SoftWave Therapy in Cumming, GA: A Complete Patient Guide

Dr. Caitlyn Cortner, DC
Medically reviewed by Dr. Caitlyn Cortner, DC. Last reviewed: June 2026.

SoftWave therapy is a non-invasive acoustic wave treatment that may help reduce chronic pain and support the body's natural healing process in musculoskeletal tissues. Research on extracorporeal shockwave technology — the family of therapies SoftWave belongs to — suggests these acoustic waves can influence tissue repair at a cellular level [1]. At Arise Family Chiropractic in Cumming, Georgia, Dr. Caitlyn Cortner offers SoftWave therapy as a standalone option or alongside chiropractic care for patients dealing with persistent pain that hasn't responded to other conservative approaches.

What Is SoftWave Therapy?

SoftWave therapy is a type of extracorporeal shockwave therapy (ESWT) — a technology that delivers focused acoustic (sound) waves into injured or painful soft-tissue areas through a handheld device placed on the skin. "Extracorporeal" simply means the energy is generated outside the body and transmitted through the skin without any incision.

What makes SoftWave distinct from older ESWT devices is its use of a parallel-plate electrode that generates a broad, divergent wave pattern rather than a tightly focused point. This allows the waves to cover a wider treatment area in a single pass and reach tissue at various depths, rather than concentrating energy at one focal point.

The acoustic waves generated by SoftWave technology are not the same as ultrasound waves. Shockwave pulses are characterized by a rapid rise in pressure followed by a short tensile phase — a waveform that differs mechanically from diagnostic or therapeutic ultrasound. That mechanical difference is central to how ESWT is believed to affect tissue.

SoftWave is FDA-cleared and is used in both chiropractic and sports medicine settings. It requires no anesthesia, no needles, and no downtime, making it appealing to patients looking for a non-surgical approach to musculoskeletal pain.

How Does SoftWave Therapy Work?

The precise mechanisms of extracorporeal shockwave therapy are an active area of research, but several biological pathways have been described in the scientific literature.

Narrative reviews of the ESWT literature suggest that the mechanical energy delivered by shockwave devices may stimulate a cellular response in soft tissue — including the release of growth factors associated with tissue repair, the promotion of new blood vessel formation (a process called neovascularization), and potential anti-inflammatory effects [2]. Separately, mechanistic research has explored how acoustic energy may influence stem-cell behavior in soft tissue [3].

A narrative review focused on regenerative mechanisms further proposes that shockwave energy triggers mechanotransduction — a process by which cells convert mechanical signals into biological responses that can support tissue remodeling [1].

It is important to note that most mechanistic research has been conducted in laboratory or animal settings. The clinical question — whether these cellular effects translate to meaningful pain relief and function improvement in individual patients — is answered through clinical trials. A randomized controlled trial found that focused ESWT produced clinically significant pain and function improvements in adults with chronic plantar fasciitis compared to a sham treatment [4], suggesting the mechanisms described in laboratory research do have real-world correlates in at least some conditions.

What this means for patients: SoftWave therapy does not "force" tissue to heal. It is thought to stimulate the body's own repair processes. Whether and how well that works depends on the condition being addressed, how chronic it is, and the individual patient.

What Conditions Is SoftWave Therapy Used For?

SoftWave therapy is used primarily for musculoskeletal conditions — meaning problems involving muscles, tendons, ligaments, and connective tissue. Common applications in chiropractic and sports medicine settings include:

• Tendinopathies (chronic tendon pain): conditions like plantar fasciitis, Achilles tendinopathy, patellar tendinopathy, rotator cuff tendinopathy, and tennis elbow are among the most studied applications for ESWT technology. A systematic review found shockwave therapy to be an effective minimally invasive option for chronic calcific tendinopathy of the rotator cuff [5].
• Plantar fasciitis and heel pain: a randomized controlled trial demonstrated clinically meaningful benefit from focused ESWT in adults with treatment-refractory plantar fasciitis [4].
• Chronic low back pain associated with soft-tissue involvement
• Hip and knee soft-tissue pain where tendons and bursae are involved
• Shoulder pain related to soft-tissue and tendon issues

SoftWave is not intended to replace chiropractic adjustments, physical therapy, or medical care. At Arise Family Chiropractic, it is used as one component of a conservative, non-surgical care approach — particularly for patients who have been dealing with persistent pain and haven't found adequate relief through other conservative options alone.

