designed to do more than dull pain for a few hours—it aims to change the underlying health of the tissue so you can move and live more comfortably. When treatment is appropriate and part of a well‑designed care plan, patients often notice a combination of the benefits below.

Less Pain and Stiffness

Better Mobility and Function

Faster Recovery from Injuries

Less Reliance on Medications and Invasive Procedures

Support for Long‑Term Tissue Health

SoftWave Therapy is especially helpful for stubborn musculoskeletal and nerve‑related conditions where healing has stalled or pain keeps coming back. At Simply Well Chiropractic in Cincinnati, common conditions we treat with SoftWave include:

We design every SoftWave visit at our Cincinnati clinic to be efficient, comfortable, and highly targeted.

Consultation and exam

Dr. Faith reviews your history, listens to your goals, and performs a focused exam to decide whether SoftWave is appropriate for your condition.

Diagnostic + first treatment in one visit

During the Discovery Session, we use the SoftWave Therapy handpiece to scan the area and “map” your pain, while also delivering therapeutic acoustic waves to begin the healing process.

Immediate feedback

Many patients notice a change in pain or motion even during this first visit, which helps us predict how well you are likely to respond to a complete plan.

Typical SoftWave therapy Session Experience

  • Ultrasound gel is applied to the treatment area.
  • A handheld SoftWave device delivers pulses of acoustic energy for about 10 minutes.
  • You may feel tapping or brief tenderness over the most irritated spots; this is usually very tolerable and short‑lived.
  • No anesthesia, injections, or downtime are required, and most patients go right back to work or daily activities afterward.


When you compare shockwave therapy options in Cincinnati, it’s crucial to know that not all shockwave devices deliver the same depth, comfort, or regenerative power. Simply Well Chiropractic uses this regenerative treatment—one of the most advanced FDA‑cleared shockwave technologies available, designed for deeper penetration, greater tissue coverage, and superior regenerative results.

  • Penetrates 4-5 inches deep
  • Reaches deep tissue
  • Treats large areas per session (faster treatments)
  • Activates up to 300% more stem cells than radial devices
  • Gentler on surface tissue, more comfortable
  • Proven tissue regeneration and angiogenesis.

SoftWave Therapy delivers measurable outcomes backed by peer-reviewed research and real-world patient data. Unlike treatments that merely mask symptoms, extracorporeal shockwave therapy (ESWT) activates biological healing mechanisms at the cellular level—and the results speak for themselves.

  • 91% of patients experience significant pain reduction and functional improvement
  • 83% success rate for chronic plantar fasciitis cases that failed conservative treatment
  • Tissue regeneration visible on imaging within 4-6 weeks, with continued improvement for up to 12 months
  • Stem cell recruitment increases up to 300% in treated areas, accelerating natural repair
  • Angiogenesis (new blood vessel formation) documented in previously damaged tissue, restoring circulation to injury sites

Patients often ask, “Why do I keep improving for months after my last session?” Because shockwave therapy doesn’t just numb pain—it triggers biological repair processes that keep working long after your final visit. This is why it is better described as tissue regeneration therapy than simple pain management.

After years of helping chronic pain patients in Cincinnati, Dr. Faith repeatedly sees the same pattern: people come in discouraged after cycling through treatments that only provided brief relief. Understanding where conventional options fall short makes it clear why shockwave therapy is able to deliver more durable, meaningful results.

  • Pain medications block pain signals but do not repair damaged tissue, so symptoms often return once you stop taking them.
  • Physical therapy can improve strength and mechanics, but it does not directly regenerate injured tissue on its own.
  • Cortisone injections may quickly calm inflammation, yet repeated use can weaken tissue and fail to resolve the underlying damage.
  • Shockwave therapy targets the injured tissue itself, stimulating your body to actively heal the area—so improvements tend to be deeper, more stable, and longer lasting.


Patients often want to know how SoftWave compares to other options. Here is a concise overview:

Treatment typeHow it worksProsLimitations
SoftWave Therapy (unfocused electrohydraulic)Broad‑focused acoustic shockwaves reach deep and wide tissue zones, improving blood flow, reducing inflammation, and activating stem cells for tissue repair.Non‑invasive, short sessions, treats larger areas, comfortable for most patients, regenerative healing that can last months.Not usually covered by insurance; multiple visits recommended.
Radial/older shockwave devicesConcentrated energy on a small, superficial area.Can help some localized tendon issues.Can be more uncomfortable, treats smaller areas, may not reach deeper tissues as effectively.
Medications (NSAIDs, pain pills)Temporarily block pain and inflammation signals.Short‑term relief, easy to start.Do not repair tissue, potential side effects, relief often disappears when you stop taking them.
Cortisone injectionsStrong anti‑inflammatory shot into a painful joint or tendon.Fast, short‑term pain reduction.Repeated use may weaken tissue and does not correct the underlying damage.
SurgeryPhysically repairs or removes damaged tissue.Necessary for some severe or structural problems.Invasive, higher risk, longer recovery; not appropriate or needed for many soft‑tissue conditions.

