Published by Shockwave Distributors · About our company
The best professional shockwave therapy machine for a clinic is the one that matches its patient volume, treatment space and budget, and that comes with a warranty, parts and support you can verify. This guide gives a checklist that works for any machine, then shows where each Workhorse model fits.
We sell the Workhorse line, so read this as a supplier's guide. The checklist is written so you can apply it to any device you are considering, including ones we do not sell.
Radial or focused: decide this first
Professional shockwave machines fall into two groups. Radial devices use compressed air to drive a projectile inside the handpiece, and the pressure wave spreads outward from the applicator. Focused devices concentrate energy at a set depth and are priced far higher. Radial equipment is common in chiropractic, physical therapy and sports medicine practices. Every Workhorse machine is a radial device; none is a focused shockwave machine.
What to compare on any professional machine
| What to compare | Why it matters | What to ask the supplier |
|---|---|---|
| Pressure and frequency range | Sets the range of intensities you can select | The published range for the exact model and revision |
| Compressor and valve | The air system determines how the device delivers pressure | Who makes the air pump and valve, and how they are serviced |
| Handpiece rating and wear parts | Projectiles and tips wear with use | The handpiece rating, and the price and lead time of replacement parts |
| Applicators and presets | Decides what is ready to use on day one | Exactly which applicators and programs are included in the package |
| Warranty and support | Decides how long a fault keeps the machine out of service | What is covered, who pays repair shipping and how to reach technical help |
| Total price | Quotes often leave out delivery, training or accessories | A written quote that separates equipment, delivery, taxes and add-ons |
Published prices for professional radial machines
Published prices we reviewed on October 1, 2026 ranged from $3,949 to $16,995 for professional radial and portable devices. That covers the three Workhorse models, plus third-party retail listings for the Richmar TheraTouch SW1 Portable ($6,995), Chattanooga Intelect Mobile 2 RPW ($15,795), Chattanooga Intelect RPW 2 ($15,995) and Zimmer enPulsPro ($16,995). A listed price does not show that two machines are equivalent, so compare the package and support behind each one.
Which Workhorse machine fits which clinic
| Model | Price | Best fit | Notable features |
|---|---|---|---|
| Workhorse Mini | $3,949 | Mobile providers, sports settings and small rooms | About 26 lb, 1–8 bar, 1–21 Hz, 24 pre-programmed modes |
| Workhorse Pro | $10,349 | Growing practices that want an all-around workstation | 8-inch touch screen, shockwave and massage handles, low-noise compressor |
| Workhorse XL | $13,349 | High-volume clinics that treat daily | Handpiece rated for 3.5 million shots, 1.0–4.0 bar in 0.1 bar steps |
Workhorse Mini: portable and lowest cost
The Mini is the compact option. It weighs about 26 lb, uses pneumatic ballistic technology and has an adjustable 1–8 bar range with 24 pre-programmed modes. Choose it when portability or budget comes first, or as a second unit.
Workhorse Pro: the most popular all-around choice
The Pro is our most popular model. It is a full-size workstation with an 8-inch touch screen, a shockwave handle and a separate massage handle, and a low-noise compressor. It is built on a German KNF air pump, a Japanese solenoid valve and a Taiwanese power supply. If you are unsure which model to buy, start here.
Workhorse XL: the flagship for high volume
The XL is built for clinics that expect to use shockwave every day. Its handpiece is rated for 3.5 million shots, and pressure is digitally controlled from 1.0 to 4.0 bar in 0.1 bar steps. It uses the same German KNF air pump, Japanese solenoid valve and Taiwanese power supply as the Pro. A handpiece rating is not a guarantee that no parts will need replacing; projectiles and tips are wear items.
- Workhorse Mini pricing and specifications
- Workhorse Pro pricing and specifications
- Workhorse XL pricing and specifications
- Compare all three side by side
Each model includes a one-year limited warranty and free shipping across the contiguous United States.
How other well-known brands compare
Storz, Chattanooga and Zimmer are established names in shockwave equipment. We have written a detailed comparison of each Workhorse model against the Storz device closest to it.
- Workhorse Mini vs. Storz Masterpuls One
- Workhorse Pro vs. Storz D-Actor 100
- Workhorse XL vs. Storz D-Actor 200
For any brand, ask for the current specification sheet, the package contents and a written quote, and compare them line by line with the checklist above. Brand reputation, operating specifications and price are separate questions. None of them alone shows which machine will produce better outcomes for your patients.
Who can buy a professional shockwave machine?
Workhorse machines are professional devices for qualified healthcare professionals, and they are not intended for home use. Scope of practice rules vary by profession and state, so confirm with your licensing board that shockwave fits your license before you buy.
Check the numbers before you commit
Most practices offer shockwave as a cash-pay service. The ROI calculator lets you enter your own session price and weekly volume. Treat the result as an estimate rather than a promise; staffing, room costs and patient demand all change it.
See the machines
Compare the Workhorse lineup or run your numbers in the ROI calculator.