Technical comparison
SoftWave vs Radial Shockwave Therapy
Different machines, different physics, different studies. Worth understanding before you commit to a plan.
Direct answer
What's the difference between SoftWave and radial shockwave?
SoftWave devices deliver unfocused acoustic waves that spread across a broader treatment zone. Radial devices deliver pressure waves that are strongest at the skin surface and lose energy with depth. Both are non-invasive and applied through the skin, but because energy is distributed differently, research conducted with one is not automatically evidence for the other.
Reviewed by: Clinical team, Compass Family Chiropractic · Last reviewed: September 2026
General patient education only. Not medical advice and not a diagnosis. See our editorial policy and medical disclaimer.
Side by side
| SoftWave (unfocused) | Radial pressure wave | |
|---|---|---|
| Wave type | Unfocused acoustic waves | Radial pressure waves |
| Energy pattern | Spread across a wider treatment zone | Strongest at the surface, dissipating with depth |
| How it's generated | Electrohydraulic wave generation | Typically a pneumatic projectile striking an applicator |
| Common targets | Broader soft-tissue areas | Superficial tendon and muscle tissue |
| Sensation | Tapping across a treatment area | Percussive tapping at the contact point |
| Evidence | Brand studies plus wider ESWT literature | A large share of published clinic-based ESWT trials |
What matters more than device type: whether anyone has established what is actually wrong, whether shockwave is a reasonable option for that diagnosis, and whether progress is measured against something other than how you feel that day.
Frequently asked questions
See If SoftWave Is Worth Exploring
An evaluation is how you find out what you're actually dealing with — and whether SoftWave belongs in the plan.