SoftWave aims to bridge the gap between conservative care and surgery by stimulating your own biology to heal tissue, not just quiet symptoms.

The number of sessions depends on how long you have had the problem, what tissues are involved, and how your body responds.

  • Many acute or more recent issues improve within about 4–6 sessions.
  • Long‑standing or multi‑site chronic pain may require 6–10 sessions.
  • Sessions are typically scheduled 1–2 times per week at the beginning, then tapered as healing builds.

At Simply Well Chiropractic, we reassess your progress regularly and only recommend additional visits when we see clear evidence that your body is still actively responding.



If you live in Cincinnati or the surrounding area and are looking for SoftWave Therapy that prioritizes safety, outcomes, and clear guidance, Simply Well Chiropractic is ready to help.


  • Local, patient‑centered SoftWave care
    We are a Cincinnati chiropractic clinic that integrates SoftWave Therapy with gentle, evidence‑informed chiropractic and rehabilitative care when appropriate, focusing on your whole‑person health, not just one painful area.
  • SoftWave‑trained provider
    Dr. Faith Swartzendruber is a licensed chiropractor and tissue regenerative therapy provider who has focused on SoftWave since 2023, helping patients who “have tried everything” find meaningful, lasting relief.
  • Clear communication and informed consent
    Every treatment plan is thoroughly explained, including expected benefits, risks, and alternatives, so you always understand your options.
  • Real‑world results
    Our patients regularly report improvements in pain, function, and quality of life after completing a SoftWave plan, especially for issues like chronic knee pain, plantar fasciitis, and neuropathy

Dr. Faith Swartzendruber is a licensed chiropractor (Ohio License DC-05144) and tissue regenerative therapy specialist dedicated to helping Cincinnati patients overcome chronic pain without surgery or drugs.

With a Doctor of Chiropractic degree from Palmer College of Chiropractic and a Master of Science in Education from Eastern Illinois University, Dr. Faith brings both clinical expertise and a commitment to clear, patient-centered communication. She completed her clinical internship at Fort Meade VA Medical Center, where she gained extensive experience treating complex musculoskeletal conditions across diverse patient populations.

Dr. Faith has specialized in SoftWave Therapy (tissue regenerative therapy) since 2023, helping patients who feel they have “tried everything” find meaningful, lasting relief. At Simply Well Chiropractic in Cincinnati, we approach every patient with a philosophy rooted in transparency, informed consent, and whole-person wellness.

At Simply Well Chiropractic, we help Cincinnati patients reduce pain, restore function, and build more resilient whole‑body health through gentle, evidence-informed chiropractic and SoftWave care.

Move beyond “managing pain” to truly healing

Most insurance plans do not currently cover SoftWave Therapy, so we keep pricing transparent and straightforward.


Includes consultation, exam, and your first diagnostic‑plus‑treatment session so you can experience SoftWave and see how your body responds before committing to a full plan.

$49

  • Comprehensive Diagnostic Assessment
  • Potential pain relief or improved mobility
  • Personalized Examination by Dr. Faith
  • Customized Care Plan
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Most patients complete a short series of sessions tailored to their condition, with package options available to reduce per‑visit cost.

$165/treatment

  • Phased Treatment Schedule
  • Ongoing Healing and Maintenance
  • Continued healing after treatments are complete
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Real stories from real people—discover how Electrohydraulic Shock Wave Treatment has helped others find relief, regain mobility, and get back to doing what they love. Their experiences can show what’s possible for you, too.


If SoftWave Therapy (also known as Tissue Regenerative Therapy) is new to you, it’s quickly changing how patients heal from stubborn pain and injury. This advanced treatment uses targeted sound waves to:

  • Boost circulation and naturally speed up your body’s healing process
  • Activate previously inactive stem cells, triggering repair that can continue for up to 12 months
  • Stimulate your body’s built‑in ability to regenerate and restore damaged tissue

Although SoftWave Therapy has been in use for several years, its full benefits are only now becoming widely recognized as more patients and providers share their results. If you’re just starting to explore whether SoftWave is right for you, this SoftWave FAQ will walk you through the key benefits, safety considerations, and what to expect from treatment.

SoftWave Therapy is an innovative, highly effective treatment that uses high‑energy sound waves to target areas of the body that are injured, degenerating, or chronically painful. These therapeutic waves penetrate deeply into the tissue, activating stem cells and growth factors that are essential for repairing muscles and connective tissue. By increasing metabolic activity, enhancing blood flow, and encouraging cellular regeneration, Cellular Regeneration Therapy helps reduce pain while improving mobility and overall function.

SoftWave Therapy harnesses the power of electrohydraulic shock waves (sound waves) to stimulate your body’s natural healing processes.

Below is a breakdown of how SoftWave Therapy works:

The Treatment Process
Application: Our Simply Well Chiropractic team uses a handheld device to deliver gentle, broad-focused shockwaves to the affected area. We apply ultrasound gel to enhance conductivity and comfort during the session.
Stimulation: These shockwaves penetrate deep into injured tissues, promoting a cascade of healing responses at the cellular level.
Session Experience: Most patients feel a pulsing or tapping sensation. Treatments generally last 10 minutes, are well tolerated, and require no anesthesia or downtime.


