Call to book $49 239.243.8810

Medically reviewed by Dr. Lee Angle, D.C., October 17, 2026

A straight answer from McGregor Blvd, Fort Myers

Does SoftWave Hurt? What a Session Really Feels Like

Short answer: for most people, no. It feels like fast tapping. On a really sore spot it can sting for a second or two. Then it fades.

Our view is simple. A little sting on the right spot is a good sign, not a bad one. It tells us where to aim. But you should never sit through pain you hate. Say the word and we turn it down.

What does SoftWave feel like on the skin?

First, a little gel goes on your skin. It feels cool. Then the wand touches down and starts to tap.

People describe it in a lot of ways:

  • A woodpecker tapping, but soft
  • A deep thump you feel more than hear
  • A snap, like a rubber band, on a tender spot
  • Warmth in the area after a few minutes

The wand makes a clicking sound. It is louder than you might expect. That noise is the machine, not your body.

Why do some spots hurt more than others?

SoftWave sends sound waves into the tissue. Healthy tissue barely notices. Tissue that is hurt, tight or inflamed (swollen and irritated) notices a lot more.

So the sharp spots are the ones that need help. That is why the first visit is a mapping. Matthew Mahoney, our SoftWave technician, moves the wand slowly and asks you to speak up when a spot feels different. Your feedback is the map.

Lots of people find a sore spot they did not know about. A heel patient may jump when the wand hits the calf. A shoulder patient may feel it most near the neck.

Is SoftWave more painful than a cortisone shot?

Most people say it is easier. There is no needle. Nothing goes under the skin. You do not need to be numbed.

The company that makes SoftWave, SoftWave TRT, calls its treatment "non-invasive," which means nothing cuts or goes into the body. On its website, softwavetrt.com, it also says there is "no recovery time."

Some people still feel nervous. That is normal. If needles make you queasy, this is a very different visit. Read more on our cortisone shot alternative page.

What does a SoftWave session feel like from start to finish?

  1. Get comfy. You sit or lie down so the sore area is easy to reach.
  2. Gel. A cool layer goes on your skin.
  3. Tapping. The wand moves over the area. Most of it feels like steady taps.
  4. Tender spots. A few spots may sting. You tell us, and we adjust the strength or angle.
  5. Done. We wipe off the gel. The treatment takes about 10 to 15 minutes, inside a 20-minute visit.

You can drive yourself home. Go back to work. Walk the dog at Lakes Park that evening.

Start with a $49 mapping session

  • We find the spots that hurt
  • A straight yes or no on SoftWave
  • No pressure to buy a plan
  • If it's not for you, you are out $49, not thousands

Call to book $49

Will I be sore after SoftWave?

Nothing special is needed after a session. Nothing special. You can drive home or go back to work right after.

Call us if something feels wrong. We would rather hear from you than have you guess.

Does it hurt less as I go?

Often, yes. Many patients tell us the sharp spots feel softer by the later visits. To us, that change is one of the clearest signs the area is calming down. We will not promise it, but we watch for it.

Our usual plan is 6 to 8 sessions over about 6 to 8 weeks. See how many SoftWave sessions you may need for more.

Who should not get SoftWave?

SoftWave is not right for everyone. Tell us before your visit if you have pregnancy, cancer, or a pacemaker.

How can I try SoftWave without a big commitment?

Book a $49 mapping session. You feel the wand for yourself. We show you the sore spots and tell you if a plan makes sense. If it is not for you, you walk away. Learn what happens on our mapping session page.

Call 239.243.8810. We are at 12651 McGregor Blvd Ste 102, Fort Myers, FL 33919. Get directions. Hours: Tuesday, Thursday and Friday, 9am to 5pm

Back to the SoftWave Fort Myers home page.

Common questions

Does SoftWave hurt?

Most people feel tapping or a light thump. A very sore spot can sting for a second. The strength can be turned down if you ask.

Do I need numbing or a shot first?

No. There are no needles and no numbing shots. Gel goes on your skin and the wand goes over it.

Will I be sore after SoftWave?

Nothing special is needed after a session. You can go about your day.

Can I drive home after a session?

Yes. The company that makes SoftWave says there is no recovery time, and most people go right back to their day.

How long does it last?

A session takes about 10 to 15 minutes.

Feel it for yourself

The best way to know how SoftWave feels is to try it. One visit, $49.

Call to book $49
Call to book $49