Is SoftWave the Same as Shockwave Therapy? How They Differ

Dr. Catie Cortner, DC - Arise Family Chiropractic
Medically reviewed by Dr. Catie Cortner, DC. Last reviewed: July 2026.

SoftWave therapy is not the same as shockwave therapy, even though both technologies use acoustic waves to address musculoskeletal pain. SoftWave is a specific brand of electrohydraulic unfocused shockwave technology cleared by the FDA, and it delivers a broader, lower-pressure wave pattern that differs meaningfully from the focused or radial shockwave devices many clinics use. At SoftWave Therapy Cumming, serving Forsyth County and surrounding communities including Alpharetta, Johns Creek, and Suwanee, Dr. Catie Cortner, DC, offers SoftWave as a non-invasive, drug-free option for patients who want to understand exactly what they're getting before they walk in the door.

What Is Shockwave Therapy?

Shockwave therapy is an umbrella term for a family of acoustic wave treatments that deliver mechanical energy to tissue at varying depths, pressures, and wave geometries. The term "shockwave" doesn't describe a single device or a single clinical experience — it describes a broad category, much like "laser therapy" covers everything from low-level cold lasers to high-intensity surgical tools.

Within that category, there are three main wave delivery methods that patients are most likely to encounter:

• Focused ESWT (extracorporeal shockwave therapy): Generates a tightly concentrated wave that penetrates deep into tissue — often 3–6 cm or more. It has been used most extensively in research on conditions like plantar fasciitis and calcific rotator cuff tendinopathy. Clinical evidence, including a randomized controlled trial examining focused ESWT for chronic plantar fasciitis, supports its use for adults with treatment-refractory heel pain [1]. A systematic review of minimally invasive therapies found similar support for calcific tendinopathy of the rotator cuff [2].
• Radial shockwave therapy (RSWT): Generates a pressure wave that spreads radially outward from the applicator tip. It tends to be more superficial and is widely used for trigger points, tendinopathies, and soft-tissue conditions in outpatient physical therapy and sports medicine settings.
• Unfocused (parallel or divergent) shockwave: Delivers acoustic energy over a wider, less concentrated treatment area. SoftWave falls into this category, with its own specific wave geometry that the manufacturer describes as a parabolic reflector design.

Understanding these distinctions matters because different wave types may be better matched to different tissue depths, pathologies, and patient presentations. When you're researching care options in Cumming or the broader Forsyth County area, knowing the difference helps you ask better questions.

How Does SoftWave Specifically Differ From Other Shockwave Devices?

SoftWave is a registered trademark of OrthoGold, and the technology is classified as an electrohydraulic unfocused shockwave. Several features distinguish it from generic "shockwave therapy" at a conventional clinic:

Wave geometry: SoftWave uses a parabolic reflector that creates a divergent, parallel acoustic wave rather than a converging focused beam. This is intended to treat a larger area of tissue per pass without concentrating peak pressure at a single focal point.

Pressure profile: Because the energy is distributed over a wider aperture, the peak pressure at any given point tends to be lower than focused ESWT. This may translate to a different comfort profile — many patients describe SoftWave sessions as less intense than focused shockwave treatments.

FDA-clearance status: SoftWave devices have received FDA 510(k) clearance as a Class II medical device. This means the FDA has determined the device is substantially equivalent to a predicate device for the indications described in the clearance — it is not an experimental device. Clearance is distinct from "FDA approval," which involves a higher level of premarket scrutiny. When researching any acoustic wave device, it is reasonable to ask whether the specific device in the office carries FDA clearance for the condition being treated. [Operator review flag: FDA-clearance claim — please confirm the specific OrthoGold SoftWave device model used in this office carries current FDA 510(k) clearance for musculoskeletal indications.]