How the Technology Works
Creation of Shockwaves: The device creates a spark in water, forming a plasma bubble. This burst of energy produces high-speed sound waves that pass through tissue, stimulating healing without causing injury.
Wide Coverage: Unlike older therapies, SoftWave distributes energy across a larger area, reaching both superficial and deep tissues and providing a more comfortable and effective session.


Biological Effects
SoftWave Therapy initiates multiple regenerative processes:
Increases Blood Flow: Enhanced circulation delivers oxygen and nutrients to aid tissue repair and regeneration.
Reduces Inflammation: Modulates the body’s inflammatory response, reducing pain and swelling.
Stimulates Stem Cells: Activates dormant stem cells and promotes the production of growth factors and cytokines, jump-starting tissue repair.
Breaks the Pain Cycle: Helps restore tissue function, decrease pain signals, and accelerate recovery.

The number of SoftWave sessions you need depends on your specific condition, how long you’ve had it, and how your body responds over time. In many cases, patients see meaningful results with as few as 4 to 10 treatments, and each visit typically takes about 10 minutes. At Simply Well Chiropractic, the team usually starts with a conservative number of sessions, then recommends additional treatments only if needed based on your progress.

SoftWave Therapy is a fantastic resource for aiding:

  • Tendinitis (including Achilles tendinitis and rotator cuff tendinitis)
  • Plantar fasciitis (heel pain)
  • Joint pain (knee, hip, shoulder, and elbow)
  • Lower back pain
  • Tennis elbow and golfer’s elbow
  • Muscle strains and ligament injuries
  • Chronic inflammation of soft tissues
  • Athletes with repetitive strain injuries
  • Older adults with degenerative joint conditions
  • Workers with overuse injuries
  • Post-surgical patients seeking faster recovery
  • Achilles Tendonitis/Tendinosis
  • Shoulder Arthritis/Bursitis/Shoulder Tear/Frozen Shoulder
  • Wrist Pain/TFCC Tears
  • Lumbar Pain/Lumbar Arthritis/Lumbar Disc Problem
  • Hip Pain/Hip Arthritis/Hip Bursitis
  • Carpal Tunnel Syndrome
  • Hand Arthritis (Rheumatoid/Osteo/Psoriatic)/Hand Pain
  • Knee Pain/Knee Arthritis/Knee Tear
  • Tendonitis/Tendinosi
  • Arthritis
  • Bursitis

Additionally, it has proven highly successful in treating conditions like shoulder pain, plantar fasciitis, and arthritis.

SoftWave Therapy is a safe procedure, non-invasive treatment that is generally well tolerated. The most common reactions are soreness or tenderness at the treatment site, but sometimes there is a brief increase in discomfort before improvement begins.

These effects usually resolve within 24 hours and are considered a normal part of the body’s healing response. Rarely, more pronounced side effects such as numbness, tingling, or skin discoloration may occur, and in exceptional cases, headaches or vasovagal responses (such as fainting) have been reported

Serious or long-term complications are extremely uncommon.

SoftWave Therapy is not recommended for individuals who are pregnant, have active cancer, or possess certain implanted medical devices.

Overall, most patients don’t experience any side effects. Those who do find the side effects manageable.

Patients undergoing SoftWave Therapy can expect a significant reduction in pain and inflammation in the treated area. Additionally, many individuals experience improved mobility and function.

The therapy works by stimulating the body’s natural healing response, which not only provides symptomatic relief but also promotes long-term tissue repair and regeneration. Therefore, healing often continues for weeks after the treatment plan is completed, as the biological processes initiated by SoftWave Therapy persist in the affected tissues.

For some, maintenance sessions may be recommended to help sustain results and prevent recurrence of pain.

Most patients describe the sensation as tapping or brief discomfort over the most irritated spots, but they tolerate it well, and the intensity is adjustable. Any soreness afterward is usually mild and short‑lived.

Some people notice improvement after the first session; others see gradual change over several visits as tissue heals and inflammation resolves. Because SoftWave stimulates regeneration, progress often continues even after your last treatment.

Yes. Many clinics and studies support using SoftWave alongside movement‑based rehab and other conservative care to improve strength, mechanics, and long‑term outcomes.

If you are in Cincinnati and dealing with chronic knee pain, plantar fasciitis, neuropathy, or another stubborn condition, SoftWave Therapy may be the missing piece in your recovery.

Call Simply Well Chiropractic or request an appointment online today to schedule your $49 SoftWave Discovery Session and take the first step toward lasting pain relief and better function.

Written and medically reviewed by Dr. Faith Swartzendruber, DC
Ohio Chiropractic License: DC-05144 | Palmer College of Chiropractic
Founder, Simply Well Chiropractic, Cincinnati

Benefits SoftWave Therapy Patients Experience

SoftWave therapy is designed to do more than dull pain for a few hours—it aims to change the underlying health of the tissue so you can move and live more comfortably. When treatment is appropriate and part of a well‑designed care plan, patients often notice a combination of the benefits below.

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