What Makes Storz Medical Shockwave Machines the Best on the Market?

The world of shockwave therapy machines can be broad and daunting, with hundreds of manufacturers selling devices of which some have questionable quality and effectiveness. If you’re investing in a shockwave therapy machine, or are having a treatment carried out by a shockwave practitioner, Storz Medical will always be your safest bet. Storz have been pioneers of shockwave therapy for many years, and manufacturers of the most technologically advanced systems on the market.

Who are Storz Medical?

The Karl Storz Group was founded in 1945 by Dr Karl Storz. For many years, Storz manufactured endoscopes and surgical instruments, and was fascinated by finding tools to allow surgeons to look inside the human body. Storz was one of the pioneers of using fiber optics to improve visibility with his endoscopy devices. Very bright light generated by an external light source is introduced into the body through a flexible fiber optic light cable. This principle of “cold light illumination” paved the way for modern endoscopy.

Storz Medical was founded in 1987, and was an early adopter of shockwave therapy technology. Storz Medical manufactured devices that would send high-frequency acoustic waves into a patient’s tissue to trigger biological systems involved in repair and regeneration. At the time, shockwave therapy was only used for a small number of specific conditions such as pseudarthrosis and kidney stones, however research since then has shown it to be a highly effective treatment for:

What kind of shockwave machines do Storz manufacture?

Storz manufactures both focused and radial shockwave devices.

The Duolith series is Storz’s focused shockwave machine range. Focused shockwaves have a higher energy density and faster impulse compared to radial devices. Focused shockwaves can target deeper tissues more precisely, delivering all of its energy within the tissue. Local painful spots, chronic insertional tendinopathies, bone stress injuries and deep trigger points are therefore best treated with focused shockwaves.

The Masterpuls series consists of radial shockwave machines, and have been used in orthopaedics since the early 90’s. Radial shockwaves propagate outwards, treating a shallower but wider treatment area than focused shockwave devices. This makes radial shockwaves perfect for treating conditions with superficial treatment depths over larger areas, such as plantar fasciitis, myofascial pain syndrome and chronic tendinopathies.

Unlike competing devices, Storz Medical shockwave devices are the only shockwave systems in the world with clinically proven efficacy in:

Why choose a Storz Medical device?

Storz are market leaders

As of 2022, Storz Medical have sold over 50,000 devices in over 180 countries. They hold over 200 design patents, have won 3 design awards, and have been involved in over 100 PubMed publications. They sit at the very forefront of shockwave research and technological advancement.

Storz have recently unveiled the Neurolith, a revolutionary new device which uses a similar type shockwave technology to treat the symptoms of Alzheimer’s dementia without the need for medication. The treatment is called transcranial pulse stimulation, and is the first of its kind anywhere in the world.

Storz value shockwave education

In order for a shockwave practitioner to get the most out of their Storz device, they need to be properly educated. Storz provides free educational webinars by experts across all disciplines, as well as having published educational shockwave books. Venn Healthcare, Storz’s UK partner, also provides in-person shockwave therapy courses, through which they educate hundreds of practitioners every year.

Owners of Storz shockwave therapy machines also get access to the Storz Shockwave Education Portal, which contains information, instructional videos, promotional images and application brochures.

Storz value safety

Every Storz shockwave device is inspected and tested not just for quality and effectiveness, but also to ensure patient safety. All devices meet European safety standards, and the devices are easily controllable to ensure your practitioner is delivering the right frequency of shockwaves for your condition.

Storz value innovative design

As well as generally being the sleeker looking machines, Storz shockwave machines have been designed with ease of use in mind. Unlike leading competitor devices, both the Masterpuls and Duolith series can be fully controlled from the handpiece, meaning less movement to and from the main unit. This can be especially useful in veterinary settings, where movement needs to be kept to a minimum.

Optional radial shockwave applicator accessories can also be attached to the handpieces to deliver shockwaves in a fashion specific to the treatment protocol. Storz applicator heads vary in head size and material used, this varies the penetration depth and intensity across all shockwave therapy treatments. These applicators include complementary technologies such as VACU-ACTOR® vacuum therapy and the vibration and massage therapy with the V-ACTOR® handpiece. The extensive transmitter programme for radial shockwave therapy further optimises the treatment of different indications/body areas.

Which Storz device would best suit my needs?

To decide which of Storz’s machines would suit you best, first take a look at the difference between radial and focused shockwave therapy. Radial devices tend to be more affordable, and are great if you are starting to use shockwave technology for the first time. For more experienced users, or for practitioners treating specific conditions better suited to focused shockwaves, focused devices may be the better choice.

From there, you will be able to browse the Masterpuls (radial) or Duolith (focused) lines. Contact a member of our expert team for brochures or further technical or pricing information for a specific machine. They can also help you decide if you are unsure of which device is most suitable for you.