Does SoftWave Therapy Hurt?

If you’re considering SoftWave Therapy for chronic pain, a musculoskeletal injury, or limited mobility, one of your first questions may be: Does SoftWave Therapy hurt?

Most patients tolerate SoftWave Therapy well. However, the sensation can vary depending on the area being treated and how sensitive that area is. Some patients describe the treatment as a tapping, pulsing, or pressure-like sensation, with temporary tenderness in certain areas.

At Everybody’s Chiropractic Center in Upper Darby, PA, we adjust treatment based on your comfort and individual condition.

What Is SoftWave Therapy?

SoftWave Therapy is a non-invasive form of extracorporeal shockwave therapy that uses acoustic waves delivered through a handheld applicator.

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

Unlike surgery or injections, SoftWave Therapy does not require incisions or needles.

Want a more complete explanation of the treatment? Read our guide: What Is Soft Wave Therapy and How Does It Work?

Does SoftWave Therapy Hurt During Treatment?

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

Patients commonly describe feeling:

  • Tapping or pulsing
  • Pressure over the treatment area
  • Temporary tenderness
  • Increased sensitivity in certain areas

Some parts of the body may feel more sensitive than others. Your provider can adjust the treatment intensity based on your comfort level and response.

Treatment should not require anesthesia, and the skin remains intact throughout the procedure.

Why Can Some Areas Feel More Sensitive?

Areas that are already painful, irritated, or sensitive may feel more noticeable during treatment.

However, discomfort during SoftWave Therapy does not necessarily mean that damaged tissue, scar tissue, or another specific problem has been identified.

Your provider will use your examination findings, health history, symptoms, and response to treatment to determine how the area should be treated.

How Long Does a SoftWave Therapy Session Take?

SoftWave Therapy sessions are generally brief. Treatment time depends on the area being treated and your individual treatment plan.

Many sessions take approximately 10 to 15 minutes.

Because SoftWave Therapy is non-invasive, most patients are able to return to their normal daily activities following treatment. Your provider can give you specific recommendations regarding exercise or other activities based on your condition.

Will I Be Sore After SoftWave Therapy?

Some patients experience temporary soreness or tenderness following treatment.

Possible temporary reactions may include:

  • Mild soreness
  • Tenderness
  • Temporary redness
  • Minor swelling
  • Brief sensitivity in the treated area

These responses vary from patient to patient. If you experience unusual, severe, or persistent symptoms, contact your healthcare provider.

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 results 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.

What Our Patients Say

Individual experiences with SoftWave Therapy vary.

“At first I was nervous about SoftWave because I didn’t know what it would feel like. But it wasn’t bad at all — just some pressure in the sore areas. After two treatments, my knee pain is already 50% better!” — Jenna T., Upper Darby, PA

This is one patient’s individual experience, and results should not be considered a guarantee of similar outcomes.

Want to see more real patient experiences and SoftWave Therapy treatment videos? Visit Everybody’s Chiropractic Center on Instagram.

Who May Consider SoftWave Therapy?

SoftWave Therapy may be considered for certain patients dealing with musculoskeletal pain or injuries.

Conditions commonly evaluated for this type of treatment may include:

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

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

Your provider should evaluate you before recommending treatment.

Is SoftWave Therapy Right for You?

If pain or an injury has not improved as expected with conservative care, SoftWave Therapy may be one treatment option worth discussing with your provider.

At Everybody’s Chiropractic Center, we perform an evaluation before recommending SoftWave Therapy to determine whether it may be appropriate for your condition.

You can also learn more about treatment effectiveness in our guide: Does SoftWave Therapy Really Work?

SoftWave Therapy 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

Does SoftWave Therapy Hurt? Final Thoughts

Most patients tolerate SoftWave Therapy well, although temporary tenderness or discomfort can occur during treatment, particularly in sensitive areas.

Because every patient and condition is different, your provider can adjust treatment based on your comfort and response.

If you would like to find out whether SoftWave Therapy may be appropriate for you, contact Everybody’s Chiropractic Center or call 610-789-1800 to schedule a consultation in Upper Darby, PA.