Shockwave Therapy in Raleigh
(SoftWave TRT)
SoftWave TRT is a patented form of extracorporeal shockwave therapy (ESWT). Greenway Health Center has offered shockwave therapy in North Raleigh since 2023, treating more than 500 patients for knee, hip, shoulder, low back, SI joint, heel, and tendon pain without injections or surgery. If you’ve been told your options are a cortisone shot, a procedure, or living with it, this page explains what SoftWave is, how it works, and whether it’s a fit for you.
What Is SoftWave Shockwave Therapy?
Shockwave therapy uses acoustic pressure waves to reach injured or inflamed tissue below the skin. SoftWave TRT is a specific, FDA-cleared device that generates a true shockwave and spreads it through a patented applicator, so the energy reaches deeper tissue across a broader area than the handheld radial or pressure-wave units used in many clinics. There are no needles, no anesthesia, and no downtime. A session takes about 10 to 15 minutes, and you walk out and get on with your day.
How Does SoftWave TRT Work?
The acoustic wave passes through the skin and creates a brief mechanical signal in the cells of the target area. That signal increases local blood flow and modulates chronic inflammation. What sets SoftWave apart: it is one of the only non-invasive therapies proven to activate and recruit your body’s own resident stem cells to the site of injury, promoting real tissue regeneration rather than temporary symptom relief. Many patients also notice a change in pain before the tissue itself has finished responding.
SoftWave has a second job at Greenway: mapping. Irritated tissue is more sensitive to the wave than healthy tissue, so as we move the applicator you’ll feel more sensation over the injured spot. That feedback tells us exactly where to concentrate the session, and it often confirms, or corrects, where we thought the problem was.
Conditions We Use SoftWave For
SoftWave TRT is clinically effective for a wide range of musculoskeletal and soft tissue conditions, including:
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Knee pain, including arthritis-related joint pain and patellar tendon irritation
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Hip pain and hip bursitis
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Low back pain and sacroiliac (SI) joint dysfunction
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Shoulder pain, rotator cuff strains, and frozen shoulder
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Tennis elbow and golfer’s elbow
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Plantar fasciitis and heel pain
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Achilles tendinopathy
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Neck pain and chronic muscle tension
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Scar tissue and old injuries that never fully settled
If your condition isn’t listed, ask. The evaluation tells us whether SoftWave, corrective chiropractic care, spinal decompression, or a combination is the right starting point.
What to Expect at Your SoftWave Visit
Evaluation. Your doctor reviews your history, examines the area, and decides whether SoftWave is appropriate or whether imaging or a referral should come first.
Mapping. Gel is applied and the applicator is moved across the region while you tell us where you feel it most.
The session. About 10 to 15 minutes, performed by your doctor. You’ll feel a firm pulsing sensation, stronger over irritated tissue and milder over healthy tissue. Most people describe it as intense but tolerable, and it eases as the session goes on.
Afterward. No downtime. Some patients feel mild soreness for a day, similar to a workout. Stay active within reason; we’ll tell you if anything should be avoided.
Most plans run one to two sessions per week. The number of sessions depends on how long the problem has been there and how your tissue responds. Most patients notice meaningful improvement within 3–6 sessions.
Why Raleigh Patients Choose Greenway for Shockwave Therapy
A doctor at every session. SoftWave at Greenway is always performed by one of our doctors, never handed off to a technician. What we learn during mapping goes straight into your care plan.
Experience with the device. Greenway Health Center has built one of the most experienced SoftWave TRT practices in the Raleigh area, with more than 500 patients treated since 2023 and a track record of outcomes that speak for themselves.
A plan, not just a machine. SoftWave is delivered as part of a plan built by our doctors. When it’s the right fit, we combine it with corrective chiropractic care, spinal decompression, and functional medicine, and we consistently achieve faster recovery and more durable results than any single therapy could deliver alone.
An honest evaluation. If we don’t think SoftWave will help you, we’ll say so and point you toward what will, in our office or someone else’s.
Clear pricing. We’re a cash-based practice. You’ll know the cost of your plan before you begin, and we accept HSA and FSA cards.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does shockwave therapy hurt?
You’ll feel it. Most patients describe a firm, pulsing pressure that’s more noticeable over irritated tissue and eases as the session goes on. No anesthesia is needed, and there’s no downtime.
How many sessions will I need?
It depends on how long the problem has been there and how your tissue responds. Most plans run one to two sessions per week. Most patients notice meaningful improvement within 3–6 sessions. We’ll give you an expected range at your evaluation and adjust as we go.
Is SoftWave the same as the “shockwave” or “pressure wave” therapy other clinics offer?
Not quite. Many devices marketed as shockwave are radial pressure-wave units, which work mostly at the surface. SoftWave TRT generates a true shockwave and delivers it through a patented applicator that reaches deeper tissue over a broader area. It’s worth asking any clinic which device they use.
Can I combine SoftWave with chiropractic care?
Yes, and we often do. SoftWave works on the tissue; corrective chiropractic care addresses the joint mechanics and posture that stressed it in the first place. Together they cover both sides of the problem.
How much does SoftWave cost?
We discuss pricing at your evaluation, once we know how many sessions you’re likely to need. We’re a cash-based practice, and we accept HSA and FSA cards.
Should I try SoftWave before a cortisone shot or surgery?
That’s a conversation for your evaluation, and we’ll be honest with you. Many patients come to us because they’d rather exhaust non-surgical, needle-free options first. If we think you need a surgical opinion, we’ll tell you.
What Our Patients Say
Was told I needed bilateral knee replacements twice last 2 years. I have tried many treatments as dry needling, deep tissue laser, PEMF, PT, etc, to help with painful joints/muscle with little luck. Approximately 15 Softwave treatments has been the only treatment that has given me relief. I'm so thankful I did not give into knee replacements!! I went from dragging leg unable to bend knee to running up/down stairs. Dr Barnes & staff are wonderful too.
Susan Jones
Excellent 1st meet and ESTW treatment - patiently answered all questions and concerns before undertaking 1st treatment. Definitely signing up for a treatment plan based on positive initial outcome and realistic expectations for severely arthritic knee.
Joe Styres
I've been going to Greenway health Center for the last four months both Dr. Barnes and his staff are wonderful to deal with very personable but most importantly very knowledgeable. Before starting there, I was having a very difficult time, walking due to arthritis in both my knees, but almost after the first doing the soft wave, l've been able to see a difference. I've been able to walk without pain and most importantly be able to spend time with my family, other than just sitting around watching them have fun. I have recommended Dr. Barnes to all my friends and family without hesitation to help them with their pain and chiropractic needs.
Rick Swinarski
Ready to Find Out If SoftWave Is Right for You?
Book a SoftWave evaluation online or call (919) 790-8054.
Greenway Health Center
7530 Ramble Way, Suite 101
Raleigh, NC 27616.
Medical Disclaimer: This page is for educational purposes and does not replace a professional evaluation. Individual results vary. If you are experiencing symptoms, schedule a consultation with our doctors to determine the best course of care. This page is not a diagnostic tool and does not claim that chiropractic care treats, cures, or prevents any disease or medical condition. The associations shown reflect both established neuroanatomy and historical chiropractic teaching; not all have been confirmed by peer-reviewed research. If you are experiencing any of the symptoms mentioned, please consult a licensed healthcare provider for evaluation, diagnosis, and treatment. Individual results vary. Always seek emergency medical care for urgent symptoms such as chest pain, stroke-like symptoms, severe headaches, or loss of function.