Conditions SoftWave is NOT typically used for include: acute injuries with active inflammation in the first 48–72 hours, conditions requiring surgical evaluation, fractures, or any area with active infection, tumor, or blood clotting disorder. Dr. Cortner conducts a thorough health history and exam before recommending SoftWave to ensure it is appropriate for each individual patient.

Is SoftWave the Same as Shockwave Therapy?

SoftWave is a brand of shockwave therapy — so yes, it belongs to the broader ESWT family, but not all shockwave devices are alike. The main distinctions within shockwave therapy involve wave delivery method and energy profile:

• Radial shockwave (RSWT): lower-energy, pressure waves that spread radially from the applicator tip. Common in many chiropractic and physical therapy offices.
• Focused ESWT: concentrates energy at a precise focal point below the skin surface. More commonly used in urology and for deep focal lesions.
• SoftWave (parallel-plate electrode, divergent wave): a broad-beam divergent pattern that covers a wider surface area per pass. Proponents note this allows treatment across larger or multi-focal areas.

Each delivery method has a different evidence profile, and most published clinical trials have used focused or radial devices rather than SoftWave's specific electrode design. When reviewing evidence, it matters which type of ESWT was studied and for which condition. Dr. Cortner can speak to whether SoftWave's specific characteristics are well-suited to your particular presentation.

What to Expect at Your First SoftWave Therapy Session at Arise

At Arise Family Chiropractic in Cumming, Georgia, SoftWave therapy sessions typically run 10 to 15 minutes per the practice's clinical norms. Here is what patients generally experience:

Before the session: Dr. Cortner or her team will confirm the treatment area and apply a coupling gel (similar to ultrasound gel) to the skin. This helps the acoustic waves transmit efficiently into the tissue.

During the session: The SoftWave handpiece is moved over the treatment area in slow, overlapping passes. Patients typically feel a pulsing or tapping sensation. Some areas — particularly those with active tendon irritation — may feel more intense than others. Most patients tolerate the treatment well, though individual sensations vary.

After the session: No downtime is required. Most patients can drive themselves and return to normal daily activity immediately. Some patients notice a temporary change in how the area feels after a session — this is normal and typically resolves quickly. Significant or persistent pain after a session should be reported to Dr. Cortner.

Typical course of care: At Arise, the standard course of SoftWave therapy is 6 to 8 sessions over 6 to 8 weeks. Individual care recommendations are discussed at a follow-up visit after the initial evaluation, where Dr. Cortner can tailor the plan to the patient's specific condition and response. Some patients may notice changes within the first few sessions; others find improvements develop more gradually across the full course.

SoftWave is often combined with chiropractic adjustments when spinal or joint alignment is also a factor in the patient's presentation — for example, a patient with both plantar fasciitis and lumbar spine issues might benefit from both approaches together.

When Should You Consider Other Care Instead?

SoftWave therapy is a conservative, non-surgical option, but it is not the right fit for every situation. Dr. Cortner refers patients for additional evaluation or care when:

• Imaging (X-ray, MRI) has not been obtained and structural pathology (such as a full-thickness tendon tear or stress fracture) needs to be ruled out
• Symptoms suggest a condition requiring orthopedic or medical evaluation — for example, signs of significant nerve compression, vascular compromise, or tumor
• Pain is severe, rapidly worsening, or accompanied by unexplained systemic symptoms (fever, unintended weight loss)
• Previous conservative care including shockwave therapy produced no meaningful change after a full course, suggesting the diagnosis or underlying driver may need re-evaluation
• The patient's health history includes contraindications to shockwave therapy (blood thinners, active cancer in the treatment area, implanted devices in or near the target zone)

Chiropractic care and SoftWave therapy work best when you and your provider have an honest picture of what is driving your pain. If something outside the scope of conservative care needs attention first, Dr. Cortner will tell you directly and help connect you with the right provider.

