Both focused shockwave and SoftWave produce true shock waves — this is not a case of one being "real" shockwave and the other not. The difference is how the energy is distributed.
Focused Shockwave
A focused device concentrates its energy at a defined depth and a small target point. That precision is an advantage when the problem is a small, deep, well-localized lesion that the provider can identify accurately.
The tradeoff: the treatment point is intense, targeting has to be accurate, and some focused protocols are uncomfortable enough that numbing is used.
Broad-Focused Shockwave (SoftWave)
SoftWave spreads true shock wave energy across a wider zone. When irritated tissue covers a region rather than a pinpoint — a broad fascia, a tendon tender along its length, a large muscle group — treating the whole zone is often more practical.
The tradeoff runs the other way: less pinpoint intensity at a single deep target.
How to Think About the Choice
- Small, deep, precisely located problem — focused delivery has an argument
- Broad or diffuse area of irritated tissue — broad-focused has an argument
- Comfort and no numbing required — broad-focused is typically easier to tolerate
At Compass Family Chiropractic in Dunwoody we use SoftWave, and we start every case with a mapping session so we are treating the tissue that is actually involved. Call (770) 452-0022.
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