Short answer
Cortisone calms inflammation fast, surgery repairs structure, and SoftWave works on the tissue in between. For chronic heel, knee, shoulder and elbow pain, many people try them in that order: shot, shot again, then a surgery talk.
SoftWave gives you a drug-free, no-downtime option to discuss before you get to surgery. It is not right for every case, and we will tell you if yours needs something else.
The road most people travel
Scene 1
The first shot
Relief comes fast. You are back to normal for a while.
Scene 2
The second shot
It may help again, but often for a shorter time.
Scene 3
The surgery talk
Now someone mentions an operation, time off work and months of rehab.
Scene 4
The question
"Is there anything in between?" That is where SoftWave comes in.
Side by side
| SoftWave | Cortisone shot | Surgery | |
|---|---|---|---|
| What it does | Focused acoustic waves to help activate connective tissue and improve blood supply | Steroid that calms swelling | Repairs or releases the damaged structure |
| Needles or incisions | None | Needle | Incision |
| Downtime | None | Usually little | Weeks to months of recovery |
| How fast it works | Builds over a series of sessions | Often within days | After recovery |
| Common limit | Usually needs 5 to 8 sessions | Many doctors limit how many shots one area can get | Surgical risks and recovery time |
Want the research behind cortisone and anti-inflammatories? Read Cortisone shots and NSAIDs: what the research actually says.
When each one makes sense
- Cortisone can make sense for a sudden flare when you need fast relief.
- Surgery makes sense when there is a structural problem that will not heal without it. For plantar fasciitis, rotator cuff or chronic tendon problems, a 5 to 8 session SoftWave trial is often worth doing first, and surgery stays an option.
- SoftWave makes sense when soft-tissue pain has lasted months, keeps coming back, and you want to try a drug-free, non-surgical step first.
Quick check: is SoftWave worth a look for you?
Tap each one that sounds like you.
I have had a shot and the relief did not last.
That is one of the most common reasons people come to us for SoftWave.
Someone has mentioned surgery, but I want to explore other options first.
SoftWave is a reasonable step to discuss before surgery for many soft-tissue problems.
I cannot take weeks off work.
SoftWave has no downtime; sessions take about 10 to 15 minutes.
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 better than a cortisone shot?
They do different jobs. A cortisone shot calms inflammation and can bring fast, short-term relief. SoftWave aims at the tissue itself and usually takes a series of sessions. Some people come to us after shots stopped lasting.
Can I have SoftWave if I already had a cortisone shot?
Often, yes. Tell us when and where you had it, and we will plan around it at your evaluation.
Can SoftWave help me avoid surgery?
For some soft-tissue problems, SoftWave is a reasonable step to try before surgery. It is not a replacement for surgery when there is a structural problem that needs it. Your surgeon and our team can decide together.
Does SoftWave have downtime?
No. Sessions take about 10 to 15 minutes, with no needles or medication, and most people go straight back to their day.
Is SoftWave covered by insurance?
SoftWave is typically not covered by insurance. HSA and FSA cards are accepted, the consultation is free, and your exam and first session are $49 so you can try it before committing.
Keep reading: 5 conditions SoftWave helps most · Our SoftWave therapy in North Charleston
This article is general information, not medical advice. Individual results vary. Charleston Pain Relief Center, 2294 Otranto Rd, North Charleston, SC 29406.