Proposed mechanism: Research on extracorporeal shockwave mechanisms in general suggests that acoustic wave delivery may influence tissue at the cellular level — including effects on angiogenesis, mechanotransduction, and growth-factor signaling [3]. Laboratory studies have also examined whether acoustic waves influence stem-cell behavior in cell culture [4], though it is important to note those are in-vitro findings and do not directly establish clinical outcomes. Mechanistic narrative reviews describe neovascularization and anti-inflammatory effects in tendon tissue as areas of active inquiry [5]. These are proposed mechanisms common to the broader ESWT family; they are not unique to SoftWave as a brand, and clinical outcomes still depend on patient selection, condition severity, and the provider's experience with the device.

Session length: At SoftWave Therapy Cumming, a SoftWave session runs approximately 10 to 15 minutes. A typical course of care is 6 to 8 sessions over 6 to 8 weeks, though individual recommendations are based on each patient's presentation and are discussed at a follow-up visit.

Can a Chiropractor Provide SoftWave Therapy?

Yes — SoftWave is an acoustic wave device, not a chiropractic adjustment. Chiropractors who invest in the technology and complete the required OrthoGold training protocol can operate SoftWave devices within their scope of practice. Dr. Catie Cortner, DC, at SoftWave Therapy Cumming integrates SoftWave alongside chiropractic care for patients who may benefit from both approaches.

This combination approach means a patient dealing with, say, chronic heel pain tied to plantar fasciitis might receive SoftWave for the local tissue response and also address contributing postural or gait mechanics through chiropractic evaluation. Whether combined care is appropriate for a given patient depends on their history and examination findings — not a one-size-fits-all protocol.

What Conditions Is SoftWave Used For at This Office?

The services offered at SoftWave Therapy Cumming include acoustic wave treatment for the following musculoskeletal presentations:

• Plantar fasciitis and heel pain
• Tendinitis, including tennis elbow and golfer's elbow
• Shoulder, hip, and knee pain
• Neck and back pain
• Sciatica
• Neuropathy (peripheral nerve-related discomfort)
• Sports and overuse injuries
• Post-surgical and scar-tissue presentations
• Arthritic and joint pain

As with any conservative treatment, SoftWave is not appropriate for every patient or every condition. There are contraindications — including active infection, malignancy near the treatment site, certain cardiac conditions, and pregnancy — and Dr. Cortner reviews these at your consultation. Patients who are pregnant should inform the office before scheduling, as SoftWave is not used during pregnancy.

What to Expect at SoftWave Therapy Cumming

If you're coming in for a SoftWave session at the practice on Bethelview Road in Cumming, here's what a visit looks like in practical terms:

Your first visit includes a health history review, an examination, and a brief review of findings. In most cases the first SoftWave session happens at that initial visit as well. The session itself takes 10 to 15 minutes. You'll lie comfortably while a water-based gel is applied to the skin and the SoftWave applicator passes over the treatment area. Most patients describe a mild pulsing sensation; significant discomfort during the session is not expected.

After the session, some patients notice immediate changes in pain levels, while others experience gradual improvement over subsequent visits. Detailed care recommendations — including how many sessions may be appropriate for your presentation and the expected pace of response — are discussed at a follow-up visit, not the initial appointment. This matters because the right course of care varies considerably between an acute sports injury and a chronic condition that has been present for years.

The office is located near The Collection at Forsyth and is convenient for residents of Windermere, Vickery, South Forsyth, and Coal Mountain, as well as patients who commute from Milton and Alpharetta into the Cumming corridor.

When Should You Seek a Different Type of Care?

SoftWave and other conservative acoustic wave therapies are not appropriate as a standalone treatment for every musculoskeletal problem, and they are not a substitute for medical evaluation when that's what a situation calls for. Consider seeking additional care or a medical consultation if you experience:

• Symptoms that worsen significantly during or after a course of conservative treatment
• New neurological symptoms: numbness, weakness, or loss of bladder or bowel control
• Severe unrelenting pain that does not begin to respond within the first weeks of care
• Signs of infection (fever, swelling, redness, warmth at the site)
• Severe headache of sudden onset, which warrants urgent medical evaluation

Dr. Cortner takes a collaborative approach to care. When a patient's presentation suggests imaging, specialist evaluation, or a referral is warranted, she says so. The goal is the right outcome for the patient, not retention.

