Both are shockwave therapy. The difference is in how the wave is produced and where its energy ends up.
Radial: a pressure wave from the surface
A radial device fires a projectile inside the handpiece against the applicator head. That impact creates a pressure wave that enters the tissue at the skin and weakens as it travels inward. Coverage at the surface is broad, depth is limited, and the sensation is a fast mechanical tapping. Radial units are common, affordable, and well suited to superficial muscle and fascia work.
SoftWave: broad-focused acoustic shock waves
SoftWave generates a true acoustic shock wave and spreads it across a wide field at shallow-to-moderate depth instead of concentrating it at one point. The result is regional coverage with real shock-wave characteristics rather than a surface pressure wave.
Side by side
- Wave type: radial produces a pressure wave; SoftWave produces a true acoustic shock wave.
- Depth: radial is superficial; broad-focused reaches shallow through moderate depth.
- Area: both cover a decent area, but radial energy drops off with depth while broad-focused holds a wider effective field.
- Feel: radial is a rapid tapping; SoftWave is a firmer regional pulsing.
Which is better?
Neither is universally better — they suit different targets. A superficial trigger point and a chronic tendon problem are not the same job. What matters is that whoever treats you examines the area, explains why they're choosing the tool they're choosing, and tells you how many sessions to expect.
Our doctors use SoftWave across all three West Michigan clinics because most complaints we see are regional soft-tissue and tendon problems rather than pinpoint deep targets.