The Shockwave Source machine guide
What we have gathered on the shockwave machines clinics are buying: 22 machines from 13 companies, written up from manufacturer data, FDA records and industry conversation, on the same fields so they compare fairly.
Specs and prices are estimates based on publicly available data as of September 2026. Confirm details with the manufacturer or seller before you buy.
Tick Compare on up to four machines to see them side by side.
Sorted across categories. A radial and a focused device are not substitutes, so machines next to each other in this list may do different clinical jobs. Figures missing for the chosen sort are listed last.
7 machines
Energy peaks at a selected focal point and depth. The therapeutic dose is delivered to a targeted point inside tissue rather than at the skin surface.
Electromagnetic focused
Focused electromagnetic (SEPIA)
Focused piezoelectric
Focused piezoelectric, direct focusing
Focused electroacoustic
Focused low-intensity ESWT (EMSE)
Electromagnetic focused (OEM)
9 machines
Energy peaks at the applicator surface and disperses with depth. Radial devices treat a broad superficial area, which is a different clinical job from a focused device, not a weaker version of one.
Radial pressure wave, pneumatic
Portable pneumatic radial pressure wave
Pneumatic ballistic radial
Pneumatic radial, external compressor
Compressor-free electromagnetic ballistic radial
Pneumatic radial
Pneumatic radial
Pneumatic ballistic radial, with vibration and vacuum therapy
Pneumatic ballistic radial
4 machines
Energy is spread across a treatment volume rather than concentrated at a single point. Comparing a broad field against a narrow focal spot on field size alone is a category error.
Broad-focused electrohydraulic, parabolic reflector
Focused ESWT, proprietary Multi-Wave
Veterinary electromagnetic focused
2 machines
Radically cheaper direct-to-clinic devices. This group carries the heaviest caveat load in the set: read each machine's “watch for” note before comparing on price.
Radial pressure wave
Clinical and at-home shockwave and ultrasonic
| Category | Wave generation | Energy output | Depth or field | FDA record located | ||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Focused systems | ||||||||||
| Focused | Electromagnetic | 0.01–0.55 mJ/mm² · 1.7–8.5 mJ per pulse | 1–8 Hz | 0–65 mm focal depth · 5 × 5 × 30 mm focus volume | 5 million shocksexpected; coil exchanged every 2 million | 22.1 kg (≈ 48.7 lb)control device | $50,176.02estimate | $1,165 per monthestimate | Establishment listing onlynot a model-specific clearance | |
| Focused | Electromagneticcylindrical coil in the SEPIA handpiece | 0.01–0.55 mJ/mm² with the standard SEPIA handpiece | — | 0–65 mm focal depth · Up to 125 mm max penetration | — | — | Not publicly listed | Not publicly listed | PMA P080028 · 510(k) K202112 | |
| Focused | Piezoelectric | Withheld: EMS's own figures conflict | 1–8 Hz | 4 cm focal depth · Up to 6.5 cm max penetration | Over 5 million impulses | 15 kg (≈ 33.1 lb)console; the optional cart adds 18 kg | Not publicly listed | Not publicly listed | 510(k) K243279 | |
| Focused | Piezoelectricdirect focusing, no reflector | Up to 0.82 mJ/mm² on ELvation's European therapy sources | Up to 12 Hzcapped at 8 Hz at the highest intensities | 20–60 mm focal depth · 0.5 mm to 6 cm max penetration | 5 million pulsesguaranteed per therapy source | — | Not publicly listed | — | Establishment listing onlynot a model-specific clearance | |
| Focused | Electroacoustic | Up to 0.65 mJ/mm² · 0.1–8.3 mJ per pulse | 1–25 Hzfull intensity only up to 10 Hz | 15–45 mm focal depth · Up to 65 mm max penetration · 5 × 5 × 35 mm focus volume | Up to 3 million shocksguaranteed | 30 kg (≈ 66.1 lb)without the trolley | Not publicly listed | Not publicly listed | None located | |
| Focused | EMSEDornier's electromagnetic shock wave emitter | Dynamic depth and energyset at the push of a button; no levels published | — | — | 2 million shocksstated system durability | — | Not publicly listed | Not publicly listed | None located | |
| Focused | ElectromagneticOEM | 0.06–0.45 mJ/mm² on the EMFOCUS V | 4–10 Hzmaximum, by model | 0–65 mm focal depth | About 500,000 shocksreplacement applicator listed at $699 | 30–53 kg (≈ 66.1–116.8 lb)EMFOCUS and EMFOCUS V 30 kg; EMFOCUS III 53 kg | Not publicly listedquote or OEM | Not publicly listedquote or OEM | None located | |
| Radial pressure wave | ||||||||||
| Radial | Pneumatic | 0.3–5 bar | 1–21 HzFalcon handpiece | 0–50 mm max penetration | — | 66.14 lb (≈ 30 kg) | $18,775.52estimate | $427 per monthestimate | Establishment listing onlynot a model-specific clearance | |
| Radial | Pneumatic | 0.38–0.48 mJ/mm² with the standard transmitters · 1–5 bar | 1–21 Hzthe maximum falls to 12 Hz at 5 bar | 0–50 mm max penetration | About 5 million shocksexpected service life; overhaul about every million | 8.2 kg (≈ 18.1 lb)control device | $16,709.85estimate | $380 per monthestimate | Establishment listing onlynot a model-specific clearance | |
| Radial | Pneumaticballistic | 0.29 mJ/mm² at 4 bar · 5.9 mJ per pulse · 1–4 bar | 1–25 Hz | 40 mm max penetration | 5,000,000 pulsesor two years, per the 510(k) summary | 14.5 kg (≈ 32 lb)console; the optional cart adds 18 kg | Not publicly listed | Financing offered, terms not published | 510(k) K220538 | |
