McGregor Blvd, Fort Myers
SoftWave vs Shockwave: What Is the Difference?
People ask us about SoftWave vs shockwave all the time. Short answer: SoftWave is a kind of shockwave. But not all shockwave machines are the same, and the differences change how deep the wave goes and how it feels.
Our position: if you tried "shockwave" somewhere else and did not like it, that does not mean SoftWave will feel the same. Feel it yourself at a $49 mapping.
- 5.0 from 198 Google reviews
- Dr. Lee Angle, D.C.
- McGregor Blvd, Fort Myers
What is shockwave therapy?
Shockwave therapy sends strong sound waves into the body from a wand held on the skin. Doctors have used it for tendon and heel pain for years. The idea is that the waves may wake up the body's own repair work in tissue that has been sore for a long time.
There are a few main kinds. Most clinics use radial or focused machines. SoftWave is a third style.
How are the waves made?
This is the biggest difference, according to SoftWave TRT, the company that makes the device (SoftWave vs Shockwave Technology Explained):
- Radial: a puff of air shoots a small part against the wand tip. It is more like a fast tap, called a pressure wave.
- Focused: a magnet or crystal setup makes the wave and packs it into one small point.
- SoftWave: a spark in water makes the wave (this is called electrohydraulic). A curved mirror-like reflector then sends the waves out side by side, in a wide beam.
How deep does each one go?
Picture a flashlight. Radial is like a light that spreads out right at the lens. It works near the surface. Focused is like a laser pointer: deep, but only one tiny dot. SoftWave TRT says its beam is wide and deep at the same time, about 7 cm across and up to 12 cm deep (roughly 3 by 5 inches).
Why care? A sore knee or shoulder is not one tiny dot. It is a whole area of tendons, the cords that tie muscle to bone, and ligaments, the bands that hold joints together. A wide beam can reach more of it in one pass.
Published research also compares radial and focused machines. For example, a 2022 randomized study in the International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health compared them for knee arthritis (Comparative Effectiveness of Focused versus Radial Shockwave Therapy for Knee Osteoarthritis). Research like this shows the type of machine matters.
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
- 5.0 from 198 Google reviews
- Dr. Lee Angle, D.C.
- McGregor Blvd, Fort Myers
Does SoftWave hurt less than shockwave?
SoftWave TRT says its treatment is generally well tolerated with no numbing needed. It says focused machines may feel uncomfortable because so much energy lands on one small spot.
At our clinic most people describe a light thump or tap. A very sore spot can sting for a second. Matthew Mahoney can turn the strength down. Each treatment takes about 10 to 15 minutes.
Is SoftWave FDA cleared?
SoftWave devices have FDA 510(k) clearance for certain uses, such as activating connective tissue and improving blood supply. The company also lists clearances for wound care, burns and pain relief. Clearance means the FDA allowed the device to be sold for those uses. It is not a promise that it will fix your pain.
Which is better for my pain?
We offer SoftWave, so we are not neutral. We will say that up front. Dr. Lee Angle tried it on his own shoulder before bringing it to McGregor Blvd.
Still, no machine helps everyone. A torn tendon that needs surgery needs a surgeon. That is why we start with a mapping. Picture a pickleball player from Gateway whose elbow has ached since spring. At the mapping, the wand shows us where it hurts most, and we tell him if we think SoftWave may help. You get the same honest answer.
Our usual plan is 6 to 8 sessions over about 6 to 8 weeks. Plan price: $100 per session, or 6 sessions for $540 (that is $90 a session).. More on our SoftWave therapy cost page, or see what happens at the mapping session.
How do I try SoftWave in Fort Myers?
Call 239.243.8810 to book. We are at 12651 McGregor Blvd Ste 102, Fort Myers, FL 33919. There is a large parking lot with a short walk to the door, and handicap-accessible parking. Get directions.
Back to the SoftWave Fort Myers home page.
How often does shockwave therapy work?
A 2021 research review by Yue and colleagues sums up earlier studies this way: shockwave has been used for tendinitis, plantar fasciitis, tennis elbow "and other soft tissue conditions, with a satisfying success rate of 65%–91%." That range comes from several types of shockwave machines and many conditions, so it is a wide range for a reason.
Study results are averages from groups of people. They are not a promise of what will happen for you. Your mapping session shows whether SoftWave fits your case.
Common questions
Is SoftWave a type of shockwave?
Yes. SoftWave TRT says its machine makes true shockwaves using a spark in water, then spreads them out with a curved reflector.
What is radial shockwave?
Radial machines use air to fire a small part against the tip of the wand. The wave spreads out near the skin and does not go as deep.
Is SoftWave more comfortable than focused shockwave?
SoftWave TRT says its treatment is generally well tolerated without numbing. It says focused shockwave may feel uncomfortable because the energy is packed into a small spot.
Is SoftWave FDA cleared?
SoftWave devices have FDA 510(k) clearance for certain uses, such as activating connective tissue and improving blood supply.
Can I try SoftWave before I commit?
Yes. The $49 mapping session lets you feel the wand and hear if we think it fits your pain.
Feel the difference for yourself
Book a $49 mapping session and find out if SoftWave fits your pain.
Call to book $49