SoftWave Therapy in Lake Nona
SoftWave therapy uses gentle acoustic waves to support healing in muscle, tendon and soft tissue. It requires no anesthesia or numbing agents and is used as part of a personalized care plan after a one-on-one evaluation.
How SoftWave works
A high-voltage spark inside the applicator creates acoustic waves in water. A patented parabolic reflector then spreads those waves across a broad, even treatment zone, so the energy covers an area about 7 cm wide and reaches about 12 cm deep, reaching both surface and deep-seated tissue.
The waves are designed to stimulate your body's own repair processes in muscle, tendon and other soft tissue, helping reduce pain and support healing. It is applied with a handheld applicator, with no needles, no medication and no incisions. Your feedback during treatment helps your doctor find the exact injured spot, so the therapy is focused where it is needed.
- Non-invasive, with no anesthesia or numbing agents
- Treatments typically take about 5 to 15 minutes, depending on the area
- No downtime for most patients
- Delivered by Dr. Adriana Diaz and our team
What SoftWave can help with
SoftWave can help reduce pain, temporarily increase blood supply and activate connective tissue in problems such as:
- Plantar fasciitis and heel pain
- Back pain
- Knee pain
- Shoulder and rotator cuff pain
- Elbow and wrist pain
- Achilles tendon problems and shin splints
- Hamstring pain and other over-use injuries
- Scar tissue and adhesions
- Stress fractures
SoftWave is FDA cleared for activation of connective tissue, temporary improved blood supply and pain reduction. Results vary by person, and your doctor will tell you whether it fits your case.
What your SoftWave visit looks like
- Your doctor evaluates the problem area and confirms SoftWave fits your situation
- Gel is applied and the applicator is moved over the treatment area for about 5 to 15 minutes, depending on the area
- You go about your day, with a follow-up schedule built around your response
- Healing continues in the weeks after treatment, with the best results often around 12 weeks after your last visit
What the published research covers
SoftWave belongs to a category called extracorporeal shockwave therapy (ESWT), which has a growing body of peer-reviewed research. Studies and reviews published on shockwave therapy include:
- Sports medicine injuries: a review in PM&R by Schroeder, Tenforde and Jelsing
- Plantar fasciitis: a study of unfocused medium-intensity ESWT by Fansa and colleagues
- Chronic low back pain: a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials by Yue and colleagues
- Athletes and active people: a systematic review by Rhim, Tenforde and colleagues
- Cellular signaling: how low-intensity shockwaves affect cells, by Liu, Shindel, Lin and Lue
This is research on shockwave therapy in general and not on any one device or clinic, and individual results vary. Not every use studied is FDA cleared. Your doctor will explain what applies to you.
SoftWave technology is trusted by leading organizations
Cleveland ClinicShepherd CenterMemorial Sloan KetteringNorthwestern MedicineLos Angeles LakersBrooklyn NetsPittsburgh SteelersChicago CubsDr. AxeThe Dr. Oz Show
SoftWave's manufacturer also reports use by leading research and medical centers and professional and amateur sports organizations including MLB, NFL, NBA, NHL, MLS, NCAA, PGA, USGA, USATF, WNBA, Premier League and UFC.
These organizations use SoftWave technology. Names and logos belong to their owners and do not imply endorsement of, or affiliation with, Lake Nona Chiropractic.
The $49 SoftWave Special
A way to start SoftWave with a doctor guiding you from the first visit. Includes:
- A one-on-one consultation
- Your first SoftWave session
Not available to patients whose care is paid for by Medicare, Medicaid, Tricare or any other federal or state healthcare program. See the notice below.
What physicians who use SoftWave say
SoftWave's manufacturer describes the therapy as an evidence-based alternative to surgery, injections and medication, with superior outcomes, and reports 5-star patient satisfaction ratings. Physicians who use it say:
Dr. Martin O'Malley
Orthopedic surgeon at HSS and team orthopedist for the Brooklyn Nets, New Jersey Devils and NY Giants, who has treated hundreds of professional athletes with SoftWave. He uses it in his post-operative care and with players before play, at half time and afterward for quicker recovery. He reports it works for conditions from plantar fasciitis and tendinitis to stress fractures, and that patients appreciate how comfortable it is.
John David Mullins, MD, FACS
A surgeon for more than three decades, he says SoftWave showed him he can deliver good clinical outcomes and improve quality of life without surgery. He also reports managing post-operative pain with fewer opioids, and that patients are satisfied with their results faster.
These are statements from physicians who use SoftWave, supplied by the manufacturer. They are not statements about Lake Nona Chiropractic and do not imply endorsement of, or affiliation with, our practice. Individual results vary.
Questions
What is SoftWave therapy?
SoftWave is a non-invasive therapy that uses acoustic (shock) waves to stimulate cells and support the body's natural tissue healing and pain relief.
How is SoftWave different from other shockwave devices?
SoftWave creates its waves with a high-voltage spark inside a water-filled applicator. A parabolic reflector spreads that energy over a broad treatment area, so it covers an area roughly 7 cm wide and reaches about 12 cm deep, while many radial devices are felt mostly at the surface.
Does SoftWave hurt?
Most people describe it as comfortable. You may feel a light tapping or pulsing sensation, and there is no anesthesia or numbing agent involved. Sensation varies from person to person.
How long does a treatment take?
Most treatments take about 5 to 15 minutes, depending on the area. You can usually return to normal daily activity afterward.
How many SoftWave treatments are recommended?
Typically 8 to 12 treatments, though this varies from person to person. Less frequent maintenance treatments can also help.
How long until I feel improvement?
Some patients notice a change quickly, and the best outcomes tend to appear around 12 weeks after the last treatment, because tissue healing takes time.
Is SoftWave FDA cleared?
The SoftWave device is FDA cleared for activation of connective tissue, temporary increase in blood flow and temporary relief of pain, among other indications. Use for any other condition is outside those cleared indications, and your doctor will explain what we recommend and why.
Would I benefit from SoftWave?
Back pain, knee pain, shin splints, plantar fasciitis and other soft tissue problems are common reasons people ask about it. A one-on-one evaluation tells us whether it fits your situation.
Reviewed by Dr. Adriana Diaz · Last reviewed October 2026
Ready to learn if SoftWave is right for you?
Start with the $49 SoftWave Special: a consultation and your first SoftWave session.