SoftWave® is an FDA-cleared form of shockwave (acoustic-wave) therapy. At Charleston Pain Relief Center in North Charleston, SC, we use it as a gentle, non-surgical option for pain relief with plantar fasciitis, tennis and golfer’s elbow, knee, shoulder and back pain and Achilles trouble, and many people with peripheral neuropathy ask about it too — it’s aimed at increasing local blood flow and supporting your body’s natural repair response. Results vary. Most patients complete a short series of sessions rather than one visit. Individual results vary.
By the numbers: FDA-cleared device · ~10-minute sessions · you can go right back to your day.
SoftWave Shockwave Therapy in North Charleston, SC
Get back to walking, working and playing comfortably. Most sessions take about 10 minutes.SoftWave TRT sends gentle, focused sound waves into the sore area, increasing blood flow so it can calm down. 10-minute sessions, and you can walk right out and get on with your day.
Pain Relief · North Charleston
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The same SoftWave® technology trusted by the pros — and the world’s top hospitals
You don’t have to be a pro athlete to get pro-level recovery. SoftWave, an FDA-cleared shockwave technology its maker says is used by pro sports teams and major medical centers, is right here in North Charleston, SC.
Pick a date — SoftWave evaluations available this week
Watch the 4-minute guide
SoftWave therapy in North Charleston, explained
See what SoftWave is, what it helps with, what a session feels like, and what it costs. Open the chapters below for the key points. Each one links to that moment on YouTube.
A 4-minute guide from Charleston Pain Relief Center
Video chapters and key points
- 0:00 · The short answer
SoftWave is an FDA-cleared acoustic wave therapy for sore muscles, tendons and soft tissue. Sessions take about 10 minutes, and you go right back to your day. Free consult, then a $49 first visit with your first SoftWave session. - 0:27 · What is SoftWave?
A form of shockwave therapy that uses sound waves instead of medicine or surgery. Many clinics use radial devices that spread a pressure wave near the skin; SoftWave uses a focused design, which its maker says reaches deeper and covers a wider area. - 0:53 · What does SoftWave help with?
Heel pain from plantar fasciitis, tennis and golfer’s elbow, stiff shoulders and rotator cuff trouble, knee pain, Achilles trouble and hip bursitis. It is also part of our back pain and neuropathy plans. - 1:20 · How does SoftWave work?
Its FDA clearance covers activating connective tissue, a temporary increase in local blood circulation, and relief of minor aches and pains. It pairs well with Class IV laser and chiropractic care. - 1:50 · What does a session feel like?
A little gel, a small applicator, a tapping sound and a strong pulsing. About 10 minutes per area with no downtime. Mild soreness for about a day is normal. - 2:16 · Is SoftWave right for me?
We won’t recommend it over a pregnancy, near an active cancer, with an untreated clotting problem, or over an infection at the treatment site. With a pacemaker, we review your case first. Your exam always comes first. - 2:41 · What does SoftWave cost?
Free consult and a $49 first visit for new patients (normally $130; Medicare and Medicaid rules apply). Most plans are 5 to 8 sessions, about once a week. SoftWave is self-pay; HSA/FSA, CareCredit and payment plans are accepted. Results vary from person to person. - 3:14 · How to get started
Your team includes founder Dr. Angela Tharnish and our chiropractors at 2294 Otranto Road in North Charleston. Same-week visits, no referral needed.
The video in plain words
- SoftWave is an acoustic wave therapy for sore muscles, tendons and soft tissue, FDA-cleared for temporary relief of minor aches and pains and a temporary increase in local blood circulation; sessions take about 10 minutes.
- You can drive, work or train the same day, and most people do 5 to 8 weekly sessions.
- Your consultation is free, and your $49 first visit includes an exam and your first SoftWave session.
Read what the video says
The short answer
If you're looking for SoftWave or shockwave therapy in North Charleston, here's the short answer. At Charleston Pain Relief Center, SoftWave is an acoustic wave therapy for sore muscles, tendons and soft tissue, FDA-cleared for temporary relief of minor aches and pains and a temporary increase in local blood circulation. Sessions take about 10 minutes, and you walk right out and get on with your day. Your consultation is free, and your $49 first visit includes an exam and your first SoftWave session.
What is SoftWave?
It's a form of shockwave therapy, which uses sound waves instead of medicine or surgery. Many clinics use radial devices, which spread a pressure wave near the surface of the skin. SoftWave uses a focused design, which its maker says reaches deeper tissue and covers a wider area with each pulse. If you've tried shockwave somewhere else, it's worth asking which type it was.
