High Energy ShockWave Therapy: Why It’s the Real Deal (and Low-Energy Devices Aren’t)

If you’ve been searching for pain relief or injury recovery solutions, you’ve probably come across a ton of ads for SoftWave or StemWave. They make big promises, but do they really deliver? If you take a closer look, you’ll see that these are just low-energy shockwave devices—essentially a lower intensity modality targeted and created for chiropractors and physical therapist to bring the cost of a machine down and have the multi-session to get patients thinking that they are getting true shock wave. They are even saying “High-Energy ShockWave” in their advertising which is not true. There are other things that they are saying that are just not true to get people in to try it. If you research you will find that High-Energy ShockWave has been around for years, and that the low intensity handheld devices are just another revenue source, and yet, people keep going back for more treatment, repeatedly.

That’s because low-energy shockwave therapy isn’t designed to fix the root cause of the issue. It might provide some temporary relief, but if it actually worked long-term, patients wouldn’t have to keep coming back over and over again, right?

The Difference Between High and Low Energy ShockWave Therapy

Not all shockwave therapies are created equal. The biggest difference is in the power and depth of penetration. High-Energy ShockWave Therapy (HESWT) delivers strong, focused energy deep into the tissues, triggering real biological changes that promote actual healing, not just a short-term reduction in pain.

Low-energy devices, like the ones used by SoftWave and StemWave, don’t penetrate deep enough to create lasting effects. They might stimulate the surface layers of tissue, leading to a temporary improvement, but they don’t address the root of the problem. That’s why patients keep needing more and more sessions—because their issues aren’t being truly corrected.

If Low-Energy Therapy Works, Why Do Patients Keep Coming Back?

Think about it this way: If a therapy is supposed to fix something, you shouldn’t have to keep using it over and over again for the same problem. Yet, that’s exactly what happens with SoftWave and other low-energy shockwave treatments. It’s the same business model you see in chiropractic care or traditional physical therapy—to keep the patient coming back rather than solving the problem effectively the first time.

High Energy ShockWave Therapy is different. It delivers results with a single procedure because it actually stimulates the body’s natural repair mechanisms, helping tissues regenerate properly. When applied correctly, it significantly reduces the need for ongoing treatments because the problem is actually being fixed, not just managed.

Misleading Marketing: Calling Low-Energy Devices “High Energy”

One of the most frustrating things is that companies like SoftWave have started using terms like “high energy” in their marketing, even though their devices don’t meet the criteria for true high-energy therapy. It’s misleading to patients who are searching for real solutions.

On top of that, they often cite high success rates—like the 90%+ effectiveness that I’ve developed over the past 20 years—without actually delivering on those numbers. They take statistics from true High-Energy ShockWave Therapy and apply them to their own treatments, when in reality, low-energy devices simply can’t achieve the same level of healing.

What You Should Look for in a ShockWave Therapy Provider

If you’re considering shockwave therapy, here’s how to make sure you’re getting the real deal:

1. Ask about the energy level of the device – If it’s low-energy, it’s not going to provide the same results as High-Energy ShockWave Therapy.

2. Find out how many sessions are needed – If they recommend a multi-session series of treatments, they’re likely just managing symptoms rather than fixing the problem.

3. Look for long-term results – Real healing doesn’t require ongoing maintenance treatments for the same issue.

The Bottom Line

High-Energy ShockWave Therapy isn’t just another temporary fix—it’s a real solution. While SoftWave, StemWave, and other low-energy alternatives might get a lot of attention through advertising, they just don’t provide the depth of healing that true High-Energy ShockWave therapy does.

If you’re tired of dealing with recurring pain and want a treatment that actually works, don’t fall for the hype. Choose a therapy that goes beyond surface-level relief and delivers real, lasting healing.