The Science Behind SoftWave

What Is SoftWave Therapy?

SoftWave is an FDA-cleared, non-invasive treatment that uses gentle electrohydraulic pulse waves to wake up your body’s own repair process. It goes after the root cause of pain instead of covering it up, with no drugs, needles, or downtime.

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  • FDA-Cleared
  • Non-Invasive
  • No Medication
  • Zero Downtime
The Harbor Family Chiropractic team in Costa Mesa

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The Short Version

When tissue is injured for a long time, your body often stops trying to heal it. Blood flow drops, inflammation lingers, and pain becomes the “new normal.”

SoftWave restarts that healing process. A handheld applicator sends broad, focused energy waves into the injured area. Your cells read those waves as a signal to repair: blood flow increases, inflammation calms down, and your own regenerative cells get to work rebuilding the tissue.

Think of it as a reset button for tissue that got stuck in a cycle of pain.

Video placeholder: Explainer Video: What Is SoftWave?

Watch Dr. Gillis explain how SoftWave works in under two minutes.

Diagram: SoftWave applicator sending a broad wave field through skin, muscle and tendon layers Skin Muscle Tendon / Fascia Bone SoftWave applicator More blood flow Tissue repair
A broad wave field reaches deep tissue, not just a single point.

How It Works

Energy In, Healing Out

SoftWave uses electrohydraulic technology: an electrical spark inside a fluid-filled chamber produces a pressure wave, which a specially shaped reflector directs into your body over a wide treatment area.

  1. The wave reaches the injuryEnergy passes harmlessly through skin and muscle to the damaged tissue underneath.
  2. Cells sense the signalThe mechanical stimulus triggers a biological response in the cells it reaches, called mechanotransduction.
  3. Your body takes overHealing continues for weeks after each session as new blood vessels form and tissue rebuilds.

What Happens in Your Body

Four Ways SoftWave Helps You Heal

SoftWave doesn’t just numb the area. It starts real biological changes at the source of your pain.

Boosts Circulation

Encourages new blood vessel growth, bringing oxygen and nutrients to tissue that has been starved of them.

Activates Repair Cells

Recruits your body’s own regenerative cells to the treatment area to rebuild damaged tissue.

Calms Inflammation

Helps move the injury out of a stuck, chronic inflammatory state and into active healing.

Relieves Pain

Many patients feel less pain after their first sessions as overactive pain signals settle down.

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Not All Shockwave Is the Same

SoftWave vs. Traditional Shockwave

You may have heard of “shockwave therapy.” Most clinics use radial pressure devices. SoftWave’s electrohydraulic technology is a different category.

SoftWave (Electrohydraulic)Radial Pressure Wave
How energy is madeSpark in a fluid chamber creates a true acoustic waveA projectile strikes a metal tip, like a tiny jackhammer
Treatment areaBroad, wide field, treats the whole regionSmall point that has to be moved around constantly
DepthReaches deep tendons, ligaments and jointsEnergy fades quickly below the surface
ComfortDeep pulsing sensation, no anesthesia neededCan be uncomfortable or painful at the surface
Primary effectBiological: triggers tissue regenerationMostly mechanical stimulation

What to Expect

Your SoftWave Session, Step by Step

Treatments are quick and comfortable, and you can go right back to your day.

1

Free consult

Assessment

Dr. Gillis evaluates your pain, history and goals to confirm SoftWave is a good fit.

2

~5–10 min

Treatment

Gel goes on the skin, and the applicator delivers pulses to the area. You’ll feel a deep tapping sensation.

3

Same day

Back to Life

No downtime and no recovery period. Most people drive themselves home or go straight back to work.

4

3–6 sessions

Lasting Results

Many patients notice improvement within 3–5 visits, and healing keeps building for weeks afterward.

Video placeholder: Watch a Real SoftWave Session
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Is It Right for You?

Who Is a Good Candidate?

SoftWave may be a great fit if you…

  • Have pain that’s lasted weeks, months, or years
  • Tried PT, rest, or cortisone shots with limited results
  • Want to avoid or delay surgery
  • Prefer a drug-free, needle-free option
  • Are an athlete who wants to get back faster
  • Can’t afford long downtime from work or family

Let us know during your consult if you…

  • Are pregnant
  • Have a pacemaker or other implanted device
  • Take blood-thinning medication
  • Have cancer or a tumor near the treatment area
  • Have an active infection at the treatment site

These don’t always rule out treatment, but we’ll review your health history to make sure SoftWave is safe for you.

See the Conditions We Treat →

Patient Stories

Hear It From Our Patients

Short videos from Orange County patients who got back to the things they love.

Video placeholder: Testimonial: Plantar Fasciitis

Patient Name

City · Condition

Video placeholder: Testimonial: Knee Pain

Patient Name

City · Condition

Video placeholder: Testimonial: Sports Injury

Patient Name

City · Condition

Common Questions

SoftWave FAQs

Does SoftWave hurt?

Most patients describe a deep pulsing or tapping sensation, not pain. No anesthesia or numbing is needed, and the intensity can be adjusted to stay comfortable.

Is SoftWave FDA-cleared?

Yes. SoftWave uses FDA-cleared electrohydraulic technology.

How soon will I feel results?

Some patients feel relief after their first session. Most notice clear improvement within 3–5 sessions. Because SoftWave stimulates real tissue repair, results keep building for 6–12 weeks after treatment.

How many sessions will I need?

Most conditions respond in 3–6 sessions, usually spaced about a week apart. Chronic or nerve-related conditions may need more. We’ll recommend a plan after your consultation.

Are there side effects?

Side effects are usually mild and short-lived, such as temporary redness, tenderness, or soreness in the treated area. There’s no downtime.

Can SoftWave be combined with chiropractic care?

Yes. At Harbor Family Chiropractic, SoftWave often works alongside chiropractic adjustments and rehab exercises to support a more complete recovery.

Is it covered by insurance?

SoftWave is typically not covered by insurance, but HSA/FSA funds and financing options are often available. Ask us about pricing during your free consultation.

Individual results vary. This page is for educational purposes and is not a substitute for a medical evaluation. SoftWave treatment is provided after a consultation to determine whether it is appropriate for your condition.

Ready to See If SoftWave Is Right for You?

Book a free SoftWave consultation. No obligation, no pressure, just answers.

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Or call (949) 515-5170