What does SoftWave help with?
Most people come to us for soft-tissue aches that have hung on after other care. That includes heel pain from plantar fasciitis, tennis and golfer's elbow, stiff shoulders and rotator cuff trouble, knee pain, Achilles trouble, and hip bursitis. It's also part of our plans for back pain and for neuropathy in the feet. At your consult, we'll tell you honestly whether it fits.
How does it work?
SoftWave's FDA clearance covers activating connective tissue, a temporary increase in local blood circulation, and relief of minor aches and pains. In plain words, better blood flow brings the area more of what it needs, so it can calm down over a short series of visits. Moving often feels easier. SoftWave pairs well with Class IV laser and chiropractic care, and many people get both on the same visit.
What does a session feel like?
We put a little gel on the area and hold a small applicator against it. You'll hear a tapping sound and feel a strong pulsing, and we can turn it down for any tender spot. A session takes about 10 minutes per area. There's no downtime, so you can drive, work, or even train the same day. Some people feel mild soreness for about a day afterward, which is normal.
Is SoftWave right for you?
It's gentle and non-invasive, but it isn't for everyone. We won't recommend it over a pregnancy, an active cancer near the area, an untreated blood clotting problem, or an infection at the treatment site. If you have a pacemaker, we'll look at your case first. Your first visit includes an exam, so we only treat when SoftWave makes sense for you.
What does SoftWave cost?
Your consultation is free, and your first visit is $49 for new patients, normally $130. Medicare and Medicaid rules apply. Most people do 5 to 8 sessions, about once a week, and we check how you're doing after the first 3. SoftWave is self-pay, and we accept HSA and FSA cards, CareCredit, and payment plans. You'll get a written plan with the price before anything begins. Results vary from person to person.
Who will you see?
Your care team includes our founder, Dr. Angela Tharnish, with more than 18 years in practice, and our chiropractors. We're at 2294 Otranto Road in North Charleston, an easy drive from Summerville, Goose Creek, Hanahan, Ladson and Mount Pleasant. Visits are same-week, and no referral is needed. We look forward to getting you back to what you love.
How SoftWave works, in plain words
SoftWave uses gentle, focused sound waves that reach deeper and cover a wider area than the radial “pressure-wave” devices many clinics call shockwave. Here is what happens.
Gentle sound waves
We hold a small applicator against the sore area. Most people feel a light tapping, and a session takes about 10 minutes.
Better blood flow
SoftWave increases blood flow to the treated area, and many patients report the area calming down over a short series of sessions.
The area can calm down
With more blood flow, the area gets more of what it needs, so it can settle down over a short series of visits.
Moving feels easier
Stiff spots around tendons and ligaments can loosen up, so everyday movement can feel easier. Individual results vary.
The SoftWave OrthoGold 100 — patented focused-wave technology
The OrthoGold device is FDA-cleared for activation of connective tissue, a temporary increase in local blood circulation, and temporary relief of minor aches and pains. Manufactured by SoftWave, it’s the same technology used by major sports teams and orthopedic centers — and we have it on-site at our North Charleston clinic.
Conditions SoftWave shockwave therapy treats
It is most often used for soft-tissue pain that has hung on after other care. If your pain has been around longer than 3 months and standard treatments haven’t moved the needle — SoftWave is often what finally does.
Plantar fasciitis
Heel pain that’s worst on the first step out of bed. SoftWave increases blood flow to the bottom of the foot so the area can calm down.
Tennis elbow & golfer’s elbow
Lateral and medial epicondylitis — tendon pain that hangs on and flares every time you grip something. SoftWave increases blood flow to the elbow so it can settle down.
Frozen shoulder & rotator cuff
Stiff shoulders and rotator cuff tendon pain that has hung on. SoftWave is often the alternative to cortisone injections that come back stronger.
Knee pain & arthritis
Patellar tendinopathy, IT band syndrome, mild-to-moderate knee osteoarthritis. SoftWave reduces inflammation and stimulates cartilage support tissue.
See knee pain optionsAchilles tendinopathy
Achilles pain that has hung on through stretching, ice, and rest. SoftWave reaches deep into the tendon to increase blood flow where it hurts.
Hip pain & bursitis
Bursitis and hip pain that hangs on and hurts on stairs and when you sleep on your side. SoftWave increases blood flow to calm the soft tissue around the hip.
See hip pain optionsLong-standing back pain
Back pain that has been going on 6+ months and hasn’t eased with medication or PT. Often used in combination with chiropractic and decompression.
