Short answer
SoftWave is a type of shockwave therapy, but not all shockwave therapy is SoftWave. "Shockwave" is the big family name. Inside that family are two main kinds: radial devices, which spread energy near the skin, and focused devices, which send energy deeper.
SoftWave TRT is a focused device with an unusually broad treatment area. That is why we chose it for the chronic knee, heel, shoulder and back pain we see every day at Charleston Pain Relief Center in North Charleston, SC.
Why people mix them up
Picture four moments almost every patient goes through.
Scene 1 · The search
You type "shockwave therapy near me"
Ten clinics pop up. Some say shockwave, some say SoftWave, a few say acoustic wave or pressure wave.
Scene 2 · The prices
The prices are all over the place
One clinic is cheap, another is not. You wonder if it is the same treatment.
Scene 3 · The question
"Is this the same thing?"
It often is not. Different machines work at different depths, and that changes what they can reach.
Scene 4 · The answer
Ask what is inside the name
Focused or radial, how deep, and which brand. Those three answers tell you what you are really buying.
SoftWave vs radial shockwave, side by side
| SoftWave TRT (focused) | Radial shockwave | |
|---|---|---|
| How the energy travels | Focused, broad-field wave aimed at the tissue | Pressure wave that spreads out from the skin |
| How deep it reaches | About 4 to 6 inches | About 1 to 2 inches |
| Area treated per pulse | Wide | Small, right under the tip |
| How it feels | Patients describe it as tapping | Varies by device |
| Session length | About 10 to 15 minutes | Varies by clinic |
| Best fit | Chronic, deeper or stubborn pain | Surface-level tendon or muscle problems |
Depth figures are the typical ranges published for each device type. Your evaluation decides what fits you.
3 questions to ask any clinic
- Is it focused or radial?
- How deep does it reach?
- What is the brand and model?
You will see other names too, like acoustic wave, pressure wave or StemWave. These questions sort them out fast. For a deeper look at the main brands, see our SoftWave therapy in North Charleston.
Quick check: is SoftWave worth a look for you?
Tap each one that sounds like you.
My pain has lasted longer than 3 months.
That is the kind of pain SoftWave is used for most: chronic soft-tissue problems where healing has stalled.
I have tried rest, ice, stretching or physical therapy, and it keeps coming back.
When standard care has plateaued, a focused shockwave approach is often the next step we discuss.
I would rather avoid more shots or surgery if there is another option.
SoftWave is drug-free and non-surgical, with no downtime. We will tell you honestly if it is not the right fit.
Two or more sound like you? Start with a free consultation. Pick a time here.
Ready to find out if SoftWave fits your pain?
Your consultation is free. If you want to move forward, your exam and first SoftWave session are $49, so you feel it before you decide. New patients; Medicare and Medicaid rules apply.
Book my free consult Text us (message is ready)Rather talk? Call (843) 604-2276
Questions people ask us
Is SoftWave the same as shockwave therapy?
SoftWave is one type of shockwave therapy. "Shockwave" is the family name; SoftWave TRT is a specific brand of focused, broad-field device. Many clinics that say "shockwave" use radial pressure-wave machines, which work closer to the surface.
Which is better, SoftWave or radial shockwave?
It depends on the problem. For chronic or deeper pain that has stopped responding to other care, we prefer focused SoftWave because it reaches deeper and treats a wider area per pulse. Radial devices can work well for surface-level problems. At your first visit we tell you which, if either, fits your case.
What does SoftWave feel like?
Most patients describe SoftWave as a comfortable tapping. How a radial device feels varies by machine and setting. SoftWave sessions are short, about 10 to 15 minutes.
Is SoftWave FDA-cleared?
Yes. The SoftWave OrthoGold device we use is FDA-cleared for activation of connective tissue, improved blood supply and pain reduction.
How do I know what kind of shockwave a clinic uses?
Ask three questions: Is it focused or radial? How deep does it reach? What is the brand and model? A clinic should answer all three in one sentence.
Keep reading: Does SoftWave actually work? · What to expect after your first session
This article is general information, not medical advice. Individual results vary. Charleston Pain Relief Center, 2294 Otranto Rd, North Charleston, SC 29406.