Workhorse Pro vs. Storz D-Actor 100
What Makes a Great Shockwave Therapy Machine?
For chiropractors, physical therapists, and sports rehab professionals, the right shockwave therapy device can significantly enhance treatment outcomes—and streamline daily operations. But with so many devices on the market, choosing the right one comes down to a few critical factors: clinical power, versatility, ease of use, and long-term value.
In this comparison, we take a close look at two popular options in the industry: the Workhorse Pro and the Storz D-Actor 100. While both are designed for radial shockwave therapy, their approach to performance, design, and usability differs in ways that can impact your day-to-day treatment flow and overall ROI.
Whether you’re upgrading from an older unit or purchasing your first system, this side-by-side breakdown will help you make an informed, confident decision.
Key Specs at a Glance
Sometimes the best way to evaluate a device is by looking at the numbers. Here’s how the Workhorse Pro and Storz D-Actor 100 stack up in terms of raw specifications and included features:
| Feature | Workhorse Pro | Storz D-Actor 100 |
| Energy Output | 1–8 Bar (adjustable in 0.1 Bar steps) | 1–5 Bar |
| Frequency Range | 1–21 Hz | 1–15 Hz |
| Preset Protocols | 46 pre-saved treatment modes | 7 standard programs |
| Applicators | 5 included (6, 9, 15, 20, 25mm) | Optional attachments (sold separately) |
| Compressor | Built-in low-noise compressor | Integrated compressor |
| Interface | 8″ LCD touchscreen + jog shuttle dial | Basic LCD interface with buttons |
| Handles | 3G handle + massage handle (included) | 1 basic handpiece |
| Dimensions / Weight | 45 x 15 x 35 cm / 28 kg | 47 x 43 x 31 cm / approx. 25 kg |
| Warranty | 1-year manufacturer warranty | Warranty varies by distributor |
This table gives a snapshot of each unit’s core strengths. From broader pressure and frequency ranges to more included protocols and accessories, the Workhorse Pro is designed to offer maximum functionality right out of the box.
Power and Performance
When it comes to shockwave therapy, clinical power isn’t just about intensity—it’s about control. The ability to fine-tune both pressure and frequency allows practitioners to adapt treatments to a wide range of conditions, patient sensitivities, and tissue depths.
The Workhorse Pro delivers a pressure range from 1 to 8 Bar, with precise 0.1 Bar adjustments. This level of granularity gives providers more control over treatment intensity, which can be especially valuable when transitioning between acute pain management and chronic soft tissue rehab.
By comparison, the Storz D-Actor 100 offers a narrower range of 1 to 5 Bar, with fewer customization steps in between.
Frequency is another area where the difference becomes clear. The Workhorse Pro offers a full 1 to 21 Hz range, allowing clinicians to adjust pulse repetition rates to match the therapeutic goals—whether stimulating blood flow, breaking up scar tissue, or addressing calcific tendinitis. The D-Actor 100, while capable, tops out at 15 Hz, which may limit flexibility in some protocols.
For busy clinics treating a wide range of musculoskeletal issues, the combination of higher output and more granular controls in the Workhorse Pro can translate into faster results and better patient outcomes.
Usability and Workflow
A powerful device is only as effective as it is practical. In clinical settings where time, noise, and setup efficiency matter, the design of your shockwave system plays a major role in workflow optimization.
The Workhorse Pro features an all-in-one design with a built-in low-noise compressor, eliminating the need for external hardware. That means fewer moving parts, a smaller footprint, and less time spent on setup. For practitioners, this translates to a faster, quieter, and more seamless integration into existing treatment protocols.
The 8-inch touchscreen interface paired with a jog shuttle dial gives users both visual clarity and tactile control. Whether navigating through its 46 preloaded treatment modes or customizing parameters in real-time, the interface feels intuitive—even for new team members.
The Storz D-Actor 100, by contrast, requires an external compressor, which adds bulk, setup time, and noise. Its more limited LCD display and button navigation system may feel dated to clinics accustomed to modern touchscreen tech. And with only 7 built-in treatment programs, it may require more manual adjustments to accommodate diverse patient needs.
For high-volume practices, these small differences add up. A more integrated, user-friendly system means less friction, faster turnover between patients, and more focus on outcomes—not equipment.
Treatment Versatility
Not all shockwave therapy devices are equally adaptable—especially when it comes to treating different body areas, conditions, and patient sensitivities. The flexibility of a system often depends on the variety and quality of its applicators, as well as the range of preset modes available.
The Workhorse Pro ships with five applicator sizes (6mm to 25mm), allowing practitioners to target both small, delicate areas (like hands, feet, and trigger points) and larger muscle groups with ease. The inclusion of a massage handle and a 3G ballistic handpiece further expands its therapeutic range, enabling providers to combine radial pressure waves with vibration or soft tissue mobilization techniques.