Visit Back Pain hubPeripheral neuropathy
SoftWave is part of our Charleston Neuropathy Protocol — increases blood flow to the nerves in your feet and hands.
Visit Neuropathy hubCalcific tendinitis
Many patients with calcific tendinitis in the shoulder try SoftWave for pain relief.
Scar tissue & adhesions
Old surgical scars, sports injuries, post-trauma adhesions. Many patients use SoftWave as part of a plan to move more comfortably.
Sports injuries
Sprains, strains, soft-tissue injuries from running, racquet sports, golf, basketball, soccer. We treat athletes of all levels.
See sports injury pageTrigger points & myofascial pain
Stubborn muscle knots that won’t release with massage or stretching. Many patients use SoftWave for stubborn muscle knots.
What to expect during a SoftWave session
About 10 minutes per area
SoftWave sessions are short. The applicator is held against the treatment area; you’ll hear a tapping sound and feel a pulsing sensation, but it’s not painful.
5–8 sessions typical
Most patients take 5–8 sessions, usually one per week. Acute injuries can resolve in 3–5. We re-evaluate after the first 3 visits.
Back to your day right away
Walk in, walk out. You can stay active after a session, and athletes can train the same day.
Often combined with our other therapies
SoftWave layers beautifully with Class IV laser, chiropractic and Hill-DT decompression. Patients with long-standing back or knee pain often get all three on the same visit.
Who’s not a candidate
SoftWave is one of the safest non-invasive therapies available, but it isn’t right for everyone. We won’t recommend it if any of these apply:
- Pregnancy (unless treating an extremity, with physician clearance)
- Active malignancy at or near the treatment site
- Uncontrolled blood-clotting disorder
- Active infection at the treatment site
- Pacemaker (relative contraindication; we evaluate case-by-case)
SoftWave TRT vs traditional radial shockwave
If a clinic offers “shockwave therapy,” it’s worth asking which type. The difference between focused (SoftWave) and radial pressure-wave devices is significant:
SoftWave TRT (focused, parabolic)
- Penetrates 4-6 inches deep
- Treats a broad area per pulse
- Focused waves reach deeper tissue
- FDA-cleared for activation of connective tissue, a temporary increase in local blood circulation, and temporary relief of minor aches and pains
- Relatively comfortable — patients describe it as “tapping”
- Used by NFL, NBA and professional teams
Radial pressure-wave shockwave
- Penetrates only 1-2 inches
- Treats only the small area directly under the applicator
- Reaches mainly surface tissue
- Often more uncomfortable — “ballistic” feel
- Cheaper equipment, cheaper sessions, but typically requires more visits with weaker outcomes
- Generally used in chiropractic and PT clinics that haven’t invested in focused tech
Our SoftWave OrthoGold is the focused, FDA-cleared system — a technology its maker says is used by sports medicine clinics nationwide.
Top shockwave therapy brands compared — and where SoftWave OrthoGold fits
If you’ve been researching shockwave therapy near Charleston, you’ve likely run into the major brand names: Storz MasterPuls, BTL, EMS Swiss DolorClast, Chattanooga Intelect, PiezoWave, and Richard Wolf. Each operates a different mechanism — focused, radial, or piezoelectric. Here’s the honest landscape so you understand what you’re actually getting:
SoftWave OrthoGold 100 (focused)
Patented parabolic focused-wave technology — penetrates 4–6 inches deep, treats a broader area per pulse. The same focused-wave category as PiezoWave and Richard Wolf, but with the broader treatment field SoftWave is known for. Used by NFL, NBA and orthopedic centers nationally.
Storz MasterPuls
One of the most-used radial shockwave brands in the U.S. Solid mid-tier device, common in physical therapy and chiropractic clinics. Radial pressure-wave mechanism — penetrates 1–2 inches.
BTL Shockwave
European brand widely used in U.S. PT clinics. Radial system with strong marketing presence. Comparable to Storz in mechanism and depth.
EMS Swiss DolorClast
Another major radial pressure-wave system, Swiss-engineered. Premium price tier. Strong research backing for plantar fasciitis specifically.
Chattanooga Intelect
The Chattanooga group’s shockwave line. Common entry point for clinics adding shockwave. Lower power output than premium European brands.
PiezoWave
Piezoelectric focused shockwave system. Very precise, deep penetration. Often used in research and orthopedic settings.
Richard Wolf
German precision focused shockwave brand. Premium clinical and research-grade. Less common in chiropractic, more common in orthopedic surgery centers.
