Published by Shockwave Distributors · About our company
A portable professional shockwave therapy machine is a compact radial unit with a built-in compressor that one person can carry between rooms or locations. Published prices for the portable professional devices we reviewed in October 2026 ran from $3,949 to $15,795. This guide covers what to check before you buy one.
Three kinds of portable shockwave device
| Type | What it is | Who it is for |
|---|---|---|
| Consumer handheld | A small handheld device sold on consumer marketplaces | Home users; not professional clinical equipment |
| Portable professional unit | A compact machine with a built-in compressor and a separate handpiece | Clinicians who move between rooms, sites or events |
| Cart or desktop workstation | A larger unit with a bigger display, usually kept in one treatment room | Clinics with a dedicated shockwave room |
This guide is about the second group. Workhorse machines are professional devices for qualified healthcare professionals and are not intended for home use.
What to check on a portable machine
- Weight and size: confirm the weight of the unit itself, and of the case and accessories you will carry with it.
- Built-in compressor: a self-contained unit needs only a power outlet, while an external compressor adds to what you transport.
- Output range: check that the published pressure and frequency range covers the settings you plan to use.
- Power: confirm the voltage and that the supplied cord suits the places you will work.
- Carrying case: ask whether a case is included or sold separately, and whether it protects the handpiece.
- Setup time: ask how long it takes to go from unpacked to ready, including connecting the handpiece.
- Warranty: read how the warranty treats damage from drops or transport before you take a machine on the road.
The Workhorse Mini
The Workhorse Mini is our portable model at $3,949, with free shipping across the contiguous United States and a one-year limited warranty. It uses pneumatic ballistic technology, the operating principle used in larger radial machines.
| Specification | Workhorse Mini |
|---|---|
| Weight | 12 kg, approximately 26 lb, without case |
| Dimensions | 25 × 25 × 23 cm |
| Pressure range | 1–8 bar, adjustable |
| Frequency | 1–21 Hz, adjustable |
| Programs | 24 pre-programmed modes |
| Power input | 110 V / 60 Hz |
| Warranty | One-year limited warranty |
These are operating specifications. They do not show that one machine produces better clinical outcomes than another.
The Mini suits mobile providers, sports and event work, clinics short on space and practices that want a second unit. For a clinic that expects heavy daily use in one room, the Workhorse Pro or XL is usually the better fit.
The Mini's limited warranty covers defects in materials and workmanship. It does not cover impact damage, or consumables such as tips and projectiles, so plan for a protective case if the machine will travel.
- Workhorse Mini pricing and specifications
- Workhorse Mini vs. Storz Masterpuls One
- Compare the Mini with the Pro and XL
Other portable professional devices
On October 1, 2026, a US MedRehab retail listing showed the Richmar TheraTouch SW1 Portable at $6,995 and the Chattanooga Intelect Mobile 2 RPW at $15,795. We have not tested these devices. Ask each supplier for the current specification sheet, package contents and warranty terms, and compare them using the checklist above.
Common questions about portable shockwave machines
Is a portable machine less powerful than a full-size one?
Not necessarily. Compare the published pressure and frequency ranges rather than the size of the cabinet. The Workhorse Mini lists an adjustable 1–8 bar range and 1–21 Hz. A full-size workstation typically adds a larger display and components intended for heavier daily use.
Can I buy a portable shockwave machine for home use?
Workhorse machines are sold for use by qualified healthcare professionals within their scope of practice. They are not intended for home use. If you are a patient, speak with a qualified provider.
Do I need a carrying case?
If you will move the machine between sites, yes. A carrying case is an optional accessory, so ask us about current availability before you order.
Work out whether a portable unit pays for itself
The ROI calculator lets you enter your own session price and weekly volume against the Mini's purchase price. Treat the result as an estimate rather than a promise; your pricing, patient demand and costs will change it.
See the machines
Compare the Workhorse lineup or run your numbers in the ROI calculator.