Is All Shockwave Treatment The Same? The Answer May Surprise You!

True Shockwave vs Radial Pulse Wave

True Shockwave Therapy Vs Radial Pulse Wave Therapy

When it comes to regenerative medicine, not all “shockwave” therapies are created equal. In fact, the vast majority of clinics advertising “shockwave therapy” are actually using radial pulse wave devices which are not true shockwaves at all. Radial pulse wave therapy is effective for some conditions but it has many limitations compared to true shockwave therapy. Understanding this difference is critical to making the best decision for your health and recovery.

What Is True Shockwave Therapy?

Electrohydraulic shockwave therapy (ESWT) uses  unfocused electrohydraulic technology to generate true shockwaves that penetrate deep into tissue, up to 12 cm, without causing any cellular damage. These shockwaves stimulate the body’s natural healing cascade, promoting angiogenesis (new blood vessel formation), stem cell activation, and tissue regeneration. The Gold Standard in true shockwave device is called Softwave TRT(Tissue Regeneraion Technology). Softwave TRT is used by more top hospitals and doctors around the world than any other device and is backed by the most research and patents. The remarkable depth and safety profile make SoftWave TRT effective for both superficial and deep injuries, including tendinopathies, osteoarthritis, chronic joint degeneration, and hard-to-heal musculoskeletal conditions.

What Is Radial Pulse Wave Therapy?

Radial pulse wave therapy, often marketed incorrectly as “shockwave therapy,” is actually a mechanical pressure wave generated pneumatically.

Unlike true shockwave devices, radial devices:

• Only reach about 2 cm in depth
• Are limited to superficial tissue conditions
• Causes cellular damage and microtrauma to human tissues
• Do not produce the same regenerative biological effects as electrohydraulic shockwaves
• Are often mistakenly marketed as equivalent to ESWT

For this reason, radial pulse wave is often ineffective for deeper injuries or advanced degenerative conditions.

Clinical Effectiveness: Why SoftWave Stands Apart

• Depth of penetration: SoftWave TRT penetrates up to 12 cm, reaching deep tissue and joints; radial waves stop at only 2 cm limiting its ability to help deeper injuries
• Cellular safety: SoftWave causes zero cellular damage while stimulating repair; radial devices can cause microtrauma.
• Breadth of application: SoftWave is effective for most musculoskeletal injuries and chronic pain conditions, not just surface-level issues.
• Backed by research: SoftWave is the most studied shockwave device in the world, trusted by more hospitals, universities, and professional sports teams than any other ESWT device.

A Critical Distinction

It’s estimated that 97% of clinics claiming to provide “shockwave therapy” are actually using radial pulse wave devices.This makes it crucial for patients to ask:

“Is my doctor using a true electrohydraulic shockwave device like SoftWave TRT, or just a radial pulse wave device?”

The answer could determine whether you achieve long-term healing or only temporary, superficial relief.

Why Choose SoftWave TRT with Dr. Gerard DeBernardis

• Dr. Gerard DeBernardis is recognized as one of the most experienced SoftWave TRT providers in the country, having performed over 15,000 SoftWave treatments.
• Dr Gerard DeBernardis is certified by the International Society for Medical Shockwave Treatment (ISMST)
• Member of the American Society for Medical Shockwave Treatment (ASMST)
• Dr. DeBernardis is a Clinical Physician Trainer for SoftWave TRT, teaching doctors nationwide how to utilize this technology
• Speaker and advocate at professional events, promoting the evidence-based use of SoftWave TRT in clinical practice

Patients under Dr. DeBernardis’ care benefit not only from cutting-edge technology, but also from the expertise of a physician who has helped thousands of patients benefit from Shockwave Therapy .

Final Thoughts

If you’re considering shockwave therapy, make sure you’re getting the real thing.  SoftWave TRT represents the future of regenerative medicine—deep, safe, effective healing that goes beyond surface-level results.

Don’t settle for less. Ask your provider which device they use, and trust your care to the experts with proven experience.