What Makes SoftWave Therapy Different from Traditional Shockwave Treatments

A person receives softwave therapy on their lower back using a handheld device while lying face down on a table.

Shockwave therapy has become a leading option for treating pain, circulation issues, and soft tissue injuries without surgery or medication. Yet not all shockwave devices work the same way. At Davenport Pelvic Therapy, we use SoftWave Tissue Regenerative Therapy (TRT), a next generation system that delivers broad, gentle acoustic waves designed for faster healing and deeper results.

If you have been researching treatment options for pelvic pain, erectile dysfunction, or prostatitis, you may have seen the term “shockwave therapy” used in many different ways. This post breaks down what makes SoftWave unique, how it compares to traditional shockwave systems, and why it is trusted by clinics nationwide for natural, noninvasive recovery.

Understanding Shockwave Therapy

Traditional shockwave therapy uses focused or radial acoustic waves to stimulate the body’s healing response. These waves cause small mechanical stresses in tissue, increasing circulation and encouraging the release of growth factors that promote repair.

Medical researchers have used shockwave technology for decades to treat kidney stones, tendinitis, and musculoskeletal injuries. More recently, it has been adapted for use in pelvic health, sexual wellness, and chronic pain conditions.

According to the Cleveland Clinic, shockwave therapy can reduce pain and improve function for several soft tissue conditions by enhancing circulation and supporting tissue repair.

What Makes SoftWave Therapy Different

SoftWave TRT is a distinct form of shockwave therapy that uses patented electrohydraulic technology to generate broad focused acoustic waves. Unlike older systems that produce narrow, concentrated points of energy, SoftWave’s parabolic reflector design distributes sound waves gently across both surface and deep tissues.

This wider, low intensity energy field reduces discomfort during treatment and stimulates healing without damaging cells. Patients often describe it as a mild tapping or pulsing sensation rather than a sharp or painful impact.

Key Advantages of SoftWave TRT

  1. Broader coverage that treats both surface and deeper tissue in a single session
  2. Gentle and comfortable energy delivery that most patients tolerate well
  3. Noninvasive and drug free care with no anesthesia or recovery time needed
  4. Support for natural regeneration by signaling the body’s own repair response
  5. Improved blood flow and lower inflammation that benefit pelvic health concerns such as erectile dysfunction and prostatitis

How Traditional Shockwave Devices Differ

Traditional systems such as radial or focused shockwave machines use mechanical energy that converges at a single point or spreads unevenly across tissue. While these devices can be effective for orthopedic injuries, they may cause more soreness and often require multiple localized applications to treat larger areas.

SoftWave’s broad focused design allows a more even energy distribution that covers a wider surface without overloading sensitive tissues. Many patients need fewer sessions and report a gentler overall experience.

FeatureTraditional ShockwaveSoftWave TRT
Energy sourceRadial or electromagneticElectrohydraulic
Treatment areaNarrow, point specificBroad, parallel field
Comfort levelCan cause sorenessGentle and well tolerated
Sessions neededOften 8 to 12Typically 6 or fewer
Tissue depthLimited penetrationReaches both surface and deep layers

How SoftWave Therapy Supports Pelvic Health

At Davenport Pelvic Therapy, SoftWave is used to help men with conditions such as pelvic pain, erectile dysfunction, and chronic prostatitis. These issues often involve poor circulation, scar tissue buildup, or nerve irritation in the pelvic floor.

SoftWave therapy improves local blood flow, reduces inflammation, and supports tissue regeneration, which are all critical for restoring pelvic function. It is especially valuable when used alongside pelvic floor therapy or biofeedback for a comprehensive approach.

You can learn more about these treatment options on our shockwave therapy page.

What to Expect During a Session

Each session lasts about 15 to 30 minutes. A cooling gel is applied to the treatment area to enhance sound wave transmission and comfort. The handheld applicator is moved gently across the targeted zones while the SoftWave device sends acoustic pulses through the tissue.

Most patients relax during the process and return to their normal activities immediately afterward. Some notice improvements after the first session, while others experience gradual changes over several treatments as the healing response builds.

Why We Chose SoftWave

Davenport Pelvic Therapy selected SoftWave TRT for its safety profile, comfort, and research backed effectiveness. The system is FDA cleared for connective tissue activation, improved circulation, and temporary pain relief. It is also used by leading clinics and hospitals across the country for regenerative care.

Because SoftWave targets biological healing rather than masking symptoms, many patients experience lasting improvements in both pain relief and function.

Conditions SoftWave Therapy Can Help

  • Erectile dysfunction and circulation issues
  • Chronic pelvic pain or prostatitis
  • Low back or hip pain linked to soft tissue tension
  • Post surgical pelvic tightness or scar sensitivity
  • Muscle soreness or nerve irritation

For men with complex pelvic conditions, SoftWave therapy can be combined with pelvic floor exercises, manual therapy, or biofeedback for even better outcomes. Learn more about related conditions on our pelvic pain and prostatitis page.

Research and Ongoing Developments

SoftWave TRT has been studied in many research settings worldwide. Studies report reductions in inflammation, faster tissue repair, and improved blood vessel formation. Clinical evidence continues to grow as new applications are tested in orthopedics, wound healing, and men’s health.

While SoftWave is not yet FDA cleared for erectile dysfunction, it is licensed in Canada for pelvic and sexual health applications and continues to gain recognition in regenerative medicine.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is SoftWave therapy painful?
No. Most people describe it as a gentle tapping sensation. It should not cause sharp pain or require anesthesia.

How many sessions will I need?
Most treatment plans include four to six sessions spaced one week apart, depending on the condition and your goals.

Can I combine SoftWave with other treatments?
Yes. It works well with pelvic floor therapy, biofeedback, and manual therapy for a complete recovery plan.

Are the results long lasting?
Because SoftWave supports natural healing rather than masking symptoms, many patients experience sustained improvement long after completing therapy.

Is it covered by insurance?
Most insurance plans do not cover regenerative therapies, but we provide transparent pricing and flexible scheduling options.

Taking the Next Step

If you want to see how SoftWave therapy compares to traditional shockwave treatments, the best way to learn is through a consultation. Our team will explain your options, answer your questions, and help determine whether SoftWave TRT fits your needs.

Schedule a free consultation to learn more about this innovative treatment and how it can help you recover naturally.

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