SoftWave and Shockwave in the Broader Forsyth County Context

Forsyth County's population has grown significantly in recent years, and with growth comes a wider range of healthcare options. Patients near Sawnee Mountain Preserve, employees with the Forsyth County School System, and workers near major employers throughout the county increasingly have access to more than one acoustic wave therapy provider. That makes it more important — not less — to ask specific questions:

• What device does the office actually use?
• Is it FDA-cleared for the condition you're being seen for?
• What does a session entail, and how many sessions does the provider typically recommend before a reassessment?
• What's the exit strategy if you're not improving?

At SoftWave Therapy Cumming, Dr. Cortner welcomes these questions. The practice is built on transparency, not on vague marketing around "regenerative" technology. For residents of Johns Creek, Suwanee, Dawsonville, and Ball Ground who are weighing options, having a local provider who can explain the technology clearly — without overpromising — is part of the value.

Whether you are searching specifically for SoftWave therapy, researching generic shockwave options, or simply trying to understand what separates one acoustic wave device from another, the most important thing is knowing what you're actually getting before you commit to a course of care.

Comparison

Frequently Asked Questions

Is SoftWave a type of shockwave therapy?

Yes — SoftWave is a specific brand within the broader shockwave therapy family. The umbrella term 'shockwave therapy' covers focused, radial, and unfocused acoustic wave devices. SoftWave uses an electrohydraulic unfocused design with a parabolic reflector, which creates a different wave geometry and pressure profile compared to the focused or radial shockwave devices you might encounter at other clinics. They share the same broad acoustic wave mechanism, but the delivery, depth, and clinical feel can differ meaningfully.

What is the difference between focused and radial shockwave?

Focused ESWT converges acoustic energy to a precise point deep in tissue — often 3 to 6 centimeters or more — making it well-suited for deep structural problems. Radial shockwave spreads energy outward from the applicator tip in a radial pattern, treating more superficial tissue over a wider area. SoftWave is neither; it uses an unfocused parallel wave via a parabolic reflector, covering a larger treatment aperture than focused ESWT without the deep focal concentration.

Is SoftWave FDA-cleared?

SoftWave devices have received FDA 510(k) clearance as Class II medical devices. This clearance means the FDA determined the device is substantially equivalent to a predicate device for its indicated uses — it is not experimental. FDA clearance differs from FDA approval, which involves a higher level of premarket review. If you're comparing devices at different offices, it's reasonable to ask whether the specific device being used is FDA-cleared for your condition.

Does SoftWave therapy hurt?

Most patients at SoftWave Therapy Cumming describe the sensation as a mild pulsing or tapping during the session, which lasts approximately 10 to 15 minutes. Significant discomfort during a SoftWave session is not typical. Some patients notice mild soreness in the treated area afterward, similar to light post-exercise tenderness, but this is generally short-lived. If you've had focused shockwave therapy at another clinic and found it intense, SoftWave may feel noticeably gentler — though individual experiences vary.

How many SoftWave sessions will I need?

A typical course of care at SoftWave Therapy Cumming is 6 to 8 sessions over 6 to 8 weeks. That said, the right number depends on your specific condition, how long you've had it, and how your body responds to early sessions. Detailed care recommendations — including an honest assessment of the expected pace of improvement — are reviewed at a follow-up visit after your initial session, not assumed upfront.

Can SoftWave therapy help with plantar fasciitis?

Plantar fasciitis and heel pain are among the conditions Dr. Catie Cortner addresses at SoftWave Therapy Cumming. The broader ESWT research literature includes randomized controlled trial evidence supporting focused extracorporeal shockwave therapy for chronic, treatment-refractory plantar fasciitis in adults [1]. SoftWave is an unfocused variant; whether it is right for your specific presentation is best evaluated during a consultation. Patients who have not responded to stretching, orthotics, or other conservative options often inquire about acoustic wave therapy as a next step.

