SoftWave Therapy in Cumming, GA: A Complete Patient Guide
Dr. Caitlyn Cortner, DC
Medically reviewed by Dr. Caitlyn Cortner, DC. Last reviewed: July 2026.
SoftWave therapy is a non-invasive procedure that delivers low-intensity acoustic wave energy into soft tissue, with the goal of supporting your body's natural repair processes for chronic or stubborn musculoskeletal pain. Research into the mechanisms behind extracorporeal shockwave-based technologies suggests these sound waves may stimulate cellular signaling pathways involved in tissue regeneration [1]. At Arise Family Chiropractic in Cumming, Georgia, Dr. Caitlyn Cortner offers SoftWave therapy as one component of a conservative, whole-person approach to pain relief — with no injections, no surgery, and no downtime.
What Is SoftWave Therapy?
SoftWave therapy is a specific brand of tissue regeneration technology that uses electrohydraulic supersonic acoustic waves — a type of unfocused, low-energy shockwave — to reach a wide area of tissue. Unlike traditional focused shockwave devices, SoftWave's patented parallel wave technology is designed to treat a broader area with each pulse, which may allow it to address diffuse, hard-to-pin-down pain sources more comprehensively.
The device is applied topically to the skin with a small amount of ultrasound gel. A handheld applicator delivers the acoustic pulses directly over the area of concern. There is no needle, no incision, and no anesthesia required. Most patients describe the sensation as a mild tapping or flicking feeling — more like a firm percussion than a sharp discomfort.
At its core, SoftWave therapy is a tool for people dealing with pain that hasn't responded well to rest, stretching, or standard chiropractic care alone. It is sometimes called an "activating" therapy because it is thought to create a local biological response — encouraging cellular activity in tissue that has become stagnant, fibrotic, or poorly vascularized over time.
Is SoftWave the Same as Shockwave Therapy?
This is one of the most common questions patients ask, and it is a fair one. SoftWave therapy belongs to the broader family of extracorporeal shockwave therapy (ESWT) devices, but it is not identical to conventional focused shockwave therapy. The differences come down to wave shape, intensity, and area of coverage.
Traditional focused ESWT concentrates acoustic energy at a very specific, deep point — it is commonly used for conditions like calcific tendinopathy and chronic plantar fasciitis, and peer-reviewed research supports its use in those specific contexts [2][3]. Focused ESWT can be intense and sometimes requires local anesthesia.
SoftWave uses an electrohydraulic system that produces a more dispersed, parallel wave pattern at a lower energy output. This makes the treatment more comfortable and allows the device to cover a larger tissue area per session. Both technologies work on similar mechanistic principles — acoustic energy influencing cellular behavior — but they are not interchangeable, and the evidence base for each is condition-specific.
At Arise Family Chiropractic, the SoftWave OrthoGold device is the technology used. The OrthoGold series is FDA-cleared for pain relief and increased circulation.
How Does SoftWave Therapy Work? The Science Behind It
The exact mechanisms of how acoustic wave therapy influences tissue are still being studied, and this is an important area of transparency: the biological pathways are plausible and supported by laboratory research, but the clinical evidence is still maturing.
What the basic science suggests is that acoustic wave energy creates a pressure event at the cellular level — a process called mechanotransduction — that may trigger the body to respond as if an injury has occurred, prompting local biological activity [1]. This includes potential effects on cellular signaling, angiogenesis (the formation of new blood vessels), and local growth-factor release [4].
Why does that matter clinically? Many chronic pain conditions — tendinopathy, fasciitis, scar tissue adhesions, repetitive-strain injuries — involve tissue that has become poorly perfused and has stalled in a sub-optimal healing state. Standard conservative care addresses the musculoskeletal structure around that tissue, but it does not always restart the local cellular environment. The hypothesis behind SoftWave and ESWT broadly is that acoustic stimulation may help break that cycle.
Again: the research into these mechanisms is real and published, but the clinical implications for each specific condition vary. The team at Arise discusses realistic expectations with each patient before beginning.
