Searching for StemWave Therapy on Long Island?Here's What You Should Know.
StemWave and SoftWave TRT are not the same technology. The device, the FDA status, and the research behind it determine your results. At SoftWave Long Island, we use SoftWave TRT — the FDA 510(k) cleared true shockwave trusted by Mayo Clinic, Stanford, the NFL, NBA, and UFC.
Long Beach · Levittown · Hauppauge — Original SoftWave TRT provider on Long Island.
The SoftWave TRT technology we use is trusted by
The Confusion
What Is StemWave Therapy — And Why Patients Confuse It With SoftWave
StemWave is a brand offering acoustic wave therapy devices marketed for pain relief and tissue recovery. The name is designed to evoke the concept of stem cell activation — similar language to what SoftWave TRT providers use when describing the biological effects of true shockwave therapy.
However, StemWave and SoftWave TRT are separate companies offering fundamentally different technologies. The similarity in name and marketing is a genuine source of patient confusion — which is exactly why we're addressing it directly here.
We use SoftWave TRT — not StemWave.
SoftWave Long Island is one of the original SoftWave TRT providers on Long Island. SoftWave TRT is FDA 510(k) cleared, backed by an extensive peer-reviewed research library, and trusted by leading medical institutions and professional sports organizations nationwide.
Side-by-Side
StemWave vs. SoftWave TRT: The Key Differences
The differences are not cosmetic — they go to how the devices work, what the FDA has authorized them for, and how much independent research supports them.
| StemWave | SoftWave TRT (used at SoftWave Long Island) | |
|---|---|---|
| Technology Type | Focused acoustic wave (converges on a single narrow point) | Unfocused, broad-focused true shockwave (wide, parallel energy dispersion) |
| Energy Source | Electrohydraulic — focused acoustic waves converging on a narrow point | Electrohydraulic spark — high-voltage discharge in water creates a plasma bubble and true shockwave |
| Wave Depth & Coverage | Narrow focal point — limited tissue coverage per pulse | Deep and wide — patented parabolic reflector spreads energy across superficial and deep tissue |
| FDA Status | FDA Class I registered as a therapeutic massager | FDA 510(k) Cleared for pain relief, blood flow, connective tissue activation, wound care, and burns |
| Clinical Research | No publicly available peer-reviewed research library | Extensive peer-reviewed library across pain, sports medicine, podiatry, urology, and wound care |
| R&D Investment | Not publicly disclosed | Over $20 million invested in research and development |
| Patents | Not publicly disclosed | Extensive patent portfolio protecting the electrohydraulic applicator design |
| Institutional Trust | Not publicly disclosed | Mayo Clinic, Cleveland Clinic, Stanford, UCLA, HSS, MLB, NFL, NBA, NHL, UFC, and more |
| Closed-Loop Water System | No — requires daily manual water replacement and bubble removal | Yes — self-regulating closed-loop system, no manual degassing or fluid replacement |
| Device Classification | Class I medical device (lowest FDA classification) | Class II medical device — greater regulatory oversight and performance standards |
Sources: softwavetrt.com/about-softwave, softwave-technology, fda-clearances
Why It Matters
Why the Technology Difference Matters for Your Treatment
True Shockwave (SoftWave TRT)
An acoustic pulse with high positive pressure and a fast, steep rise time — traveling at speeds exceeding 3,300 mph in water. SoftWave TRT's patented parabolic reflector disperses energy broadly and in parallel — covering both superficial and deep tissue in a single pass.
Focused Acoustic Wave (StemWave)
Converges energy at a single narrow point. Deep penetration only at the focal point — with limited coverage of the surrounding tissue, requiring more passes to reach the same biological response.
FDA Clearance vs. FDA Registration — A Critical Distinction
SoftWave TRT
FDA 510(k) Cleared
The manufacturer demonstrated to the FDA that the device is substantially equivalent to a legally marketed predicate device for specific medical indications — pain relief, blood flow, connective tissue activation, chronic diabetic foot ulcers, and acute second-degree burns.
StemWave
FDA Class I Registered
The lowest FDA device classification — same category as bandages and tongue depressors. Registration means the device is listed in the FDA database; it does not require demonstration of clinical effectiveness for specific medical conditions.