Is SoftWave the same as ultrasound therapy?

No — SoftWave is not the same as therapeutic ultrasound. Ultrasound therapy uses high-frequency sound waves in the 1–3 MHz range to generate heat in tissue; it is widely available and mild in effect. SoftWave uses acoustic shockwaves at much lower frequency and significantly higher peak pressure, and it is intended to influence tissue through a mechanical rather than primarily thermal mechanism. They are completely different device categories, though both are non-invasive.

Who should NOT get SoftWave therapy?

SoftWave therapy has contraindications that Dr. Cortner reviews before your first session. Generally, it is not used over active infections, malignancies near the treatment site, certain cardiac devices (pacemakers), open wounds, or during pregnancy. Patients with certain blood-clotting disorders or who are on blood thinners should also discuss their medications before proceeding. This is why a consultation and health history review precedes treatment — not every musculoskeletal complaint is appropriate for acoustic wave therapy, and proper screening matters.

Where is SoftWave therapy available near Cumming, GA?

SoftWave Therapy Cumming is located at 5456 Bethelview Rd, Suite 103B, Cumming, GA 30040 — convenient to Windermere, Vickery, South Forsyth, and Coal Mountain neighborhoods, as well as patients traveling from Alpharetta, Johns Creek, Milton, Suwanee, and Dawsonville. Dr. Catie Cortner, DC, offers SoftWave sessions alongside chiropractic care for patients who benefit from both. You can reach the office at 770-406-8208 to schedule a consultation.

Does insurance cover SoftWave therapy?

SoftWave therapy is typically not covered by standard health insurance plans in the way that office visits or physical therapy may be. Patients are encouraged to contact SoftWave Therapy Cumming directly at 770-406-8208 to discuss current pricing and any financing options available. Because SoftWave is an elective, non-surgical treatment, many patients find the cost compares favorably to a surgical consultation or extended physical therapy cycle — but that comparison depends heavily on individual circumstances.

If you've been searching for shockwave therapy near Cumming, GA, and want to understand whether SoftWave is the right fit for your specific condition, the best next step is a consultation with Dr. Catie Cortner, DC. Located on Bethelview Road near The Collection, SoftWave Therapy Cumming serves patients throughout Forsyth County and from Alpharetta, Johns Creek, Milton, and Suwanee. Call 770-406-8208 or visit softwavecumming.com to schedule. Bring your questions — the goal is clarity before commitment.

References

[1] Gollwitzer H, Saxena A, DiDomenico LA, et al. Clinically relevant effectiveness of focused extracorporeal shock wave therapy in the treatment of chronic plantar fasciitis: a randomized, controlled multicenter study. J Bone Joint Surg Am. 2015;97(9):701-708. - https://doi.org/10.2106/JBJS.M.01331
[2] Louwerens JKG, Sierevelt IN, van Noort A, van den Bekerom MPJ. Evidence for minimally invasive therapies in the management of chronic calcific tendinopathy of the rotator cuff: a systematic review and meta-analysis. J Shoulder Elbow Surg. 2014;23(8):1240-1249. - https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jse.2014.02.002
[3] Simplicio CL, Purita J, Murrell W, et al. Extracorporeal shock wave therapy mechanisms in musculoskeletal regenerative medicine. J Clin Orthop Trauma. 2020;11(Suppl 3):S309-S318. - https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jcot.2020.02.004
[4] Rinella L, Marano F, Paletto L, et al. Extracorporeal shock waves modulate myofibroblast differentiation of adipose-derived stem cells. Wound Repair Regen. 2016;24(2):275-286. - https://doi.org/10.1111/wrr.12410
[5] Notarnicola A, Moretti B. The biological effects of extracorporeal shock wave therapy (ESWT) on tendon tissue. Muscles Ligaments Tendons J. 2012;2(1):33-37. - https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3666498/

This post is for educational purposes and does not constitute medical advice. Consult a qualified healthcare provider for guidance specific to your condition.