SoftWave vs OmniWave

OmniWave Device

SoftWave vs OmniWave: What You Need to Know

At MOLO Therapy, we believe that movement you love is therapy. And when people are dealing with pain, injuries, or chronic conditions, they want real answers that help them get back to doing what they love. Shockwave therapy has emerged as a powerful non-invasive tool to help the body heal itself. But not all shockwave technologies are built the same. Let's break it down in a way that makes sense.

What Is OmniWave Shockwave Therapy?

OmniWave uses electrohydraulic shockwave technology. That means it generates focused acoustic waves through a spark gap that create high-energy pulses to penetrate into tissue. The goal: reduce pain and regenerate tissue by delivering these shockwaves at varying depths, depending on the setting.

Clinically, OmniWave has been used for conditions like:

• Tendinopathies (Achilles, rotator cuff, patellar tendon, etc.)

• Plantar fasciitis

• Tennis elbow / golfer's elbow

• Calcific shoulder tendinitis

The mechanism is straightforward: these shockwaves create controlled microtrauma, which triggers the body's repair process by increasing blood flow, stimulating growth factors, and modulating pain signals.

What Does the Research Say?

Like most shockwave technologies, the research on OmniWave is mixed depending on the condition. Some studies have shown positive outcomes for rotator cuff tendinopathy and other chronic tendinopathies. Others, like studies on lateral epicondylitis, have shown limited effectiveness. That's not unique to OmniWave; it's a reflection of how targeted the protocols need to be and how different patient responses can be.

The Cost of OmniWave Machines

From a clinic perspective, OmniWave machines typically range between $500 (for small accessories) up to $35,000 depending on the model. There are also ongoing costs with maintenance and replacement parts.

How Does SoftWave Compare?

SoftWave technology uses a completely different approach. Instead of narrowly focused waves, SoftWave employs a patented parabolic reflector to create an unfocused, parallel acoustic wave that distributes energy more broadly and deeply (up to 7 cm x 12 cm). This allows us to treat both superficial and deep tissues without causing microtrauma.

That matters for two reasons:

1. We aren’t trying to "break" tissue. We’re trying to stimulate it. The mechanical signals from the SoftWave stimulate the cells’ healing response (this is called mechanotransduction).

2. We get systemic responses like angiogenesis (building new blood vessels), anti-inflammatory effects, nerve regeneration, and even stem cell activation.

This is why at MOLO Therapy, we use SoftWave to help patients with a wide range of conditions, not just tendons and joints, but also:

• Arthritis

• Chronic wounds (diabetic foot ulcers, burns)

• Erectile dysfunction and pelvic pain

• Neuropathy

• Post-surgical healing

• And of course, all the traditional orthopedic conditions like plantar fasciitis, Achilles issues, rotator cuff pain, etc.

The Research Behind SoftWave

SoftWave is supported by numerous clinical trials, including human studies showing its role in tissue regeneration, pain modulation, and even cardiac repair after bypass surgery. The depth and width of its energy field allow for more comprehensive treatment zones without the risk of excessive tissue damage.

Cost of SoftWave Machines

SoftWave machines are a premium investment, typically ranging from $30,000 to $60,000 depending on configuration, but offer unmatched versatility and patient outcomes.

Other Shockwave Alternatives You May Hear About

• Storz MasterPuls Ultra+: Uses radial pressure waves (not true shockwaves), good for superficial soft tissue issues, lower cost.

• BTL Focused Shockwave: Uses electroacoustic focused waves for deeper structures, moderate cost.

• PiezoWave2T: Uses piezoelectric crystals to create focused waves, best for highly targeted areas, lower cost but limited area treated.

The Bottom Line: Why We Use SoftWave at MOLO Therapy

When it comes to restoring movement and helping the body heal itself, SoftWave gives us the broadest toolbox. We're not just treating the pain; we're addressing the environment of the tissue. We want your body to do what it was designed to do: heal, adapt, and restore function. The gentle but powerful nature of SoftWave allows us to safely work with complex cases while promoting systemic healing responses that other technologies simply don’t offer.

This is why we invested in SoftWave for our clinic—because our mission is simple: help people move pain-free and stay active for life.

If you're curious whether SoftWave might be right for you, feel free to contact us and schedule a consultation.

Move With Purpose, Derek Parker