How SoftWave Therapy Works

SoftWave is a form of extracorporeal shockwave therapy (ESWT) that uses patented technology to deliver unfocused acoustic waves to injured or painful tissue. Unlike focused shockwave devices, SoftWave spreads energy over a larger treatment area, making it effective for both superficial and deeper conditions.

When acoustic waves reach damaged tissue, they trigger biological responses:

• Stem cell activation: SoftWave stimulates your body's own stem cells to migrate to the treatment area and promote repair

• Increased blood flow: New blood vessel formation (angiogenesis) brings oxygen and nutrients to injured tissue

• Reduced inflammation: Acoustic waves decrease inflammatory markers and break up scar tissue

• Pain relief: Treatment affects nerve signaling and reduces substance P, a pain-related neurotransmitter

These are not just theoretical mechanisms - they have been demonstrated in research and explain why SoftWave can produce lasting results rather than just temporary relief.

Conditions We Treat with SoftWave

SoftWave therapy at Optimal Movement helps Rochester patients with:

Foot and ankle:

• Plantar fasciitis (one of the most responsive conditions)

• Achilles tendinitis

• Ankle sprains and chronic instability

Knee:

• Patellar tendinitis (jumper's knee)

• Knee osteoarthritis

• IT band syndrome

Hip and back:

• Hip bursitis

• SI joint dysfunction

• Chronic low back pain

Shoulder and elbow:

• Rotator cuff tendinitis

• Tennis elbow (lateral epicondylitis)

• Golfer's elbow (medial epicondylitis)

• Frozen shoulder

Other conditions:

• Scar tissue and adhesions

• Chronic wounds (as adjunct therapy)

• Neuropathy

What Does Research Show?

Extracorporeal shockwave therapy has substantial research support:

Plantar fasciitis: Multiple studies show 70-80% success rates for chronic plantar fasciitis that has not responded to other treatments. A 2017 systematic review confirmed shockwave as an effective treatment option.

Tennis elbow: Research demonstrates significant pain reduction and functional improvement, particularly for cases lasting more than 6 months.

Calcific tendinitis: Shockwave can break up calcium deposits in tendons, with studies showing resolution in 70-90% of cases.

Knee osteoarthritis: Emerging research shows promise for pain reduction and improved function, though more studies are underway.

What to Expect During Treatment

SoftWave treatment at Optimal Movement is straightforward:

The session: We apply gel to the treatment area (similar to ultrasound) and move the SoftWave applicator over the affected tissue. You will hear clicking sounds and feel pressure or mild discomfort at the treatment site - this is normal and indicates we are targeting the right area.

Duration: Each session takes 10-15 minutes per treatment area.

Treatment protocol: Most conditions respond to 6-8 weekly sessions. Some patients notice improvement after 1-2 treatments; others experience gradual improvement over the full course.

After treatment: You can return to normal activities immediately. Some patients experience temporary soreness or mild swelling - this is a normal healing response.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does SoftWave therapy hurt?

Most patients describe it as uncomfortable but tolerable - like deep pressure on a sore spot. Discomfort during treatment often correlates with the severity of the underlying condition and typically decreases as healing progresses.

How long do results last?

For many patients, results are long-lasting because SoftWave promotes actual tissue repair rather than just masking symptoms. Studies show benefits persisting at 6-12 month follow-ups.

Why choose SoftWave over surgery?

SoftWave is non-invasive with no downtime, no anesthesia, and minimal risk. For conditions like plantar fasciitis or tennis elbow, it can be as effective as surgery without the recovery period. We recommend trying SoftWave before considering surgical options.

Is SoftWave covered by insurance?

Most insurance plans do not currently cover SoftWave therapy. We offer package pricing to make treatment affordable, and HSA/FSA funds can be used.