Almost every question patients ask about shockwave therapy comes back to one thing: there are three different technologies wearing the same name. Understanding them makes every other comparison easy.
1. Radial Pressure Wave
- Wave: a pneumatic pressure wave, not a true shock wave
- Depth: strongest at the surface, weakens with depth
- Area: radiates outward from the applicator
- Feel: rapid percussive hammering
- Common in: physical therapy and sports medicine settings
2. Focused Shock Wave
- Wave: a true acoustic shock wave
- Depth: concentrated at a selected depth
- Area: a small, precise target point
- Feel: intense at the focal point; numbing sometimes used
- Common in: urology, orthopedics, precise deep lesions
3. Broad-Focused Shock Wave
- Wave: a true acoustic shock wave
- Depth: energy delivered through a range of tissue
- Area: spread across a wider treatment zone
- Feel: firm tapping; typically no numbing required
- Common in: chiropractic and regenerative musculoskeletal care
Where SoftWave Sits
SoftWave is a broad-focused device. It is a true shock wave — which distinguishes it from radial systems — delivered across a wider area, which distinguishes it from tightly focused systems.
Questions Worth Asking Any Provider
- Which of the three technologies does your device use?
- How do you determine where to treat?
- How many sessions do you expect, and how will we measure progress?
- Am I a candidate — and what would make me not one?
We are happy to answer all four. Call our Dunwoody office at (770) 452-0022.
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