| Radial | Pneumaticexternal compressed-air supply | Up to 0.18 mJ/mm² · 1–4 bar | Up to 15 Hz | — | Over 500,000 impulsesvalidated in the 2007 FDA summary | — | Not publicly listed | — | PMA P050004 | |
| Radial | Electromagnetic ballisticcompressor-free | 60–185 mJ per pulse | 1–22 Hz | — | 2 million pulseshandpiece warranty | 6 lb (≈ 2.7 kg)enPuls 2.0, without handpiece | Not publicly listed | Not publicly listed | None located | |
| Radial | Pneumaticbuilt-in oil compressor | 0.3–5 bar | 0.5–21 Hz35 Hz with V-Actor | 0–60 mm max penetration | Revision prompt every 1.25 million shocks4 revisions included | 65 kg (≈ 143.3 lb)complete; the latest datasheet says 72 kg | $17,850at one US seller, listed sold out | — | None located | |
| Radial | Pneumaticprojectile-driven applicators | 1.5–6 bar | 1–22 HzElite; the Pro and Easy run 1–15 Hz | — | Up to 4 million shocksMAGNUM applicator | 7 kg (≈ 15.4 lb)main unit, all tiers | Not publicly listed | Not publicly listed | None located | |
| Radial | Pneumaticballistic, integrated compressor | 0.3–5 bar | 1–21 Hz | — | — | 23 kg (≈ 50.7 lb) | Not publicly listed | Not publicly listed | None locatedrecords on other configurations from this manufacturer do not cover this model | |
| Radial | Pneumaticballistic | Up to 2.7 bar | 6–18 Hz | — | — | 9.8 kg (≈ 21.6 lb) | Not publicly listed | Not publicly listed | None locatedrecords on other configurations from this manufacturer do not cover this model | |
| Broad-focused, urology and specialty | ||||||||||
| Broad-focused & specialty | Electrohydraulicparabolic reflector | 0.01–0.19 mJ/mm² across the treatment volume · 0.34–4.22 mJ per pulse | 0.5–8 Hz | Up to 12 cm max penetration · 0–82 mm focus volume | — | 36.3 lb (≈ 16.5 kg) | $40,000–$99,000as previously reported on 20 August 2026; the current page uses an ROI calculator instead | Financing stated to existterms not public | 510(k) K233937 | |
| Broad-focused & specialty | Electrohydraulicspark gap, marketed as Multi-Wave | — | — | — | — | — | Not publicly listed | Not publicly listed | None located | |
| Broad-focused & specialty | Electrohydraulic | — | — | — | — | — | Not publicly listed | Not publicly listed | None located | |
| Broad-focused & specialty | Electromagneticcoil in water | 0.45 mJ/mm² listed as intensity | 1–10 Hz | Withheld: the manufacturer's figures conflict | — | — | Not publicly listedquote or OEM | Not publicly listedquote or OEM | None located | |
| Value and direct-import tier | ||||||||||
| Value tier | Pneumaticcompressed-air radial | 1–8 bar | 1–21 Hzall three models | — | 3.5 million shotsXL; its manual says about 2 million per projectile | 26 lb (≈ 11.8 kg)Mini, without case | $3,949–$13,349Mini $3,949 · Pro $10,349 · XL $13,349 | — | None located | |
| Value tier | Electromagnetic ballisticcompressor-free radial, per the specification table | 60–185 mJ per pulse | 1–22 Hz | — | 4,000,000 pulsesPhysioPRO warranty minimum; PhysioPRO II 2,000,000 | 2.07 kg (≈ 4.6 lb)controller unit only | $5,999–$9,999PhysioPRO II $5,999 · PhysioPRO $9,999 | $500 per monthadvertised, factory direct | None located | |
Try a broader category or clear the search. Every machine we have researched stays in the guide.
Head to head
Every fair head-to-head in our guide: 100 comparisons, each built from the same research as the machine pages.
A radial pressure wave peaks at the applicator surface and disperses as it travels, so it treats a broad, shallow area. A focused device concentrates energy at a selected depth, so the peak lands inside tissue rather than at the skin. They are different treatment tools, not two grades of the same tool, and a clinic usually chooses based on the depth of the target.
Published pricing is rare in this market. Shockwave Source lists purchase estimates from $16,709.85 to $50,176.02 and monthly lease estimates from $380 to $1,165. Direct-import radial devices start near $3,949. Most manufacturer-direct machines, including STORZ, EMS, BTL and Zimmer, are quote-only, so no reliable published figure exists for them.
No. The RPW2 is a pneumatic radial pressure wave device, so its energy peaks at the applicator and spreads with depth. A focused system such as the Chattanooga Intelect Focus is electromagnetic and concentrates energy at a chosen depth. Comparing them on peak energy alone will mislead you, because they are built for different clinical targets.
The record located for plantar fasciitis is a premarket approval, PMA P080028, held on the STORZ DUOLITH SD1. Its scope is chronic proximal plantar fasciitis in adults after six or more months of failed conservative care. That approval is specific to that configuration and does not extend to other STORZ models or to any other manufacturer.
Leasing is the usual route for clinics that do not want to commit capital, and Shockwave Source publishes monthly lease estimates for all three Chattanooga machines. Those figures are estimates only. Contract length, APR, total payments and the end-of-term buyout are confirmed at quote, so ask for all four in writing before you sign.
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