SoftWave Therapy at Arise Family Chiropractic — Serving Forsyth County and Beyond

Arise Family Chiropractic is located at 5456 Bethelview Rd, Suite 103B, in Cumming, Georgia — just minutes from The Collection at Forsyth, Northside Hospital Forsyth, and the Windermere and Vickery communities. Dr. Cortner and her team serve patients throughout Forsyth County and neighboring communities including Alpharetta, Johns Creek, Milton, Suwanee, and Dawsonville.

For Forsyth County residents — including families near South Forsyth, Sawnee Mountain Preserve, and Cumming City Center — access to SoftWave therapy without traveling to an Atlanta metro specialty clinic is relatively recent. Arise has offered SoftWave as part of its conservative care toolkit since adding the technology to the practice, giving local patients a nearby option for this type of acoustic wave therapy.

Many patients who seek SoftWave at Arise work demanding physical or desk-based jobs — including those employed with Forsyth County Schools, Sawnee EMC, and the area's growing professional and logistics workforce — and are looking for solutions that don't require surgical downtime or extended time away from work. SoftWave's no-downtime profile makes it particularly practical for busy patients who need to stay active during care.

If you are new to Arise, your first visit includes a thorough health history, exam, and review of any existing imaging — and in most cases, Dr. Cortner begins care on that same first visit. Detailed care recommendations, including whether SoftWave is appropriate for your situation, are reviewed at a follow-up visit.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is SoftWave therapy used for?

SoftWave therapy is used primarily for musculoskeletal conditions involving tendons, ligaments, and soft tissue. Common applications include plantar fasciitis, Achilles tendinopathy, rotator cuff tendinopathy, tennis elbow, patellar tendinopathy, and chronic low back pain related to soft-tissue involvement. At Arise Family Chiropractic in Cumming, GA, Dr. Cortner assesses each patient individually to determine whether SoftWave is an appropriate part of their care plan.

Does SoftWave therapy really work?

Research on extracorporeal shockwave therapy — the family of technologies SoftWave belongs to — shows clinically meaningful results for certain conditions, particularly chronic tendinopathies. A randomized controlled trial found focused ESWT significantly outperformed sham treatment for plantar fasciitis, and systematic reviews support its use for calcific rotator cuff tendinopathy. Whether SoftWave works for a specific individual depends on the condition, its chronicity, and the patient's overall health picture — which is why Dr. Cortner reviews each case before recommending it.

How much does SoftWave therapy cost?

SoftWave therapy costs vary by practice and geographic area. At Arise Family Chiropractic in Cumming, GA, pricing is discussed during your initial visit or when SoftWave is recommended as part of your care plan. We encourage patients to call our office directly at (770) 406-8208 for current session pricing and package options.

Is SoftWave the same as shockwave therapy?

SoftWave is a brand within the broader shockwave therapy (ESWT) family, but it uses a distinct wave-delivery design. Traditional focused ESWT concentrates energy at a single focal point, while radial shockwave devices spread energy outward from the tip. SoftWave uses a parallel-plate electrode that creates a divergent wave pattern, covering a wider treatment area per pass. The clinical evidence base for ESWT was largely built using focused and radial devices, so results are not automatically interchangeable across device types.

How many SoftWave sessions do you need?

At Arise Family Chiropractic, the typical course of SoftWave therapy is 6 to 8 sessions over 6 to 8 weeks. The exact number depends on the condition being addressed, how chronic it is, and how the patient responds after the first few sessions. Specific care recommendations are reviewed with Dr. Cortner at a follow-up visit after your initial evaluation, where she tailors the plan to your individual situation.

Does SoftWave therapy hurt?

Most patients describe SoftWave as a pulsing or tapping sensation during treatment. Areas with active tendon irritation may feel more intense, but the vast majority of patients tolerate the sessions well. Each session runs about 10 to 15 minutes at Arise. There is no downtime after treatment, and most patients return to normal activity the same day. If you notice unusual discomfort after a session, let Dr. Cortner know so she can adjust the approach.

