Shockwave Therapy Machine (Full Guide): Costs, ROI, Safety & Clinical Pros
- Just Healthy
- 2 days ago
- 7 min read
Compare the top FDA-cleared shockwave therapy machines, from radial units like Storz and Zimmer to deep-focused Softwave systems, and learn how to match the technology to your patient's injury depth for proven 70–80% success rates.
Key Takeaways
Radial is for surface; focused is for depth. Choose radial units for muscles and superficial tendons, but use focused units for deep joints and bone-related conditions.
Broad-focus (Softwave) offers versatility. These systems provide the depth of focused technology while covering larger areas, making them ideal for systemic inflammation.
Skill matters more than the machine. Success depends on proper clinical certification and strict adherence to local scope of practice regulations.
Cutting Through the Noise
Shockwave therapy is becoming a must-have for modern clinics, but let’s be honest: the equipment market is a bit of a mess.
You see terms like Radial, Focused, Broad Focus, Piezoelectric, and Electrohydraulic used all over the place, and it is tough to figure out which one is the right fit for your practice.
The first thing is to understand the types of machines. By breaking down the real differences between the big players, from the Storz Masterpuls to Softwave and Piezoelectric units, you can cut through the noise and find the perfect fit for your clinic.
Radial vs. Focused
While Radial devices disperse energy broadly to treat superficial tissues like muscles and tendons, Focused systems concentrate high-intensity waves into a precise point to reach deep structures like bone, joints, and urological targets.
Radial Shockwave Therapy (RSWT)
Also known as Radial Pressure Wave (RPW). Think of this like a high-tech pneumatic jackhammer.
These machines use compressed air to fire a projectile inside the handpiece, creating a pressure wave that spreads out across the skin. It is fantastic for treating superficial soft tissue, large muscle groups, and surface-level tendons.
This is the technology you find in most standard physical therapy clinics.
They are most effective when treating surface-level conditions like muscle tightness, superficial tendonitis, and myofascial release.
The Storz Masterpuls Ultra is widely considered the workhorse of this category.
This is what scientists classify as true shockwave therapy. Instead of a mechanical projectile, these machines use electromagnetic, piezoelectric, or electrohydraulic (Softwave) energy to target a precise focal point or broad therapeutic zone deep inside the body.
The energy bypasses the skin and concentrates directly on the injury, making it ideal for deep tissue issues or conditions near the bone.
The Broad Focused Machine
You will also hear about Broad Focused (electrohydraulic) systems, such as the Softwave or Stemwave Machine.
These are technically part of the focused shockwave family because they generate high-energy shockwaves. However, instead of converging energy to a pinpoint, they use a specialized reflector to create a wide, unfocused beam.
This delivery allows you to treat larger deep-tissue areas without the sharp pain of a pinpoint machine.
Feature | Radial (RSWT) | Standard Focused (FSW) | Broad Focused |
Energy Type | Mechanical Pressure Wave | True Shockwave (Electromagnetic/Piezo) | True Shockwave (Electrohydraulic) |
How it Hits | Spreads Out (Like a shotgun/jackhammer) | Pinpoint (Like a sniper rifle) | Wide Beam (Like a spotlight) |
Target Depth | Superficial (0–3 cm) | Deep (up to 12 cm) | Deep (Wide Area) |
Best For | Muscles, tightness, surface tendons | Calcifications, precise joint pain, bone | Generalized inflammation, large deep areas |
Top Machine | Storz Masterpuls | Storz Duolith / Piezowave | Stemwave / Softwave |
Popular Shockwave Therapy Machine Models and Brands
To help you navigate the market, here is a comparison of the most popular models and their best clinical applications.
Model | Technology | Best For | The Brand (Company) |
Storz Masterpuls Ultra | Radial Pressure Wave | General PT, Chiropractors, Muscle & Tendon Issues | |
Intelect RPW | Radial Pressure Wave | High-volume clinics; durable workhorse | |
enPuls | Radial Pressure Wave | Gentler impact; good for sensitive patients | |
Focused Shockwave | Orthopedics, Deep Tissue Injuries, Calcifications | Storz Medical | |
Piezoelectric Focused | Precision Pain Management, Myofascial Trigger Points | Richard Wolf / ELvation | |
Stemwave | Broad Focus | Generalized Inflammation, Biologic Response | |
Softwave | Broad Focus | Generalized Inflammation, Biologic Response |
What Conditions Can You Treat?
From chronic foot pain and sports injuries to complex nerve issues and urological conditions, modern shockwave therapy offers a versatile solution for the whole body.
Condition | Technology Type | US Regulatory Status |
ORTHOPEDICS | ||
Plantar Fasciitis (Chronic) | Focused (Electrohydraulic) | FDA Approved (PMA) |
Heel Pain / Fasciitis | Radial | FDA Cleared |
Focused (Electrohydraulic) | FDA Approved (PMA) | |
General Elbow Pain | Radial | FDA Cleared |
Radial | Clinical Standard | |
WOUND CARE | ||
Diabetic Foot Ulcers | Broad Focus (Electrohydraulic) | FDA Cleared (De Novo) |
Second-Degree Burns | Broad Focus (Electrohydraulic) | FDA Cleared |
UROLOGY / MEN'S HEALTH | ||
Focused (Electrohydraulic) | FDA Approved | |
Focused (Piezoelectric/Linear) | Clinical Standard (Off-Label*) | |
Improved Blood Flow | Focused (Piezoelectric) | FDA Cleared |
AESTHETICS & PAIN | ||
Radial (Acoustic) | FDA Cleared | |
Muscle Pain Relief | Radial | FDA Cleared |
Note on FDA Terminology:
FDA Approved (PMA): The device has undergone rigorous Pre-Market Approval clinical trials (highest safety level).
