Conditions We Treat

One Technology, Relief for Pain Across the Body

SoftWave uses FDA-cleared electrohydraulic shockwave technology to increase blood flow, activate your body's own stem cells, and calm inflammation at the source of your pain. Here's how it helps the conditions we see most often in our Costa Mesa patients.

Book Your Free Consultation Find Your Condition
✓ No Drugs✓ No Needles✓ No Surgery✓ No Anesthesia
SoftWave therapy being performed on a patient's foot at Harbor Family Chiropractic
Jump to a condition
The Common Thread

How SoftWave Helps, No Matter the Condition

Every condition below responds to the same underlying mechanism.

Increases Blood Flow

Acoustic pulses temporarily boost circulation to the treated area, delivering more oxygen and nutrients to damaged tissue.

Activates Stem Cells & Connective Tissue

The shockwaves stimulate your body's own regenerative cells and connective tissue, encouraging real repair rather than masking symptoms.

Reduces Inflammation & Pain

As circulation and tissue repair improve, inflammation and the pain signals it causes begin to subside.

No Microtrauma

Unlike focused shockwave devices that intentionally injure tissue to trigger healing, SoftWave's broad-focused wave stimulates repair without causing damage.

Learn more about the science behind SoftWave →

Find Your Condition

Conditions We Treat

Select a condition to learn more about your specific treatment path.

Plantar Fasciitis

That sharp first-step heel pain in the morning is often inflamed plantar fascia. SoftWave boosts blood flow to the fascia and activates tissue repair, so you can walk and stand without wincing.

See treatment details ↓

Knee Pain

From osteoarthritis to overuse strain, SoftWave offers a non-surgical option for knee pain that targets the joint's connective tissue directly, without injections or downtime.

See treatment details ↓

Shoulder Pain

Rotator cuff injuries, impingement, and general shoulder stiffness all respond to SoftWave's ability to activate healing in tendons and connective tissue.

See treatment details ↓

Sports Injuries

Stress fractures, shin splints, hamstring strain, and Achilles tendinopathy are among the overuse injuries SoftWave helps athletes recover from faster.

See treatment details ↓

Neuropathy

By improving blood flow to compromised nerve tissue, SoftWave can help ease the burning, tingling, and numbness that come with nerve-related pain.

See treatment details ↓

Arthritis

SoftWave targets the inflammation and reduced circulation behind arthritic joint pain, helping restore movement without relying on long-term medication.

See treatment details ↓
Photo · 4:3
Heel & Arch Treatment
Applicator on the bottom of a patient's foot.

Plantar Fasciitis

Many patients improve in 3–5 sessions

The plantar fascia is a thick band of tissue along the bottom of your foot. It has a limited blood supply, which is why heel pain can drag on for months. SoftWave brings circulation back to the fascia and activates tissue repair, so you can get through your day without that stabbing heel pain.

Common signs

  • Sharp heel pain with first steps in the morning
  • Pain after standing for long periods
  • Tenderness along the arch or heel
  • Pain that flares after exercise
Book a Consultation↑ Back to all conditions
Photo · 4:3
Knee Treatment
Applicator on a patient's knee, showing the broad contact area.

Knee Pain

A non-surgical option

Whether your knee pain comes from wear and tear, an old injury, or overuse, SoftWave reaches the tendons, ligaments and connective tissue around the joint. It's a way to address the pain without injections, and for many patients, a way to avoid or delay surgery.

Commonly treated

  • Knee osteoarthritis
  • Patellar tendinitis (jumper's knee)
  • IT band syndrome
  • Runner's knee
  • Pain climbing stairs or kneeling
  • Stiffness after sitting
Book a Consultation↑ Back to all conditions
Photo · 4:3
Shoulder Treatment
A relaxed patient being treated on the shoulder.

Shoulder Pain

Tendon & connective tissue repair

Shoulder tendons work hard and heal slowly. SoftWave activates healing in the rotator cuff and surrounding connective tissue, helping you reach, lift, and sleep comfortably again.

Commonly treated

  • Rotator cuff tendinopathy
  • Shoulder impingement
  • Calcific tendinitis
  • General shoulder stiffness
  • Pain reaching overhead
  • Pain sleeping on your side
Book a Consultation↑ Back to all conditions
Photo · 4:3
Athlete Treatment
A runner or weekend athlete being treated, ideally on the calf or Achilles.