With 46 pre-programmed treatment protocols built in, the Workhorse Pro simplifies the process of treating common issues like plantar fasciitis, tennis elbow, and calcific tendinitis. These presets not only speed up setup but also provide a helpful baseline for consistent, evidence-based care—especially useful in multi-provider clinics.
The Storz D-Actor 100, while capable, includes fewer applicators by default and limits its treatment options to a set of 7 standard programs. Additional handpieces and applicators are available—but typically sold separately—making it a more modular, piecemeal investment for clinics looking to expand capabilities.
In short, the Workhorse Pro comes ready to handle a wide spectrum of treatments without requiring extra upgrades or third-party accessories—making it a strong fit for clinics that prioritize efficiency and versatility in their care delivery.
Durability and Maintenance
When investing in clinical equipment, long-term reliability is just as important as performance. Downtime, repair costs, and inconsistent output can all impact patient care—and your bottom line.
The Workhorse Pro is engineered with durability in mind, featuring a high-quality solenoid valve designed to handle the mechanical demands of daily clinical use. The robust internal components are built to deliver consistent pressure over thousands of treatment sessions, minimizing the risk of performance degradation.
Its low-noise, integrated compressor not only reduces environmental distraction but also means fewer external connections to manage or maintain. With fewer parts to wear out or break down, the system requires less upkeep and is easier to keep in rotation without interruption.
The D-Actor 100, while made by a reputable manufacturer, does require an external compressor—which introduces an additional point of failure. Maintenance routines may be more involved, particularly in multi-room clinics where equipment must be moved or shared. And since much of the Storz ecosystem is modular, clinics may find themselves needing to replace or service components more frequently depending on configuration.
Both systems offer a 1-year warranty, but the real test of durability is in day-to-day usage. For clinics that value plug-and-play reliability and reduced maintenance overhead, the Workhorse Pro offers peace of mind and practical staying power.
Pricing and Value
While sticker price is important, true value lies in what your clinic gets per dollar spent—including features, ease of use, accessories, and long-term reliability.
The Workhorse Pro is an all-in-one system: you get a built-in compressor, five applicator sizes, a touch-screen interface, 46 preset protocols, and two functional handpieces—all included. There are no major add-ons required to get started, making it a turnkey solution for clinics that want performance without the piecemeal upgrades.
The Storz D Actor 100 costs around $22,900 while the Workhorse Pro is priced under $10,000. Choosing the Workhorse Pro will save you 64% of your hard earned money! At that price, the Workhorse Pro is about the same price as the Masterpuls One, which is the smallest portable model of Radial Shockwave machine offered by Storz.
For practitioners comparing the two side by side, it becomes clear: the Workhorse Pro delivers more functionality, more flexibility, and fewer hidden costs—making it a compelling value for high-performance clinics.
Ideal Use Cases for Each Device
Every clinic has its own priorities—some need portability, others want power, and many are simply looking for a device that blends seamlessly into a high-volume treatment environment. Understanding the strengths of each device can help clarify which one fits your specific needs.
The Storz D-Actor 100 may be a logical fit for:
- Clinics already using the Storz ecosystem and looking for compatibility
- Providers who prefer modular systems and are open to future upgrades
- Lower-volume practices treating a narrower range of conditions
It’s a solid entry point into radial shockwave therapy, particularly for clinics that already own the necessary compressor and accessories or are looking for brand-name recognition in certain medical circles.
The Workhorse Pro, on the other hand, is better suited for:
- Clinics that value a ready-to-use system with everything included
- Providers treating a wide range of musculoskeletal conditions
- High-volume practices where speed, preset protocols, and low maintenance matter
- Practitioners who want maximum control over treatment settings
- Practices who would like to offer Shockwave Therapy to their patients but have a limited budget
- Clinics already offering Focused Shockwave therapy that want to decrease wear and tear/maintenance costs associated with Focused Shockwave machine use
Its integrated design, broad functionality, and thoughtful user interface make it a strong option for busy practices that don’t want to compromise on versatility or spend time and money piecing together a complete setup.
Final Thoughts: Choosing the Best Fit for Your Practice
Both the Workhorse Pro and the Storz D-Actor 100 are capable shockwave therapy devices—each with its own strengths. The D-Actor 100 offers name recognition and a modular design for clinics that prefer to build out their system over time. But for providers looking for a fully integrated, high-performance device that’s ready to go out of the box, the Workhorse Pro offers a clear edge.
From broader treatment capabilities and finer control settings to a quieter, more compact design, the Workhorse Pro is built for real-world clinical demands. This device provides you with efficiency, usability, and long-term value.
If you’re exploring your next investment in shockwave therapy, the Workhorse Pro is worth a closer look.
