THE SCIENCE OF A PULSE
Gain Acoustic Wave Intelligence.
Follow the energy. Understand the difference. Discover the questions that turn an impressive machine into an informed medical conversation.
Concept illustrationRead the pulse, not just the number.
Pulse repetition rate, energy, pressure profile, focus and target describe different things. A display marked in hertz does not by itself establish a treatment effect. The diagram is simplified and not to scale.
This is an explanatory animation. Actual device parameters are set through professional assessment, device labelling and training.
On this page
Pressure, rather than a mysterious healing tone
ESWT delivers mechanical pressure pulses through an applicator and coupling medium. Its pulse repetition rate, often displayed in hertz, counts pulses per second. A pulse also has its own pressure-time shape and range of acoustic frequencies. These are different concepts.
Focused and radial: two distinct energy patterns
Focused systems concentrate acoustic energy at a target region. Radial systems produce pressure waves that spread from the applicator. They differ in their physics and dose descriptions. Evidence for one device or technique should be matched to that device and the diagnosis.
Piezoelectric: electricity becomes mechanical motion
Piezoelectric elements deform rapidly when electrically driven, helping create an acoustic pulse. STORZ also describes electromagnetic generation for its focused-wave systems. The generator's internal electricity is distinct from applying an electrical current as the treatment.
Where the clinical evidence becomes specific
The original US DUOLITH SD1 approval concerns selected adults with chronic plantar-fasciitis heel pain after unsuccessful conservative treatment. Other uses have different evidence and regulatory positions. A promising result for one tendon or device is a starting point for questions, rather than an answer for every injury.
Non-invasive is a feature. Suitability is a decision.
Treatment is delivered from outside the body. That can be appealing, yet discomfort, bruising, temporary symptom aggravation and other risks remain relevant. Pregnancy in the treatment field, bleeding conditions, sensitive structures and other contraindications require individual screening. Compare the realistic benefits and risks with alternatives.
The machine in your consultation
Ask PrimeWave for the exact manufacturer, model, applicator and proposed use. The luminous equipment artwork on this website is a design concept; manufacturer information is linked below for actual product descriptions.
Sources & reading
Source check: 29 September 2026. Linked organisations are independent of PrimeWave. Research dates and device scope matter.
STORZ MEDICAL: physics and technologyManufacturer explanation of focused acoustic pulses and radial pressure waves; used for device physics, not independent proof of clinical benefit.
Richard Wolf: PiezoWave2Manufacturer information. Availability, applicators and regulatory status vary by market.
FDA: STORZ DUOLITH SD1, P080028Original US indication: chronic proximal plantar-fasciitis heel pain in adults over 18 after at least six months of unsuccessful conservative care. Check current supplements and exact labelling.
ISMST clinical guidelines, 2023 / posted 2024Professional guidance on physical principles, applications, contraindications and adverse effects. Guidance is distinct from US regulatory authorisation.
Illustrations: AI-created people, human-faced humanoids and equipment concepts. Manufacturer links describe real devices; artwork is not a product specification. Read the illustration note.