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"How Many SoftWave Therapy Visits Does It Take?"

Published January 13th, 2025 by Dr. Sam Camarata

SoftWave Tissue Regeneration Technology is one of the most revolutionary treatments in regenerative medicine today, offering non-surgical, drug-free solutions for pain relief and healing. But how many visits does it take to achieve the best results? This is one of the most frequently asked questions we hear from patients.

Let’s break it down and explore what SoftWave Therapy is, how it works, the conditions it treats, and the number of visits typically required to see maximum benefits.

What Is SoftWave Tissue Regeneration Technology?

SoftWave Therapy is an advanced form of Extracorporeal Shockwave Therapy (ESWT) developed with cutting-edge electrohydraulic technology. By generating electrohydraulic supersonic acoustic waves, it penetrates deeply into tissues, stimulating a cascade of biological and chemical responses that promote healing, repair, and regeneration.

This therapy is safe, non-invasive, and FDA-cleared, making it an ideal option for patients looking to avoid surgery, injections, or medications for a variety of neuro-musculoskeletal conditions.

MTS Medical partnered with the USA in 2005. SoftWave TRT was founded in Woodstock in 2004 by John Warlick and Mark Gronowski with the goal of offering electrohydraulic Spark Wave Therapy in the USA. Since 2015 Spark Wave Therapy has been recognized worldwide for its effectiveness and proven technology. Learn more about SoftWave's history and science !

The Science Behind SoftWave Therapy

SoftWave Therapy works at the cellular and tissue levels, targeting areas of pain and injury to stimulate healing. Here are the key mechanisms that make SoftWave so effective:

Mechanotransduction: The acoustic waves stimulate the cells, triggering the release of growth factors and endogenous exosomes and activating a biological healing response.
Stem Cell Activation and Migration: SoftWave Therapy awakens resident stem cells, which move to the treatment area to repair damaged tissues.
Angiogenesis and Neovascularization: It improves blood flow and circulation by promoting the formation of new blood vessels, delivering oxygen and nutrients to the injured area.
Modulation of Inflammation & Decreased Pain: SoftWave Therapy helps reduce chronic inflammation by clearing out trapped inflammatory molecules and senescent cells.

Conditions Treated by SoftWave Therapy

SoftWave is highly effective for a wide range of neuro-musculoskeletal and orthopedic conditions, including but not limited to:

Shoulder Pain: Rotator cuff injuries, tendinitis, bursitis, frozen shoulder, labrum tears
Knee Pain: Osteoarthritis, meniscus tears, ligament injuries, runner’s knee
Back and Neck Pain: Disc herniations, sciatica, cervical radiculopathy, whiplash, sports injury
Elbow Pain: Tennis elbow, golfer’s elbow
Hand and Wrist Pain: Carpal tunnel, trigger finger, arthritis, TFCC tears, De Quervain's Tenosynovitis
Hip Pain: Tendinitis, bursitis, labral injuries, osteoarthritis
Foot and Ankle Pain: Plantar fasciitis, Achilles tendinitis, sprains, nerve pain, sports injuries

How Many Visits Does It Take?

The number of visits required to maximize results depends on the condition being treated and the severity of the issue. Let’s look at the typical recommendations based on the type of condition:

1. Musculoskeletal and Orthopedic Conditions

Conditions: Shoulder pain, knee pain, back pain, hip pain, foot and ankle pain, plantar fasciitis, achilles pain, hand and wrist pain, elbow pain, etc.
Visits Needed On Average: 6-8 visits, typically scheduled once a week with severe cases twice a week. Each session builds on the prior one to modulate and decrease inflammation and pain, activate and mobilize stem cells to the pain/injury site, repair tissues, and improve mobility and strength.

2. Nerve-Related Conditions

Conditions: Sciatica, disc herniations, cervical radiculopathy, peripheral neuropathy
Visits Needed On Average: 8-12 visits, often starting with two sessions per week before transitioning to weekly treatments. This frequency helps address the more complex inflammation and damage associated with nerve-related conditions.

3. Competitive Athletes

In-Season:
- Regular SoftWave treatments help athletes recover from intense practices, games, and training while reducing fatigue and optimizing performance.
- Frequency: Once or twice a week or every other week, depending on the athlete’s needs and sport-specific demands.
Off-Season:
- SoftWave can be used to repair microdamage and prepare the body for the next season. Sessions are scheduled as needed to address injuries or maintain optimal recovery.

What to Expect During and After Treatment

Each SoftWave session is tailored to the patient’s condition, with specific focus areas identified during the initial Discovery Day. During this visit:

The mapping session identifies "hot spots" of inflammation, pain, scar tissue/adhesions, arthritis, tendinitis, and poor blood flow using biofeedback.
The number of waves, frequency, and intensity are customized to target the areas that need the most attention.

Key Highlights of Treatment:

SoftWave Therapy is like building a foundation: each session builds on the last, creating long-lasting healing effects.
Sessions help to flush out trapped inflammation, bring nutrients to the tissues, and activate stem cells.
Many patients notice significant pain relief and improved mobility after just a few sessions.

Why It Works Over Time

SoftWave Therapy’s regenerative effects continue for weeks to months after the last treatment session. Here’s why:

Stem Cell Activation: These cells continue to migrate to the treatment site for ongoing tissue repair and regeneration.
Improved Blood Flow: Angiogenesis increases oxygen and nutrient delivery, supporting the healing process.
Inflammation Modulation: Chronic inflammation is addressed, reducing the risk of recurring pain and injury.

The Perfect Combination: SoftWave Therapy + Physical Therapy + Chiropractic Care

For many patients, combining SoftWave Therapy with a physical therapy program and chiropractic care can enhance results. As SoftWave reduces pain and inflammation, physical therapy helps restore strength, mobility, and function, while chiropractic adjustments maintain proper alignment.

Ready to Start Your SoftWave Journey?

If you’re dealing with pain or injury and want a non-invasive, drug-free solution, SoftWave Tissue Regeneration Technology might be the answer. Whether you’re an athlete looking to optimize performance or someone recovering from a chronic condition, SoftWave can help you heal better and faster.