What to Expect During Your First SoftWave Therapy Session

If you are preparing for your first SoftWave Therapy session, knowing what to expect can make the process easier and help you feel more comfortable before treatment begins.

At Everybody’s Chiropractic Center in Upper Darby, PA, we use SoftWave Therapy as a non-invasive treatment option for certain musculoskeletal conditions. Before treatment, we evaluate each patient individually to determine whether SoftWave Therapy may be appropriate for their symptoms and goals.

What Is SoftWave Therapy?

SoftWave Therapy is a non-invasive form of extracorporeal shockwave therapy that delivers acoustic waves through a handheld applicator placed over the treatment area.

SoftWave Therapy may help:

• Temporarily increase local blood circulation
• Activate connective tissue
• Support the body’s natural healing response
• Reduce pain and improve function in some musculoskeletal conditions

There are no incisions or needles involved in treatment.

For a more detailed explanation, read our guide: What Is Soft Wave Therapy and How Does It Work?

What Happens Before Your First SoftWave Therapy Session?

Before treatment begins, your provider will review your symptoms, health history, and the area causing discomfort.

Your initial visit may include:

• Discussion of your symptoms
• Review of your medical history
• Examination of the affected area
• Range-of-motion or movement testing when appropriate
• Discussion of your treatment goals
• Determination of whether SoftWave Therapy may be appropriate for your condition

Not every patient or condition is appropriate for SoftWave Therapy, which is why an evaluation is important before beginning treatment.

What Happens During a SoftWave Therapy Session?

During treatment, a handheld applicator is placed against the skin over the treatment area.

Acoustic waves are then delivered into the area while your provider moves the applicator based on your condition and response.

Patients commonly describe feeling:

• Tapping
• Pulsing
• Pressure
• Temporary tenderness
• Increased sensitivity in certain areas

Some areas may feel more sensitive than others. Your provider can adjust treatment based on your comfort and response.

Does SoftWave Therapy Hurt?

SoftWave Therapy is generally well tolerated, but it is not completely sensation-free.

Some patients experience temporary tenderness or discomfort during treatment, particularly in areas that are already painful or sensitive.

Importantly, discomfort during treatment does not necessarily mean that scar tissue, damaged tissue, or another specific problem has been identified.

If you are concerned about treatment discomfort, read our guide: Does SoftWave Therapy Hurt?

How Long Does a SoftWave Therapy Session Take?

Treatment time depends on the area being treated and your individual care plan.

Many SoftWave Therapy sessions take approximately 10 to 15 minutes, although your first appointment may take longer because of the evaluation and discussion before treatment.

Your provider will explain what to expect based on your specific condition.

How Should I Prepare for My First SoftWave Therapy Session?

Preparing for treatment is usually simple.

Before your appointment:

• Wear comfortable clothing that allows access to the treatment area
• Bring information about medications and relevant medical history
• Tell your provider about any recent procedures, injuries, or health changes
• Ask questions about anything you do not understand
• Follow any specific instructions provided by your healthcare provider

You generally do not need special preparation unless your provider gives you specific instructions.

What Should I Expect After SoftWave Therapy?

Because SoftWave Therapy is non-invasive, most patients are able to return to normal daily activities following treatment.

Some patients may experience temporary:

• Mild soreness
• Tenderness
• Redness
• Minor swelling
• Sensitivity in the treated area

These responses vary from person to person.

Your provider may give you specific recommendations regarding exercise, activity, or follow-up care depending on the condition being treated.

If you experience unusual, severe, or persistent symptoms, contact your healthcare provider.

How Quickly Will I Notice Results?

Response to SoftWave Therapy varies.

Some patients notice changes in pain or mobility early in care, while others may require additional treatments before experiencing meaningful improvement.

Results can depend on:

• The condition being treated
• How long symptoms have been present
• Severity of the problem
• Overall health
• Activity level
• Individual response to treatment

SoftWave Therapy should not be presented as a guaranteed result or a one-size-fits-all solution.

For more information about treatment outcomes, read: Does SoftWave Therapy Really Work?

What Conditions May Be Evaluated for SoftWave Therapy?

SoftWave Therapy may be considered for certain musculoskeletal conditions.

These may include:

• Plantar fasciitis
• Tendon problems
• Shoulder pain
• Knee pain
• Hip pain
• Certain sports injuries
• Other musculoskeletal pain conditions

Whether treatment is appropriate depends on your diagnosis, health history, symptoms, and treatment goals.

What Does Research Say About Shockwave Therapy?

Extracorporeal shockwave therapy has been studied for a variety of musculoskeletal conditions.

Research has reported potential improvements in pain and function for certain conditions, although outcomes vary depending on the diagnosis, treatment protocol, and individual patient.

You can review additional information through the SoftWave Research Library and published medical research available through PubMed.

See Real SoftWave Therapy Patient Experiences

Individual results vary, but real patient experiences can help you understand what treatment may look like in a clinical setting.

Visit Everybody’s Chiropractic Center on Instagram to see SoftWave Therapy treatment videos, patient experiences, and additional examples from our office.

Your First SoftWave Therapy Session in Upper Darby, PA

Everybody’s Chiropractic Center provides SoftWave Therapy for patients in Upper Darby and nearby communities including Drexel Hill, Havertown, Springfield, Lansdowne, Broomall, Media, and surrounding Delaware County communities.

Everybody’s Chiropractic Center

• 📍 Address: 115 E Township Line Road, Upper Darby, PA 19082
• 📞 Phone: 610-789-1800
• 🌐 Website: everybodyschiropractic.com
• 📍 Get Directions on Google Maps

Schedule Your First SoftWave Therapy Session

If you are dealing with a musculoskeletal condition and want to find out whether SoftWave Therapy may be appropriate for you, the first step is an evaluation.

At Everybody’s Chiropractic Center, we will review your condition, answer your questions, and explain what you can expect before treatment begins.

Call 610-789-1800 or schedule a consultation with Everybody’s Chiropractic Center in Upper Darby, PA.