Sports Injuries

No downtime between sessions

From weekend warriors to competitive athletes, overuse injuries can sideline you for months. SoftWave helps you recover faster, and because there's no downtime, you can keep training as your provider advises.

Commonly treated

  • Achilles tendinopathy
  • Shin splints
  • Hamstring strain
  • Stress fractures
  • Tennis & golfer's elbow
  • Hip and groin strains
Book a Consultation↑ Back to all conditions
Photo · 4:3
Foot / Lower Leg Treatment
Treatment on the feet or lower legs, where neuropathy is most common.

Neuropathy

Often a 6–10 session course

Nerves need a healthy blood supply to function. By improving circulation to compromised nerve tissue, SoftWave can help ease the burning, tingling, and numbness of nerve-related pain. Neuropathy is usually long-standing, so it often benefits from a longer course of treatment.

Common signs

  • Burning or tingling in feet or hands
  • Numbness or "pins and needles"
  • Sensitivity to touch
  • Pain that worsens at night
Book a Consultation↑ Back to all conditions
Photo · 4:3
Joint Treatment
Treatment on a hand, hip, or knee joint.

Arthritis

Less stiffness, more movement

SoftWave doesn't reverse arthritis, but it targets the inflammation and reduced circulation behind arthritic joint pain. Many patients find they move more easily and rely less on long-term pain medication.

Commonly treated joints

  • Knees
  • Hips
  • Hands & thumbs
  • Shoulders
  • Feet & ankles
  • Morning joint stiffness
Book a Consultation↑ Back to all conditions
Don't See Yours?

SoftWave Treats a Wide Range of Pain

These are other conditions we commonly evaluate. If your pain isn't listed, ask us if SoftWave can help.

  • Low back pain
  • Neck pain
  • Hip pain & bursitis
  • Tennis elbow
  • Golfer's elbow
  • Achilles pain
  • Ankle sprains
  • Muscle strains
  • Tendinitis
  • Post-surgical scar tissue
See SoftWave in Action

Watch a Real SoftWave Session

Watch how a typical SoftWave session works, start to finish.

Video · 16:9
Full SoftWave Session
A start-to-finish look at a treatment, from applying the gel to the patient walking out.
2:00–3:00
Safety You Can Trust

FDA-Cleared, Non-Invasive, Zero Downtime

SoftWave's electrohydraulic technology is FDA-cleared for pain reduction, temporarily increased blood supply, and activation of connective tissue. The same underlying technology is also cleared to treat chronic diabetic foot ulcers and acute second-degree burns, a strong safety track record for soft tissue applications.

  • No drugs
  • No needles
  • No surgery
  • No anesthesia
What to Expect

Quick Sessions, Lasting Results

5–10 min

Session Length

Most treatment areas take just 5–10 minutes as your provider moves the applicator over the targeted area.

3–5

Sessions Needed

Many patients notice improvement within 3–5 sessions. Chronic or long-standing conditions often benefit from a full course of 6–10 sessions.

0 days

Afterward

No downtime. Most patients return to normal activity immediately, with results building over the following weeks.

Common Questions

Questions About Your Condition

How do I know if SoftWave will work for my condition?

The best way to find out is a free consultation. Dr. Gillis will review your history, examine the area, and tell you honestly whether SoftWave is a good fit.

Can I treat more than one area?

Yes. Many patients have more than one area treated in the same visit, such as both heels or a knee and a hip.

I've already tried cortisone shots or PT. Can SoftWave still help?

Often, yes. Many of our patients come to us after other treatments only gave temporary relief. SoftWave works differently by stimulating tissue repair at the source of the pain.

Can I keep exercising during treatment?

In most cases, yes. There's no downtime, and we'll give you guidance on activity based on your condition.

Is it safe if I have diabetes?

Many patients with diabetes are good candidates, and the underlying technology is FDA-cleared for diabetic foot ulcers. We'll review your health history during your consultation to make sure SoftWave is safe for you.

Individual results vary. Treatment recommendations are made after a consultation to determine whether SoftWave is appropriate for your condition.