What Conditions May Benefit From SoftWave Therapy?
SoftWave therapy is used across a range of musculoskeletal presentations at Arise Family Chiropractic. Common reasons patients seek it out include:
- Chronic low back pain that has not responded fully to chiropractic adjustments alone
- Shoulder pain, including rotator cuff-related discomfort and tendinopathy
- Knee pain, including patellar tendinopathy and osteoarthritis-related soft tissue symptoms
- Plantar fasciitis and heel pain, especially chronic, recalcitrant cases
- Hip pain and soft-tissue hip dysfunction
- Elbow pain, including lateral epicondylitis (tennis elbow) and medial epicondylitis (golfer's elbow)
- Neck pain with soft-tissue involvement
- Nerve-related discomfort in the extremities (in appropriate presentations)
- Post-injury scar tissue and adhesions
It is worth noting: SoftWave is not appropriate for every patient or every type of pain. Conditions involving active infection, malignancy, open wounds near the treatment area, or certain vascular conditions are contraindications. During your first visit, Dr. Cortner reviews your health history and presents to make sure SoftWave is appropriate for your specific situation.
What Should I Expect During a SoftWave Session at Arise?
At Arise Family Chiropractic in Cumming, a SoftWave therapy session typically takes 10 to 15 minutes. Here is how a typical session unfolds:
- Positioning: You sit or lie comfortably with the treatment area exposed. No gowning is required for most areas.
- Gel application: A small amount of ultrasound gel is applied to the skin over the target area — the same type used during an ultrasound exam.
- Wave delivery: The handheld OrthoGold applicator moves over the area in slow, deliberate passes. You will hear a clicking or tapping sound. Most patients describe the sensation as tolerable, and some areas may feel more sensitive than others.
- Post-treatment: No recovery time is needed. Most patients walk out and return to normal daily activities immediately. There is no numbness, sedation, or post-procedure restriction.
Because a SoftWave session is brief and requires no downtime, it fits naturally into a broader care visit — some patients combine SoftWave with a chiropractic adjustment on the same day, depending on what their care looks like.
How Many SoftWave Sessions Do You Need?
A typical course of SoftWave therapy at Arise Family Chiropractic is 6 to 8 sessions over 6 to 8 weeks. This cadence allows each session to build on the prior one, as the biological processes stimulated by acoustic wave therapy are gradual.
Some patients notice a change in their discomfort level within the first few sessions. Others find improvement develops more slowly and becomes more apparent toward the middle or end of the course. Chronic presentations — pain that has been present for months or years — generally require the full course of care before a meaningful pattern emerges. Specific timelines are individualized and are discussed with Dr. Cortner as care progresses.
After the initial course, some patients benefit from periodic maintenance sessions, particularly if their underlying condition is ongoing (e.g., a structural issue, occupational repetitive strain, or degenerative joint change). Others reach their goals and do not require ongoing SoftWave care. This is determined case by case.
Does SoftWave Therapy Hurt?
Most patients find SoftWave therapy tolerable and even milder than expected. The sensation is often described as a rapid tapping or clicking at the skin surface, and intensity can be adjusted by the provider to stay within a comfortable range.
Certain anatomical areas — bony prominences, tendon insertions, spots of acute inflammation — may be more sensitive during the pulse. Dr. Cortner communicates throughout the session and adjusts accordingly. Patients are encouraged to give real-time feedback.
After the session, some patients notice mild local soreness in the treated area, similar to what you might feel after a deep-tissue massage. This is transient and generally resolves quickly. Significant or prolonged post-session pain is not expected, and if you experience that, you should let the clinic know so the protocol can be adjusted.
When Should You Consider Other Care Instead?