The Evidence
The Research Behind SoftWave TRT
One of the strongest differentiators is the depth of independent, peer-reviewed scientific research. SoftWave TRT maintains a publicly accessible research library organized by clinical specialty — with studies from Stanford Medicine, Georgetown, Baylor, and the Cleveland Clinic.
Trusted Nationwide
Who Trusts SoftWave TRT?
According to SoftWave TRT's official documentation, the technology is used by leading medical institutions and professional sports organizations across the country.
Leading Medical Institutions
- Mayo Clinic
- Cleveland Clinic
- Stanford Medicine
- UCLA Health
- UCSF
- Northwestern Medicine
- UC San Diego Health
- Georgetown University
- Hospital for Special Surgery
- Memorial Sloan Kettering
Professional Sports Organizations
"How can you be treating sports injuries without SoftWave?"
Our Decision
Why SoftWave Long Island Chose SoftWave TRT
We evaluated the field and chose the device with the strongest clinical, regulatory, and research foundation.
FDA 510(k) Cleared
Cleared for specific medical indications — not just device registration.
True Electrohydraulic Shockwave
Not a focused acoustic or radial pressure wave — the real thing.
Patented Broad-Focused Applicator
Wide, deep, parallel energy coverage in every pulse.
Closed-Loop Water System
Self-regulating — no manual daily maintenance required.
Peer-Reviewed Research
Extensive, publicly available research library.
$20M+ in R&D
Backed by serious investment in clinical science.
Your Visit
What to Expect at SoftWave Long Island
Initial Consultation
Thorough evaluation of your condition, pain history, and goals. Most patients leave with their first treatment completed the same day.
Treatment
A water-based gel is applied; the SoftWave TRT device delivers broad-focused waves. Sessions last 5–15 minutes — no anesthesia, no needles, no downtime.
Recovery & Follow-Up
Rarely any downtime. Most protocols are one session per week for 3–10 weeks. Optimal outcomes typically occur 8–12 weeks after the final session.
Patient Stories
What Our Patients Say
FAQs
Questions, Answered
Is StemWave the same as SoftWave?+
No. StemWave and SoftWave TRT are different companies offering different technologies. SoftWave TRT uses patented electrohydraulic true shockwave technology and is FDA 510(k) cleared for specific medical indications. StemWave is FDA Class I registered as a therapeutic massager. SoftWave Long Island uses SoftWave TRT exclusively.
Why doesn't SoftWave Long Island offer StemWave therapy?+
We evaluated the available technologies and chose SoftWave TRT based on its FDA clearance status, depth of peer-reviewed research, true electrohydraulic shockwave technology, and track record at elite medical and sports institutions.
Is SoftWave TRT FDA approved?+
SoftWave TRT is FDA 510(k) cleared — the appropriate regulatory pathway for medical devices. It is cleared for pain relief, increased blood flow, connective tissue activation, chronic diabetic foot ulcers, and acute second-degree burns. Note: FDA cleared and FDA approved are different designations.
Where can I read the research supporting SoftWave TRT?+
SoftWave TRT's research library is publicly available at softwavetrt.com/research, including peer-reviewed publications in pain management, sports medicine, podiatry, urology, and wound care.
How many treatments will I need?+
Most conditions require 3 to 10 weekly sessions. Many patients notice improvement after the first session. Optimal long-term results typically occur 8 to 12 weeks after completing treatment.
Does insurance cover SoftWave TRT therapy?+
SoftWave TRT therapy is not currently covered by most insurance plans and is considered an elective procedure. Contact our office to discuss pricing and any new patient offers.
What conditions does SoftWave TRT treat?+
SoftWave TRT is FDA 510(k) cleared for pain relief, increased local blood flow, connective tissue activation, chronic diabetic foot ulcers, and acute second-degree burns. Patients commonly seek treatment for plantar fasciitis, Achilles tendinitis, knee/shoulder/hip/back pain, tennis elbow, and sports injuries.
Limited Availability
Experience the SoftWave TRT Difference
Don't settle for a Class I massager when an FDA-cleared, research-backed shockwave is available on Long Island.
Long Beach · Levittown · Hauppauge