Not Sure Which Condition Fits? Let's Talk.

Book a free consultation and we'll walk through your specific pain and whether SoftWave is the right fit.

Book Free Consultation

Or call (949) 515-5170

Conditions We Treat

One Technology, Relief for Pain Across the Body

SoftWave uses FDA-cleared electrohydraulic shockwave technology to increase blood flow, activate your body’s own stem cells, and calm inflammation at the source of your pain. Here’s how it helps the conditions we see most often in our Costa Mesa patients.

Book Your Free Consultation
Find Your Condition
  • No Drugs
  • No Needles
  • No Surgery
  • No Anesthesia

Jump to a condition

Plantar Fasciitis
Knee Pain
Shoulder Pain
Sports Injuries
Neuropathy
Arthritis

The Common Thread

How SoftWave Helps, No Matter the Condition

Every condition below responds to the same underlying mechanism.

Increases Blood Flow

Acoustic pulses temporarily boost circulation to the treated area, delivering more oxygen and nutrients to damaged tissue.

Activates Stem Cells & Connective Tissue

The shockwaves stimulate your body’s own regenerative cells and connective tissue, encouraging real repair rather than masking symptoms.

Reduces Inflammation & Pain

As circulation and tissue repair improve, inflammation and the pain signals it causes begin to subside.

No Microtrauma

Unlike focused shockwave devices that intentionally injure tissue to trigger healing, SoftWave’s broad-focused wave stimulates repair without causing damage.

Learn more about the science behind SoftWave →

Find Your Condition

Conditions We Treat

Select a condition to learn more about your specific treatment path.

Plantar Fasciitis

That sharp first-step heel pain in the morning is often inflamed plantar fascia. SoftWave boosts blood flow to the fascia and activates tissue repair, so you can walk and stand without wincing.

See treatment details ↓

Knee Pain

From osteoarthritis to overuse strain, SoftWave offers a non-surgical option for knee pain that targets the joint’s connective tissue directly, without injections or downtime.

See treatment details ↓

Shoulder Pain

Rotator cuff injuries, impingement, and general shoulder stiffness all respond to SoftWave’s ability to activate healing in tendons and connective tissue.

See treatment details ↓

Sports Injuries

Stress fractures, shin splints, hamstring strain, and Achilles tendinopathy are among the overuse injuries SoftWave helps athletes recover from faster.

See treatment details ↓

Neuropathy

By improving blood flow to compromised nerve tissue, SoftWave can help ease the burning, tingling, and numbness that come with nerve-related pain.

See treatment details ↓

Arthritis

SoftWave targets the inflammation and reduced circulation behind arthritic joint pain, helping restore movement without relying on long-term medication.

See treatment details ↓

Placeholder: Heel & Arch Treatment

Plantar Fasciitis

Many patients improve in 3–5 sessions

The plantar fascia is a thick band of tissue along the bottom of your foot. It has a limited blood supply, which is why heel pain can drag on for months. SoftWave brings circulation back to the fascia and activates tissue repair, so you can get through your day without that stabbing heel pain.

Common signs

  • Sharp heel pain with first steps in the morning
  • Pain after standing for long periods
  • Tenderness along the arch or heel
  • Pain that flares after exercise
Book a Consultation

↑ Back to all conditions

Placeholder: Knee Treatment

Knee Pain

A non-surgical option

Whether your knee pain comes from wear and tear, an old injury, or overuse, SoftWave reaches the tendons, ligaments and connective tissue around the joint. It’s a way to address the pain without injections, and for many patients, a way to avoid or delay surgery.

Commonly treated

  • Knee osteoarthritis
  • Patellar tendinitis (jumper’s knee)
  • IT band syndrome
  • Runner’s knee
  • Pain climbing stairs or kneeling
  • Stiffness after sitting
Book a Consultation

↑ Back to all conditions

Placeholder: Shoulder Treatment

Shoulder Pain

Tendon & connective tissue repair

Shoulder tendons work hard and heal slowly. SoftWave activates healing in the rotator cuff and surrounding connective tissue, helping you reach, lift, and sleep comfortably again.