SoftWave therapy is a conservative, non-surgical option — and like all conservative care, it has its appropriate scope. Dr. Cortner recommends patients seek evaluation from their primary care physician or a specialist in the following situations:
- Symptoms that worsen significantly rather than improve during a course of care
- New neurological symptoms — numbness, weakness, or loss of bladder or bowel control
- Severe or unrelenting pain that is not responding within the first weeks of care
- Fever, significant swelling, redness, or signs of infection near the pain site
- A pain pattern that has not been evaluated and may need imaging to rule out structural pathology
Chiropractic care and SoftWave therapy are designed to complement medical care, not replace it. Arise Family Chiropractic maintains open communication with patients' other providers when warranted.
SoftWave Therapy Near Cumming, GA — Serving Forsyth County and Beyond
Arise Family Chiropractic is located at 5456 Bethelview Rd, Suite 103B in Cumming, Georgia — in the heart of South Forsyth County, just minutes from Vickery and Windermere. Dr. Cortner and the Arise team serve patients from across the greater Cumming area, including Alpharetta, Johns Creek, Milton, Suwanee, and Dawsonville.
Forsyth County has grown rapidly, and with that growth comes a large population of working professionals, young families, and active adults dealing with the common soft-tissue and overuse injuries that come with busy, physically demanding lifestyles. Whether you work at the Forsyth County School System, commute into Alpharetta or Johns Creek, or spend your weekends on the trails at Sawnee Mountain Preserve, the kind of chronic, nagging musculoskeletal pain that SoftWave targets is familiar to the community Arise serves.
The practice is conveniently located near The Collection at Forsyth and Northside Hospital Forsyth, making it accessible for residents throughout northern metro Atlanta. Scheduling is straightforward, and new patients are welcomed with the same warm, family-oriented approach that defines the Arise experience.
If you have been carrying around chronic pain and wondering whether there is a conservative option you have not yet tried, SoftWave therapy may be worth a conversation with Dr. Cortner. Arise Family Chiropractic offers SoftWave therapy as part of a broader approach to conservative musculoskeletal care — and the first step is simply a consultation to find out if it is right for you.
Comparison
| Approach | What it does | Typical setting | When it's usually considered |
|---|---|---|---|
| SoftWave Therapy | Delivers dispersed acoustic wave energy to stimulate cellular repair and circulation | Chiropractic or physical therapy office | Chronic soft-tissue pain, tendinopathy, fasciitis; when standard conservative care has plateaued |
| Focused Shockwave (ESWT) | Delivers concentrated acoustic energy to a precise, deep point | Orthopedic or sports medicine office | Calcific tendinopathy, chronic plantar fasciitis; condition-specific per published guidelines [2][3] |
| Chiropractic Adjustment | Addresses joint mobility and spinal alignment through manual manipulation | Chiropractic office | Spinal pain, restricted joint movement, nerve-adjacent musculoskeletal symptoms |
| Physical Therapy / Exercise | Rehabilitates strength, flexibility, and movement patterns | PT clinic or home program | Many musculoskeletal conditions; often used alongside other conservative care |
| Corticosteroid Injection | Reduces local inflammation through injectable medication | Primary care, orthopedics | Short-term pain relief in inflammatory presentations; typically after conservative care has been tried |
| Surgery | Repairs structural damage that cannot be resolved conservatively | Hospital / surgical center | When conservative care over an appropriate period has not resolved a structural issue |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is SoftWave therapy used for?
SoftWave therapy is used for a range of chronic and stubborn musculoskeletal pain conditions, including low back pain, shoulder and rotator cuff pain, plantar fasciitis, knee pain, tennis elbow, and hip soft-tissue dysfunction. It is generally considered when pain has not resolved fully with standard conservative care. At Arise Family Chiropractic in Cumming, GA, Dr. Cortner evaluates each patient individually to determine whether SoftWave is appropriate for their specific presentation.
Does SoftWave therapy really work?
The underlying science — acoustic wave energy stimulating cellular signaling and tissue repair processes — is supported by laboratory and mechanistic research. Clinical evidence for extracorporeal shockwave-based technologies is strongest for specific conditions like chronic plantar fasciitis and calcific tendinopathy. For SoftWave specifically, patient experiences vary by condition and chronicity. At Arise, Dr. Cortner discusses realistic expectations before beginning so patients can make an informed decision about whether to proceed.
