SoftWave Therapy: A Different Approach to Pain and Tissue Recovery

SoftWave Therapy offers an advanced, non-invasive alternative for chronic pain management and accelerated tissue recovery by harnessing electrohydraulic acoustic sound waves. This technology delivers high-energy acoustic pulses deep into damaged cellular environments to stimulate microcirculation, reduce inflammation, and trigger the body’s natural repair mechanisms. By recruiting native stem cells and promoting angiogenesis, SoftWave Therapy addresses the root causes of musculoskeletal injuries, joint pain, and chronic inflammation without needles, surgery, or downtime.

SoftWave Therapy is a non-invasive form of extracorporeal shockwave therapy (ESWT) that uses broad-focused acoustic waves to stimulate a healing response in painful or slow-to-recover tissue.

SoftWave Therapy device penetrates through layer of tissue to deliver healthing shockwaves.

SoftWave Therapy uses electrohydraulic technology to create a true acoustic shockwave. During treatment, a handheld applicator delivers short pulses of mechanical energy through the skin and into the targeted area.

The goal is not to force tissue to heal or “break up” an injury. Instead, the mechanical stimulus may activate cellular signaling and support the body’s normal repair processes in tissue that is painful, inflamed, scarred, or not responding as expected. SoftWave describes this process as mechanotransduction: a physical signal that can lead to chemical and biological activity in the treatment area.

  • Drug Free
  • Natural Healing
  • Get Back to Your Life
  • Patient-Led Care

SoftWave Therapy may be worth exploring if you are looking for a non-surgical, drug-free option for an ongoing musculoskeletal concern—especially if pain is affecting your ability to stay active, work comfortably, exercise, or enjoy everyday movement.

A SoftWave Discovery Session may be a good fit if:


  • You have had pain for weeks, months, or longer
  • An old injury continues to limit your activity
  • You want to understand non-invasive care options before considering more invasive steps
  • You have tried rest, home care, medication, or other conservative measures without the improvement you hoped for
  • You want a provider to evaluate your specific situation rather than self-diagnose from online information

SoftWave Therapy is not appropriate for every person or every condition. Dr. Faith will discuss your history and goals, identify any reasons to seek additional medical evaluation, and help you decide on an appropriate next step.

What happens during a SoftWave appointment?

SoftWave sessions are typically brief, but the evaluation behind them matters. We use your symptoms, movement, and real-time feedback to identify the area that needs attention and create a plan that makes sense for you.

We Listen

We start with you: your story, your concerns, your goals.

Assess movement and tissue

Dr. Faith evaluates the area, nearby movement patterns, and potential contributors to your symptoms.

Locate the treatment area

The SoftWave applicator is moved over the area while you provide feedback about where you feel familiar tenderness or sensitivity. This can help guide treatment toward the most relevant tissue.

Build the next step

You leave with a clear recommendation. That may include SoftWave sessions, chiropractic care, mobility work, strength-based rehabilitation, activity modifications, referral, or a different approach altogether.

Knee Pain
Minimalist line-art illustration of a spinal column section with radiating lines highlighting lower back pain or target treatment areas.
Back Pain
Minimalist line-art illustration of a shoulder ball-and-socket joint with radiating lines indicating treatment location for SoftWave Therapy.
Shoulder Pain
Minimalist line-art illustration showing an open human palm and wrist.
Hand Pain
Minimalist line-art icon of an open hand and wrist with highlighted target points and radiating pain lines at the finger and wrist joints.
Arthritis
Minimalist line-art icon showing the bottom view of a human foot sole with radiating lines indicating heel or plantar fasciitis pain areas.
Foot Pain
Minimalist line-art illustration of side-profile foot and ankle bones with radiating lines highlighting top-of-foot and ankle joint pain.
Ankle Pain
Minimalist line-art icon of a lower leg and foot illustrating nerve pathways with radiating lines indicating peripheral neuropathy or nerve pain treatment.
Neuropathy
Minimalist line-art icon depicting a surgical scalpel beside a medical cross, representing post-surgical recovery or non-surgical SoftWave Therapy alternatives.
Post Surgical
Minimalist line-art illustration of the hip pelvis and femur joint with radiating lines pointing to the target joint area for SoftWave Therapy.
Hip Pain
Minimalist line-art illustration of a leg profile with radiation lines highlighting pain or treatment at the back of the knee and calf area.
Leg Pain
Minimalist line-art illustration of an elbow joint bone structure with motion lines indicating pain or SoftWave Therapy treatment target area.
Elbow Pain

Softwave Therapy supports your body’s natural ability to repair, rebuild and restore function over time.

Supports circulation

Enhances blood flow to deliver nutrients and support healing.

Encourage signaling

Stimulates cellular communication that promotes repair.

reduce sensitivity

Calms overactive pain signals and supports comfort.

Create Movement

Prepares tissue to respond, rehab and build strength.


If you are ready to explore whether SoftWave Therapy may fit your needs, schedule a $49 SoftWave Discovery Session with Dr. Faith at Simply Well Chiropractic.

Most people describe SoftWave as intense but tolerable, particularly when the applicator reaches a sensitive area. Your provider can adjust treatment settings and use your feedback to guide the session. Discomfort should be discussed during treatment rather than pushed through silently.

SoftWave Therapy is a type of shockwave therapy, but not all devices marketed as “shockwave” use the same technology. SoftWave uses broad-focused electrohydraulic acoustic shockwaves. Other systems may use focused shockwaves or radial pressure waves, which have different physical characteristics and energy patterns.

SoftWave treatment visits are often brief—commonly around 10 to 15 minutes—though your first visit may be longer because it includes a consultation and focused assessment

It depends on the condition, how long it has been present, your activity demands, your overall health, and how you respond to care. We will explain a recommended starting plan after evaluating you and reassess based on meaningful changes in your symptoms and function.

Many people return to normal daily activity after a visit. However, your provider may recommend modifying strenuous exercise, impact activity, or other aggravating demands depending on the area treated and your condition. Follow the specific aftercare plan you receive.

Medical devices are often described as FDA-cleared rather than FDA-approved. SoftWave TRT states that its technology has FDA 510(k) clearances for specific indications, including activation of connective tissue, increased local blood circulation, relief of minor muscle aches and pains, chronic diabetic foot ulcers, and acute second-degree burns. FDA clearance for a device does not mean every condition advertised for treatment has the same clearance or that results are guaranteed.

Insurance does not cover Softwave Therapy treatments.

SoftWave may not be appropriate in certain circumstances, such as pregnancy, treatment over an area with active cancer, certain bleeding risks, active infection, or circumstances involving implanted electronic devices. A clinician should screen your health history and determine whether treatment is appropriate for you.

Dr. Faith Swartzendruber of Simply Well Chiropractic in Cincinnati leans against the counter, smiling.

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