Commonly treated

  • Rotator cuff tendinopathy
  • Shoulder impingement
  • Calcific tendinitis
  • General shoulder stiffness
  • Pain reaching overhead
  • Pain sleeping on your side
Book a Consultation

↑ Back to all conditions

Placeholder: Athlete Treatment

Sports Injuries

No downtime between sessions

From weekend warriors to competitive athletes, overuse injuries can sideline you for months. SoftWave helps you recover faster, and because there’s no downtime, you can keep training as your provider advises.

Commonly treated

  • Achilles tendinopathy
  • Shin splints
  • Hamstring strain
  • Stress fractures
  • Tennis & golfer’s elbow
  • Hip and groin strains
Book a Consultation

↑ Back to all conditions

Placeholder: Foot / Lower Leg Treatment

Neuropathy

Often a 6–10 session course

Nerves need a healthy blood supply to function. By improving circulation to compromised nerve tissue, SoftWave can help ease the burning, tingling, and numbness of nerve-related pain. Neuropathy is usually long-standing, so it often benefits from a longer course of treatment.

Common signs

  • Burning or tingling in feet or hands
  • Numbness or “pins and needles”
  • Sensitivity to touch
  • Pain that worsens at night
Book a Consultation

↑ Back to all conditions

Placeholder: Joint Treatment

Arthritis

Less stiffness, more movement

SoftWave doesn’t reverse arthritis, but it targets the inflammation and reduced circulation behind arthritic joint pain. Many patients find they move more easily and rely less on long-term pain medication.

Commonly treated joints

  • Knees
  • Hips
  • Hands & thumbs
  • Shoulders
  • Feet & ankles
  • Morning joint stiffness
Book a Consultation

↑ Back to all conditions

Don’t See Yours?

SoftWave Treats a Wide Range of Pain

These are other conditions we commonly evaluate. If your pain isn’t listed, ask us if SoftWave can help.

  • Low back pain
  • Neck pain
  • Hip pain & bursitis
  • Tennis elbow
  • Golfer’s elbow
  • Achilles pain
  • Ankle sprains
  • Muscle strains
  • Tendinitis
  • Post-surgical scar tissue

See SoftWave in Action

Watch a Real SoftWave Session

Watch how a typical SoftWave session works, start to finish.

Video placeholder: Full SoftWave Session

Safety You Can Trust

FDA-Cleared, Non-Invasive, Zero Downtime

SoftWave’s electrohydraulic technology is FDA-cleared for pain reduction, temporarily increased blood supply, and activation of connective tissue. The same underlying technology is also cleared to treat chronic diabetic foot ulcers and acute second-degree burns, a strong safety track record for soft tissue applications.

  • No drugs
  • No needles
  • No surgery
  • No anesthesia

What to Expect

Quick Sessions, Lasting Results

5–10 min

Session Length

Most treatment areas take just 5–10 minutes as your provider moves the applicator over the targeted area.

3–5

Sessions Needed

Many patients notice improvement within 3–5 sessions. Chronic or long-standing conditions often benefit from a full course of 6–10 sessions.

0 days

Afterward

No downtime. Most patients return to normal activity immediately, with results building over the following weeks.

Common Questions

Questions About Your Condition

How do I know if SoftWave will work for my condition?

The best way to find out is a free consultation. Dr. Gillis will review your history, examine the area, and tell you honestly whether SoftWave is a good fit.

Can I treat more than one area?

Yes. Many patients have more than one area treated in the same visit, such as both heels or a knee and a hip.

I’ve already tried cortisone shots or PT. Can SoftWave still help?

Often, yes. Many of our patients come to us after other treatments only gave temporary relief. SoftWave works differently by stimulating tissue repair at the source of the pain.

Can I keep exercising during treatment?

In most cases, yes. There’s no downtime, and we’ll give you guidance on activity based on your condition.

Is it safe if I have diabetes?

Many patients with diabetes are good candidates, and the underlying technology is FDA-cleared for diabetic foot ulcers. We’ll review your health history during your consultation to make sure SoftWave is safe for you.

Individual results vary. Treatment recommendations are made after a consultation to determine whether SoftWave is appropriate for your condition.

Not Sure Which Condition Fits? Let’s Talk.

Book a free consultation and we’ll walk through your specific pain and whether SoftWave is the right fit.

Book Free Consultation

Or call (949) 515-5170