The mechanism distinction that matters: Storz, BTL, EMS, and Chattanooga are radial pressure-wave systems — they treat surface-level soft tissue (1–2 inches deep). SoftWave OrthoGold, PiezoWave, and Richard Wolf are focused-wave systems — they reach deeper and increase blood flow deeper in the tissue. If your pain has hung on, sits deep, or has plateaued on radial shockwave, focused-wave on the SoftWave OrthoGold is what we’d recommend.
SoftWave patients across greater Charleston
Our SoftWave OrthoGold device sits at our North Charleston clinic, central to the Lowcountry. Patients drive in from across the region for pain that has hung on after other care.
Also serving Mount Pleasant, West Ashley, Daniel Island and Moncks Corner. Call (843) 225-2550 if you don’t see your city.
SoftWave is one piece of the puzzle
SoftWave is most powerful when paired with related care. If your pain has a structural component — a disc, an adjustment issue, deep tissue inflammation — start here:
Back pain treatment
If your back pain has been going on a while, SoftWave layered with chiropractic and laser is often the combination that finally works.
Visit the Back Pain hubSpinal decompression
Disc-specific cases benefit from Hill-DT decompression alongside SoftWave for the surrounding soft tissue inflammation.
See spinal decompressionClass IV laser therapy
SoftWave + laser is our go-to combo for pain that has hung on. Different mechanisms, complementary results, often same-visit treatment.
Learn about laser therapyChiropractic care
For sports injuries and long-standing back or neck pain, adjustments help the joint move while SoftWave increases blood flow to the soft tissue around it.
See chiropractic careSoftWave for athletes
Sport-specific deep dives on how SoftWave helps recovery — for amateurs and competitive athletes alike:
Pickleball
Tennis elbow, rotator cuff strain, achilles, plantar fasciitis — the SoftWave checklist for pickleballers.
Read the pickleball guideTennis
Rotator cuff injuries respond exceptionally well to SoftWave — full read on the mechanism for tennis players.
Read the tennis guideBasketball
Jumper’s knee, ankle sprains, achilles, plantar fasciitis — SoftWave for basketball.
Read the basketball guideGolf
Golfer’s elbow, lower back, hip and wrist — SoftWave for golfers who want to play comfortably.
Read the golf guideSoccer
Hamstring strains, groin pulls, calf injuries — SoftWave gets soccer players back on the pitch faster.
Read the soccer guideFootball
SoftWave for football’s nagging shoulder, knee and hamstring issues.
Read the football guideWhat our 396+ patients are saying
Two ways to start
Free Phone Consultation
Tell us where it hurts and what you’ve tried. We’ll tell you straight whether SoftWave is the right next step — no clinic visit required.
Book a phone consult In-ClinicFree In-Clinic Consultation
15-minute in-person evaluation. Bring imaging if you have it. We examine, listen, and recommend the right therapy stack for your case.
Book in-clinic consultSoftWave shockwave therapy, answered
Medically reviewed by Dr. Angela Tharnish, DC — Founder, Charleston Pain Relief Center · 18+ years in practice · Last updated October 2026.
Is SoftWave TRT FDA-cleared?
Yes. SoftWave TRT is FDA-cleared for activation of connective tissue, a temporary increase in local blood circulation and temporary relief of minor aches and pains. The OrthoGold 100 device we use is the focused-wave (parabolic) version, not the radial pressure-wave units common in basic shockwave clinics.
Does SoftWave hurt?
No. Most patients describe it as a tapping or pulsing sensation. The applicator is held against the skin with gel; you’ll hear the device but it’s not painful. We can adjust intensity if any spot is sensitive.
How is SoftWave different from regular shockwave therapy?
SoftWave uses focused, parabolic acoustic waves that penetrate 4 to 6 inches deep and treat a broader area per pulse. Most “shockwave” devices in chiropractic and PT clinics are radial pressure-wave units — they only reach 1 to 2 inches deep.
How many SoftWave sessions will I need?
Most patients take 5 to 8 sessions, typically one per week. Acute injuries often resolve in 3 to 5. We re-evaluate after the first 3 visits and adjust the plan based on your response.
What conditions does SoftWave treat best?
SoftWave is most often used for soft-tissue pain that has hung on: plantar fasciitis, tennis and golfer’s elbow, frozen shoulder, rotator cuff tendinopathy, knee pain and patellar tendinopathy, achilles tendinopathy, calcific tendinitis, hip bursitis, long-standing back pain, peripheral neuropathy, and stubborn scar tissue or adhesions.
Can I exercise after a SoftWave session?
