Comparison
SoftWave vs Shockwave Therapy
A brand and a category are not the same thing — and the difference changes how you read the evidence.
Direct answer
Is SoftWave the same as shockwave therapy?
SoftWave is a brand of shockwave therapy device, so all SoftWave treatment is shockwave therapy — but not all shockwave therapy is SoftWave. Devices in the category differ in how they generate and distribute acoustic energy, which is why evidence from one device type does not automatically apply to another.
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 (brand) | Shockwave therapy (category) | |
|---|---|---|
| What it is | A specific device brand | The whole category of acoustic wave therapy |
| Wave delivery | Unfocused waves spread over a broader zone | Focused, radial or unfocused depending on device |
| Invasiveness | Non-invasive, applied through the skin | Non-invasive, applied through the skin |
| Typical session | Short applicator time within a longer visit | Short applicator time within a longer visit |
| Evidence base | Brand-specific studies plus the wider ESWT literature | Large literature, quality varies by condition and device |
| Marketing risk | Brand claims can outrun brand-specific evidence | Category evidence gets applied to devices it wasn't generated with |
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.