Shockwave Therapy

Shockwave Therapy in Rochester, NY: SoftWave at Camarata Chiropractic

If you have been searching for shockwave therapy in Rochester, you have probably found a confusing mix of terms: ESWT, radial shockwave, focused shockwave, acoustic wave therapy. They are not all the same, and the differences matter for how a treatment feels and what it can reach.

At Camarata Chiropractic & Wellness in North Chili, we use SoftWave Tissue Regeneration Technology (TRT), an FDA-cleared form of shockwave therapy that uses broad-focused electrohydraulic acoustic waves. Dr. Sam Camarata was one of the first providers to bring SoftWave to the Rochester area in 2022, and our team has delivered thousands of treatments since.

What Is Shockwave Therapy?

Shockwave therapy, also called extracorporeal shockwave therapy or ESWT, delivers high-energy acoustic pulses into injured or degenerated tissue from outside the body. Those pulses trigger a biological response: improved blood flow, a calmer inflammatory environment, and activation of the body's own repair processes.

It is non-invasive. There are no needles, no incisions, no medications and no downtime. Most people walk out and go back to their day.

Not All Shockwave Is the Same

There are three main types of shockwave devices, and they work differently:

• Radial pressure wave devices use a pneumatic projectile to create a pressure wave at the skin surface. The energy is highest at the surface and drops off quickly as it goes deeper. Technically, these are not true shockwaves.
• Focused shockwave concentrates energy on a small target point deep in the tissue. It is precise, but it covers a small area and can be uncomfortable.
• Broad-focused electrohydraulic shockwave, the technology behind SoftWave, generates a true acoustic wave from an electrical spark in water and shapes it with a parabolic reflector. The result is a broad, deep treatment zone that can cover an entire knee, shoulder or low back at once, at an intensity most patients find very tolerable.

That broad treatment zone is a big reason SoftWave works well for chronic problems. Pain rarely comes from one tiny spot. It usually involves a tendon, the muscle around it, the joint capsule and the surrounding tissue all at once.

What Shockwave Therapy Helps With

We use SoftWave for a wide range of acute and chronic conditions, including:

• Knee pain, including arthritis and patellar tendon pain
• Shoulder pain and rotator cuff tendinopathy
• Plantar fasciitis, heel pain and Achilles tendinopathy
• Back pain, disc injuries and sciatica
• Tennis elbow and golfer's elbow
• Hip pain, bursitis and IT band problems
• Neck pain and chronic muscle tension
• Neuropathy and numbness in the feet
• Sports injuries and recovery

What a Session Looks Like

Your first visit starts with an evaluation so we understand what is actually driving your pain and whether you are a good candidate. If SoftWave is a fit, treatment is straightforward:

• Gel is applied to the treatment area
• The applicator is moved over the region, delivering acoustic pulses
• Most patients describe a tapping sensation; tender areas may feel more intense, and we adjust the settings to keep you comfortable
• Sessions are short, typically a few minutes per area
• There is no recovery time afterward

Most conditions are treated over a series of sessions. We will give you a realistic plan at your consultation and track your progress as we go.

Ready to find out if shockwave therapy is right for you? Schedule your SoftWave consultation online or call 585-617-4145.

Why Combine Shockwave With Chiropractic Care?

Shockwave therapy addresses the tissue. Chiropractic care addresses the mechanics that overloaded that tissue in the first place. A stiff ankle feeds a sore knee. A locked-up mid-back feeds a cranky shoulder. Restricted hips feed low back pain.

Because we offer both under one roof, along with full-body Red Light Therapy on the Trifecta Pro 450, we can treat the injured tissue and the reason it got injured at the same time. That combination is often what finally breaks the cycle for people who have tried everything else.

Shockwave Therapy FAQ

Is SoftWave the same as ESWT?

SoftWave is a form of extracorporeal shockwave therapy. What sets it apart is its broad-focused electrohydraulic design, which treats a larger and deeper area than radial devices and is more comfortable than narrowly focused devices.

Does shockwave therapy hurt?

Most patients tolerate it very well. You will feel tapping or pulsing, and particularly tender spots may feel more intense. The intensity is adjustable throughout the session.

How many sessions will I need?

It depends on the condition and how long you have had it. We will give you an honest estimate after your evaluation.

Can I use HSA or FSA funds?

Yes. HSA and FSA cards can be used for SoftWave at our office. Call us and we will walk you through your options before you start.

Is it an alternative to surgery or injections?

For many people with chronic tendon and joint problems, SoftWave is worth trying before more invasive options. If we believe you need imaging, a specialist or a surgical opinion, we will tell you.

Shockwave Therapy Near You

Camarata Chiropractic & Wellness is located at 3237 Union Street in North Chili, a short drive from Rochester, Gates, Chili, Churchville, Spencerport, Brockport, Greece and Henrietta. Learn more about SoftWave at SoftWave Rochester and Natural Healing ROC, or book your consultation today.