Yes. You can go right back to your day, and athletes often train the same day. Some people feel mild soreness for about a day afterward, which is normal.
Will my insurance cover SoftWave?
SoftWave is typically not covered by insurance — but it’s significantly more affordable than the cortisone, surgery and PT alternatives most patients have already tried. We offer transparent package pricing and HSA/FSA cards are accepted.
Can SoftWave help if I’m scheduled for surgery?
Often yes. Many patients we see have already been told they need surgery for plantar fasciitis, rotator cuff tears, or tendon pain that has hung on. SoftWave is worth a 5 to 8 session trial before committing — it’s non-invasive and the surgery is still on the table if SoftWave doesn’t deliver.
How does SoftWave OrthoGold compare to Storz, BTL, EMS DolorClast or Chattanooga?
Storz MasterPuls, BTL, EMS Swiss DolorClast, Chattanooga Intelect, PiezoWave and Richard Wolf are the most-searched shockwave brands. The most important distinction isn’t brand — it’s mechanism. Storz, BTL, EMS, and Chattanooga are radial pressure-wave systems (1–2 inch penetration, broader marketing reach). SoftWave OrthoGold, PiezoWave and Richard Wolf are focused-wave systems (4–6 inch penetration). If your pain has hung on, sits deep, or has plateaued on radial shockwave, focused-wave on the SoftWave OrthoGold delivers a different category of result.
Where are you located?
Charleston Pain Relief Center is at 2294 Otranto Rd, North Charleston, SC 29406 (get directions on Google Maps) — central to Charleston, Mt Pleasant, West Ashley, Summerville, Goose Creek, Hanahan, Daniel Island and Ladson.
Do I need a referral for SoftWave therapy?
No. Anyone can book a free SoftWave consultation — no referral or doctor’s note needed. Call (843) 225-2550 to get started.
How long is a SoftWave session?
Most SoftWave sessions take about 10 minutes, and you can go right back to your normal activities afterward.
Is SoftWave drug-free and non-surgical?
Yes. SoftWave is non-surgical. It uses focused acoustic waves to increase blood flow to the area, and you can go right back to your day.
How soon will I feel results from SoftWave?
It varies. Some patients notice changes within a few sessions; others progress over several weeks. Outcomes depend on your condition, age, and overall health — we track your progress at each visit.
What does SoftWave therapy cost?
Your consultation is free. If you want to move forward, your exam and first SoftWave session are $49. After your exam we give you a clear, written plan with transparent pricing before anything begins — no surprises and no pressure.
Does SoftWave shockwave therapy actually work?
Yes — for the right conditions. SoftWave® is an FDA-cleared form of shockwave (acoustic wave) therapy that sends sound waves into sore tissue, aimed at supporting your body’s natural repair response and temporarily increasing local blood flow. It works best for tendon, joint, and soft-tissue pain that hasn’t fully healed — plantar fasciitis, tennis and golfer’s elbow, knee and shoulder pain, and Achilles trouble. Most patients complete a short series of sessions rather than one visit, and Dr. Angela Tharnish, DC will tell you honestly at your evaluation whether you’re a good candidate. Individual results vary.
Is SoftWave therapy effective for neuropathy and nerve pain?
Many patients come to us for peripheral neuropathy — numbness, tingling, and burning in the feet — and SoftWave® is often part of their plan alongside our neuropathy protocol. The acoustic waves are aimed at increasing local circulation and supporting your body’s own repair in the treated area. Results vary. Ken, a real CPRC patient who could not feel his feet, regained sensation on a combined SoftWave and laser protocol. Neuropathy has many causes, so results vary — we start with an evaluation to see whether SoftWave is right for you.
Does SoftWave work for plantar fasciitis and heel pain?
Plantar fasciitis is one of the conditions SoftWave® shockwave therapy is best known for. The focused acoustic waves target the inflamed plantar fascia and heel to ease pain and support your body’s own repair — often when stretching, orthotics, and cortisone haven’t lasted. It’s non-surgical and gentle, so you can walk out and get on with your day. Most heel-pain patients do a short series of sessions; your evaluation maps out how many.
Ready to get back to what you love? Let’s talk.
SoftWave is what we reach for when other things have plateaued. 15-minute evaluation, no commitment. We’ll tell you straight whether it’s right for your case.
Need shockwave therapy near me?
If you searched “shockwave therapy near me,” our North Charleston team at 2294 Otranto Rd offers SoftWave to patients throughout North Charleston, Ladson, Goose Creek and Hanahan. Many shockwave patients also ask about these related treatments:
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