Quickly, before we answer those questions, a little bit about me and my shockwave therapy credentials before we answer those questions.
I have now been using focused and radial shockwave therapy for 5 years and have had the pleasure of learning from the best clinicians around the world about shockwave therapy.
So far, I estimate to have introduced shockwave therapy to hundreds of clinicians, delivered hundreds more training sessions, University guest workshops and lectures and have had the pleasure of working with the FA, the English Institute of Sport and several elite sports clubs with shockwave therapy.
I still have a lot to learn, for sure, but I hope to be able to answer the most common questions I get asked on a weekly basis.
DISCLAIMER: Some of these answers are my humble opinion and do not reflect anyone I represent. You may disagree with some answers, and I am always happy to hear another point of view.
1. How much does a shockwave machine cost?
The biggest and most common question, without a doubt!
Prices vary across various models and brands, and I cannot speak for everyone, but the best I can do is give you some ballpark figures.
- Radial shockwave therapy = £5,000 – £18,000
- Focused shockwave machines = £21,000 – £35,000+
These prices are all plus the dreaded VAT! Sorry, we in the industry like to say prices ex VAT.
What should you spend?
It is totally up to you and how much cash you are willing to part with.
For me, if you are looking at a radial shockwave therapy machine, a £6,000-£8000+vat radial device will do you good. If you can stretch to £10,000+vat, then go for it, but I wouldn’t go much higher. I would be wary about getting a system for under £5,000+vat.
For focused shockwave, they all average out at about £25,000+vat, so there isn’t much difference.
The Piezowave2 S40 is £21,950+vat and is the lowest-priced focused shockwave on the UK market, both list price and long-term running costs.
2. What is the difference between radial and focused shockwave therapy?
Radial “shockwave” therapy is a pressure wave that radiates out into the tissue – Like a shotgun, good a close range, but not very accurate. Radial shockwave is used for more superficial, chronic MSK disorders within a depth of 3-4cm.
Focused shockwave therapy produces a true shockwave by directing energy into a specific point – Like a sniper, very accurate and great at short and long distances.
Focused can target tissues at depths of up to 10-17cm (Piezowave2 Single-Use 60 100) and can be used to treat acute and chronic MSK disorders and bony injuries.
3. Which is better radial or focused shockwave?
It is hard to avoid this debate. For me, it is which shockwave therapy is the best for YOU!
There are a few variables I take into consideration to determine which technology fits your practice best. These are:
- The injuries you see
- Clinic model
- Clinic size
- Patient demographic
- Budget
A quick example:
If you see lots of chronic tendinopathies and are predominantly an insurance-based private practice – radial shockwave therapy is a great choice for you.
If you are seeing a range of indications (acute and chronic), ligament, tendon, and joint injuries and have a large self-pay client base – a focused shockwave may be the choice for you.
Maybe I can help you some more. I have many conversations a week offering advice on what could be better for you and may be able to point you in the right direction.
4. How many shockwave treatments are needed, and how far apart should treatments be?
A two-pronged question that pops up, which is essentially how much and how often.
There are several factors you should consider, such as the injury severity and stage of healing, a patient’s age and overall health and any underlying medical conditions, to name a
few.
Once you have clinically reasoned and concluded shockwave therapy is the best way forward, the below is the most GENERIC treatment programme.
3-6 shockwave treatments every 3-7 days
Shockwave treatment
- Average 2000-3000 shocks per treatment
- Average 5-10Hz
- Energy level varies on tolerance and treatment aim.
My reading of 100s of papers has deduced the above template. My idea is to see a patient every 3-5 days, if possible. Once a week, however, with progressive loading, has good
outcomes too.
Please remember the above is a generic, average treatment programme. Consider the other factors and alter the programme accordingly, as you do with exercise rehab programmes.
As you use shockwave therapy more, you develop your own experiences and create your own treatment programmes.
5. How do you generate revenue through shockwave?
This is a tough question and, once again, there are a few variables. Ultimately, I have come across 3-4 business models that work. Shockwave does generate revenue, it is just a case of finding the right way for you and your business.
The biggest influence on a shockwave therapy service’s success is the confidence and competence of the therapist using the shockwave therapy device. If the therapist is bought in, it is much easier to get patient buy-in.
The other variables include but are not limited to:
1. Price point/pricing structure
2. Current clinic business model
3. Patient demographic
4. Marketing
The biggest aspect I noticed successful clinics offer is a price that is affordable for all patients, so revenue is generated through volume.
You can do the “reassuringly expensive” option, but you may price yourself out of the market.
- The 3 most common business models for shockwave therapy Supplement price
o E.g. an extra ££ on top of the regular price - Package price
o E.g. 4 sessions for £250 - Standalone treatment price
o 20-minute treatment for 25-50% less than the “average” hourly rate
– E.g. 1-hour treatment = £60
– Shockwave = £40 for 20 mins (£120/hour potential)
Ultimately, it is up to you how you and your patients value the service.
Thank you for reading, and hopefully, I have provided a little insight and some help into shockwave therapy.
If I have prompted any more questions, you need something cleared up, or you would like to give some feedback, please feel free to reach out to me at dominic.smith@physiquipe.com and cite this blog!