Is SoftWave therapy covered by insurance?

Coverage for SoftWave and other shockwave therapy devices is typically not covered by insurance plans and is often limited or excluded under many standard chiropractic benefit structures. We always recommend contacting your insurance provider directly to ask about your specific plan's policy on extracorporeal shockwave therapy. Our team at Arise Family Chiropractic can also help you understand your options — call us at (770) 406-8208.

What conditions does SoftWave treat?

SoftWave is used for musculoskeletal conditions — primarily those involving tendons and soft tissue. Conditions commonly addressed with ESWT technology include plantar fasciitis, Achilles tendinopathy, rotator cuff tendinopathy (including calcific tendinopathy), tennis elbow, patellar tendinopathy, and chronic soft-tissue-related low back pain. SoftWave is not appropriate for acute injuries, fractures, active infection, or areas with certain implanted devices. Dr. Cortner evaluates each patient before recommending a course of care.

Can SoftWave therapy be combined with chiropractic adjustments?

Yes — at Arise Family Chiropractic, SoftWave is often used alongside chiropractic adjustments when both soft-tissue and spinal or joint factors are contributing to a patient's pain. For example, a patient with both plantar fasciitis and lumbar spine involvement might benefit from SoftWave targeting the heel tissue while chiropractic care addresses the spinal component. Dr. Cortner develops an individualized approach based on your full clinical picture.

Who is a good candidate for SoftWave therapy at Arise Family Chiropractic?

Good candidates are typically adults with chronic musculoskeletal pain — particularly tendinopathies — that has not fully responded to other conservative measures like rest, stretching, or previous therapy. SoftWave may be especially worth considering if you want to avoid injections or surgery and have an issue that fits the technology's evidence profile. Dr. Cortner will review your health history and any existing imaging at your initial visit to determine whether SoftWave is the right fit for your specific situation in Cumming, GA.

If you're dealing with chronic tendon pain, persistent heel pain, or soft-tissue discomfort that hasn't improved with rest or other conservative approaches, SoftWave therapy at Arise Family Chiropractic in Cumming, Georgia may be worth exploring. Dr. Caitlyn Cortner will review your health history, examine the affected area, and discuss whether SoftWave is an appropriate part of your care plan. Call us at (770) 406-8208 or visit our SoftWave Therapy page to learn more and schedule your first visit.

References

[1] Simplicio CL, Purita J, Murrell W, et al. Extracorporeal shock wave therapy mechanisms in musculoskeletal regenerative medicine. J Clin Orthop Trauma. 2020;11(Suppl 3):S309-S318. - https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jcot.2020.02.004
[2] Notarnicola A, Moretti B. The biological effects of extracorporeal shock wave therapy (ESWT) on tendon tissue. Muscles Ligaments Tendons J. 2012;2(1):33-37. - https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3666498/
[3] Rinella L, Marano F, Paletto L, et al. Extracorporeal shock waves modulate myofibroblast differentiation of adipose-derived stem cells. Wound Repair Regen. 2016;24(2):275-286. - https://doi.org/10.1111/wrr.12410
[4] Gollwitzer H, Saxena A, DiDomenico LA, et al. Clinically relevant effectiveness of focused extracorporeal shock wave therapy in the treatment of chronic plantar fasciitis: a randomized, controlled multicenter study. J Bone Joint Surg Am. 2015;97(9):701-708. - https://doi.org/10.2106/JBJS.M.01331
[5] Louwerens JKG, Sierevelt IN, van Noort A, van den Bekerom MPJ. Evidence for minimally invasive therapies in the management of chronic calcific tendinopathy of the rotator cuff: a systematic review and meta-analysis. J Shoulder Elbow Surg. 2014;23(8):1240-1249. - https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jse.2014.02.002

This post is for educational purposes and does not constitute medical advice. Consult a qualified healthcare provider for guidance specific to your condition.