How much does SoftWave therapy cost?
SoftWave therapy session costs vary by practice and course of care. For specific pricing at Arise Family Chiropractic in Cumming, GA, we recommend calling the office directly at (770) 406-8208 or asking at your consultation. Pricing may depend on the number of sessions recommended and whether SoftWave is combined with other care services.
Is SoftWave the same as shockwave therapy?
SoftWave belongs to the broader extracorporeal shockwave therapy (ESWT) family, but it is not identical to traditional focused shockwave therapy. SoftWave uses an electrohydraulic system that produces a wider, lower-intensity acoustic wave — making it more comfortable and able to cover a larger area per session. Focused ESWT uses a concentrated beam for very precise, deeper treatment. Both rely on similar acoustic-energy principles but have different device profiles and evidence bases.
How many SoftWave sessions do you need?
At Arise Family Chiropractic, a typical SoftWave course of care is 6 to 8 sessions over 6 to 8 weeks. This timeline allows the cumulative biological response to develop. Patients with longer-standing, chronic conditions may need the full course before noticing consistent improvement. The exact number of sessions is individualized based on your condition, history, and how you respond during care.
Does SoftWave therapy hurt?
Most patients find SoftWave therapy tolerable and milder than they anticipated. The sensation is typically described as a rapid tapping or clicking at the skin surface. Some areas — particularly around tendon insertions or inflamed tissue — may feel more sensitive. The provider adjusts intensity based on real-time feedback. Mild soreness similar to post-massage tenderness can occur after a session but is generally short-lived.
Is SoftWave therapy covered by insurance?
SoftWave therapy is generally considered an elective or cash-pay service and is not typically covered by standard health insurance plans. Coverage varies significantly by plan and carrier. We recommend contacting your insurance provider directly to ask about out-of-pocket costs for shockwave-based therapies. Arise Family Chiropractic can provide session pricing and discuss payment options during your consultation.
What conditions does SoftWave treat?
SoftWave therapy is used for a variety of soft-tissue and musculoskeletal conditions, including chronic low back and neck pain, shoulder tendinopathy, rotator cuff discomfort, plantar fasciitis, knee pain, hip pain, lateral and medial epicondylitis (tennis and golfer's elbow), and post-injury scar tissue. It is not appropriate for conditions involving active infection, malignancy, or open wounds near the area. Dr. Cortner at Arise reviews your history before recommending SoftWave to ensure it fits your situation.
How long does a SoftWave therapy session take at Arise Family Chiropractic?
A SoftWave session at Arise Family Chiropractic in Cumming, GA typically takes 10 to 15 minutes. No anesthesia, needles, or recovery time are required. Many patients combine a SoftWave session with a chiropractic adjustment during the same visit. You can return to normal daily activities immediately after treatment.
Who is a good candidate for SoftWave therapy?
SoftWave therapy tends to be a good fit for adults dealing with chronic, stubborn musculoskeletal pain that has not fully resolved with rest, stretching, or standard chiropractic care alone — particularly tendinopathy, fasciitis, or overuse injuries. It is not appropriate for everyone, and Dr. Cortner at Arise performs a thorough evaluation before recommending it. Patients with certain contraindications (active infection, malignancy, blood-clotting disorders, or open wounds in the area) are not candidates.
Ready to find out whether SoftWave therapy is a good fit for what you are dealing with? Arise Family Chiropractic is located at 5456 Bethelview Rd, Suite 103B in Cumming, GA — serving South Forsyth County, Vickery, Windermere, and the surrounding communities of Alpharetta, Johns Creek, and Suwanee. Call us at (770) 406-8208 or visit our SoftWave therapy service page to learn more and schedule a consultation with Dr. Caitlyn Cortner. We will review your history and help you decide together whether SoftWave belongs in your care plan.
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] 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
[3] 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
[4] 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/
This post is for educational purposes and does not constitute medical advice. Consult a qualified healthcare provider for guidance specific to your condition.
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