FDA Cleared (510k): The device is proven substantially equivalent to a legally marketed predicate device.
Off-Label: The device is cleared for Improved Blood Flow, which allows clinicians to legally treat ED, though ED is not the specific named indication on the label.
The Clinical Proof: Success by the Numbers
Data from major clinical studies (such as those from the NIH and Journal of Sexual Medicine) show that shockwave therapy is not just a trend; it has high, measurable success rates for chronic conditions.
Plantar Fasciitis: Studies show a success rate of up to 82% for patients who failed other conservative treatments.
Achilles Tendonitis: Research indicates satisfactory results in approximately 76% of cases at long-term follow-up.
Tennis Elbow: Clinical trials show success rates ranging from 60% to 72% for reducing pain and improving function.
Erectile Dysfunction (ED): Focused shockwave therapy shows a 70% to 80% success rate in improving erectile function for vasculogenic cases.
Calcific Tendonitis: Success rates for dissolving deposits and relieving pain reach 73% to 76%.
Ultimately, you want to offer treatments that actually work, and these statistics confirm that you are giving your patients a proven solution for their pain.
When patients see that the technology has a 70% to 80% success rate, they gain the confidence to trust the process and commit to the full course of care needed to recover.
Implementation & Compliance
Before investing, you simply need to confirm how the technology fits your specific license.
Radial units (Class I/II) generally offer the broadest access for PTs and Chiropractors, whereas Focused systems (Class II/III) are restricted devices that often require a medical license or physician oversight to purchase.
You do not need a special government license to own a machine, but you must be competent.
Most reputable brands include the necessary shockwave therapy certification training with your purchase, which is typically enough to satisfy liability requirements and allow you to delegate treatment to trained assistants.
Finally, navigating FDA specificities is key. Just because a machine is FDA-regulated does not mean it is cleared for every condition. Many devices are cleared for general pain relief or improved blood supply, while specific applications (like ED or certain tendinopathies) may be considered off-label use.
Wrapping it Up
Choosing the right shockwave therapy machine is an investment in your clinic's clinical versatility and patient outcomes.
If your practice primarily focuses on large muscle groups and superficial soft tissue, a radial unit like the Storz Masterpuls or Zimmer enPuls is a reliable workhorse.
However, if you aim to treat deep-seated joint issues, calcifications, or urological conditions, a focused or broad-focus (Softwave) system is the superior choice.
By aligning your machine’s technology (whether radial, focused, or electrohydraulic) with your specific patient needs and ensuring your team is properly certified, you can provide a high level of care that sets your practice apart in a competitive market.
FAQ
What is the main difference between Radial and Focused shockwave therapy?
Radial devices (like pneumatic jackhammers) spread energy over superficial tissues, making them best for muscles and tightness. Focused systems deliver high-intensity waves to a specific deep point, making them ideal for bone, joint, and deep tissue injuries.
Which machine is best for treating deep inflammation or joint issues?
You should choose a Focused (FSW) or Broad Focused machine (such as Softwave). These units can penetrate up to 12 cm deep to treat calcifications, bone-related conditions, and generalized inflammation, which Radial units cannot effectively reach.
What clinical success rates can I expect from shockwave therapy?
According to clinical studies, success rates typically range from 70% to 80% for chronic conditions. Specifically, Plantar Fasciitis shows up to 82% success, while vasculogenic Erectile Dysfunction (ED) and Achilles Tendonitis see success rates around 70–80% and 76%, respectively.
Do I need a specific license to purchase or use these machines?
While you do not need a special government license to own a machine, purchase is often restricted to licensed medical professionals. Radial units are generally accessible to PTs and Chiropractors, whereas Focused systems often require a medical license or physician oversight.
What is Broad Focused shockwave therapy?
Broad Focused therapy (like Softwave or Stemwave) is a variation of focused technology. Instead of pinpointing energy to a sharp, painful spot, it uses a reflector to create a wide beam. This allows for the treatment of larger deep-tissue areas and systemic inflammation with less patient discomfort.
External Links
Professional Associations & Societies
International Society for Medical Shockwave Treatment (ISMST): The global governing body for shockwave therapy research and standards. Ideal for finding international congresses and consensus statements.
American Society for Medical Shockwave Treatment (ASMST): The North American chapter of the ISMST. A primary resource for US-based clinicians seeking networking and localized standards.
Shock Wave Society of North America (SWSNA): A key resource for US providers offering support on practice management, marketing, and clinical protocols.
Clinical Guidelines & Regulatory Bodies
APTA Practice Advisory: Extracorporeal Shockwave Therapy: The American Physical Therapy Association’s official stance and practice guidelines for PTs using shockwave technology.
FDA MAUDE Database (Adverse Event Reports): A critical tool for due diligence. You can search specifically for "extracorporeal shock wave" to see safety reports on specific devices before buying.
Independent Training & Certification
Shockwave Training Online: Vendor-neutral education that focuses on clinical application rather than selling a specific machine.
The Swiss DolorClast Academy: While associated with a manufacturer (EMS), this is widely respected as one of the most comprehensive educational platforms for general shockwave science.
