When pain or an injury sticks around, it can be frustrating, especially when it starts getting in the way of your normal routine. At Health by Design Chiropractic, we’re always looking for ways to help our patients feel better, move better, and get back to doing what they enjoy.
One of the innovative technologies we offer to help support that process is SoftWave Therapy. Whether you’re dealing with an overuse injury, lingering discomfort, or simply struggling to get back to feeling your best, SoftWave may be an option worth exploring.
What Is SoftWave Therapy?
SoftWave Therapy is a non-invasive treatment that uses therapeutic acoustic waves to stimulate a biological response within the body. These waves are delivered through an applicator placed against the skin, allowing acoustic energy to reach the treatment area without the use of needles, medications, or surgery.
As the acoustic waves interact with the body’s tissues, they trigger a process known as mechanotransduction. In simple terms, mechanotransduction is how cells respond to mechanical stimulation and convert it into biological activity. This helps activate the body’s natural healing response rather than simply masking discomfort.
How Does SoftWave Support the Healing Process?
When SoftWave’s acoustic waves reach an area of the body, they create mechanical stimulation within the tissue. This stimulation can encourage biological processes involved in tissue repair and recovery.
SoftWave is FDA-cleared for specific indications, including the activation of connective tissue, relief of minor muscle aches and pains, and improvement in local blood circulation.
At Health by Design, SoftWave may be incorporated into a larger treatment plan designed around the individual patient. By stimulating tissue and supporting circulation, the technology gives us another way to work with the body’s natural healing processes.
What Makes SoftWave Different?
Not all shockwave technology works the same way. One of SoftWave’s distinguishing features is its patented broad-focused applicator. SoftWave uses a parabolic reflector to disperse acoustic energy across a broad treatment area rather than concentrating it at one small point.
This broad-focused design allows the acoustic waves to reach both superficial and deeper tissues across a larger area. SoftWave reports a treatment zone approximately 7 centimeters wide and 12 centimeters deep. This can be especially useful when an area of discomfort isn’t limited to one tiny, easily identifiable point.
What Can SoftWave Therapy Be Used For?
At Health by Design, we may consider SoftWave Therapy for patients experiencing a variety of musculoskeletal concerns and injuries.
Depending on the patient and their individual treatment plan, these may include concerns involving the back, knees, shoulders, wrists, elbows, hamstrings, Achilles tendinopathy, plantar fasciitis, and more. SoftWave may also be considered when addressing overuse injuries, scar tissue and adhesions, or recovery from certain injuries.
Because every person and injury is different, SoftWave isn’t a one-size-fits-all solution. Our team can evaluate your specific concerns and determine whether it makes sense as part of your care plan.
What Does a SoftWave Appointment Feel Like?
One of the biggest benefits for patients is how simple a SoftWave appointment can be. Sessions at Health by Design typically last around 10–15 minutes, although treatment time may vary depending on the area being addressed and your individual needs.
We will first apply warm gel to the skin around the treatment area. The SoftWave applicator is then moved across the area while delivering a series of acoustic pulses. You’ll hear a clicking sound as the device operates, and your practitioner may ask for feedback throughout the session. That feedback can actually be helpful in identifying areas that may need additional attention.
Once the treatment is complete, you can get back to your day—there are no needles or surgical incisions involved!
Could SoftWave Be Right for You?
Pain doesn’t always mean you have to choose between simply living with it and pursuing more invasive options. SoftWave Therapy gives us another non-invasive tool to help activate connective tissue, support local circulation, and work with the body’s natural healing response.
If an injury, chronic discomfort, or overuse issue has been keeping you from doing the things you love, the team at Health by Design Chiropractic can help determine whether SoftWave Therapy may be appropriate for you.