Is SoftWave Therapy Safe? What You Need to Know

Dec 14

SoftWave Therapy has been gaining popularity as a non-invasive treatment for various musculoskeletal and chronic pain conditions. Whether you’re dealing with a sports injury, recovering from surgery, or managing long-term joint discomfort, SoftWave Therapy is often promoted as a safe, effective option without the side effects of surgery or medication. But how safe is it really?

For individuals exploring alternatives to traditional treatments, understanding the safety, effectiveness, and science behind SoftWave Therapy is essential. In this article, we’ll break down what SoftWave Therapy is, how it works, and—most importantly—address the big question: is it safe? By the end, you’ll have the facts you need to decide if this therapy could be the right fit for your health journey.

What Is SoftWave Therapy and How Does It Work?

SoftWave Therapy is a form of regenerative medicine that uses unfocused shockwaves to stimulate the body’s natural healing process. Also known as extracorporeal shock wave therapy (ESWT), this treatment delivers acoustic waves through the skin to areas of injury, inflammation, or degeneration. The energy from the waves helps improve blood flow, stimulate cell repair, and reduce pain—all without surgery or medication.

Unlike some other shockwave therapies, SoftWave uses low-intensity, unfocused waves that spread over a larger treatment area. This allows practitioners to treat both the injury site and surrounding tissues, which can be beneficial for conditions that involve widespread pain or inflammation. The therapy is commonly used in physical therapy, orthopedics, sports medicine, and even urology.

Patients typically undergo a series of short sessions, each lasting around 10–15 minutes. The treatment is usually done in a clinical setting, and most people describe the sensation as mildly uncomfortable but tolerable. As a result, SoftWave Therapy is increasingly viewed as a promising alternative to invasive procedures for those seeking pain relief and tissue regeneration.

FDA Clearance and Clinical Backing of SoftWave Therapy

Safety starts with regulatory approval, and in the United States, that means oversight by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). SoftWave Therapy devices are FDA-cleared for use in the treatment of specific musculoskeletal disorders and pain conditions. This clearance is an important indicator that the device has met safety standards and has demonstrated a degree of effectiveness for certain conditions.

FDA clearance for SoftWave Therapy is based on clinical data and scientific research, showing that the treatment is generally safe when used as directed by trained professionals. The therapy has been studied in various clinical settings, from sports injury rehab to diabetic foot ulcers, and results often show positive outcomes with minimal risk to patients.

In addition to FDA oversight, many medical professionals across fields—such as orthopedics, physical therapy, and regenerative medicine—endorse the therapy based on patient results. While more large-scale studies are ongoing, the existing body of evidence supports that SoftWave Therapy is a low-risk option for many individuals. However, safety and effectiveness can vary based on the specific condition being treated and the provider’s expertise.

Common Conditions Treated with SoftWave Therapy

SoftWave Therapy is used to treat a wide range of medical issues, primarily those involving chronic pain, inflammation, and soft tissue damage. Its non-invasive nature makes it appealing for patients looking to avoid surgeries or reduce their reliance on pain medication. While originally developed for urology applications, its use has expanded significantly into orthopedics and physical rehabilitation.

Among the most common conditions treated are plantar fasciitis, tennis elbow, shoulder tendinitis, and knee osteoarthritis. The therapy is also popular among athletes recovering from muscle strains and ligament injuries, as it promotes faster tissue regeneration. Other clinical applications include treating diabetic foot ulcers, neuropathic pain, and delayed bone healing.

What makes SoftWave Therapy especially useful is its ability to stimulate stem cells and encourage the body to repair itself at a cellular level. This regenerative response can lead to long-term improvements, not just short-term pain relief. However, results vary by individual, and not every condition responds equally well to shockwave treatment. A professional evaluation is essential to determine whether this therapy is appropriate for a specific case.

Reported Side Effects and Safety Concerns

SoftWave Therapy is considered very safe for most patients, but like any medical treatment, it comes with some potential side effects. These side effects are typically mild and temporary, and they tend to resolve within a few hours to days after the session. Being aware of them can help patients make an informed decision.

Common side effects may include:

Mild swelling or redness at the treatment site
Temporary soreness or discomfort
Slight bruising or sensitivity
Tingling or numbness in rare cases

More serious complications are extremely rare when the therapy is administered by a licensed and trained professional. However, incorrect application or treating patients with contraindications could lead to adverse effects. That’s why it’s critical to undergo a thorough consultation before starting SoftWave Therapy.

In general, the therapy is non-invasive, drug-free, and does not require any downtime, which is why many patients choose it over surgical or pharmaceutical options. Always ensure your provider uses FDA-cleared equipment and has proper training to minimize any safety risks.

Who Should Avoid SoftWave Therapy?

While SoftWave Therapy is safe for the majority of people, there are specific circumstances where it may not be recommended. Certain medical conditions or situations could increase the risk of complications or reduce the therapy’s effectiveness. If you fall into any of the following categories, speak with your healthcare provider before starting treatment.

Individuals who should avoid SoftWave Therapy include:

Pregnant women (due to unknown effects on fetal development)
People with bleeding disorders or on blood thinners
Individuals with cancerous tumors near the treatment site
Patients with implanted electronic devices like pacemakers
Those with active infections or open wounds in the target area

It’s also important to discuss your full medical history during the initial consultation. Providers may adjust the treatment plan or recommend alternative therapies if they determine that SoftWave isn’t the best fit for your situation. When used appropriately, SoftWave Therapy remains a very safe option, but knowing who it isn’t for is just as important as knowing who it helps.

Comparing SoftWave Therapy to Other Non-Invasive Treatments

In the realm of non-invasive therapies, patients have several options to manage pain and promote healing, including ultrasound therapy, cold laser therapy, electrical stimulation (TENS), and more recently, SoftWave Therapy. Each method has its own strengths and is suitable for different types of injuries and conditions.

SoftWave Therapy sets itself apart with its unique ability to stimulate stem cell activity and trigger regeneration at a cellular level. Unlike ultrasound, which primarily provides deep heating, or TENS, which focuses on temporary pain relief through nerve stimulation, SoftWave aims to repair tissue over time. This makes it a potentially more lasting solution for chronic or recurring conditions.

Cold laser therapy is another comparable option, often used to reduce inflammation and encourage healing. However, it typically requires more sessions and may have a narrower range of effectiveness compared to SoftWave. One of the major appeals of SoftWave is the speed of results—many patients report improvement after just one or two treatments.

Ultimately, the best therapy depends on the individual’s condition, goals, and medical history. SoftWave Therapy is a powerful tool within the broader category of regenerative treatments, especially when other non-invasive methods have not provided adequate relief.

If you're in Honolulu, Hawaii or surrounding areas and considering non-invasive treatment options, SoftWave Therapy may be right for you. At DK Chiropractic, Dr. Doo Hyun Kwak, DC offers safe, FDA-cleared SoftWave Therapy to help relieve pain, accelerate healing, and restore your quality of life.

Contact DK Chiropractic today to schedule your consultation and take the first step toward a healthier, pain-free future.

Front Desk DK Chiropractic