top of page

Articles

Writer's pictureDerek Parker

Storz Masterpuls Machines: Cost, Efficacy, & Alternatives

Updated: Dec 27, 2024

Storz Medical provides a line of Masterpuls machines specifically designed for doctors and clinics focusing on orthopedic and musculoskeletal disorders. Using radial shock wave therapy (RSWT), Masterpuls machines offer clinicians a non-invasive approach to managing conditions involving chronic pain, tendinopathies, and various other musculoskeletal issues.

Understanding Storz Masterpuls Technology

Masterpuls machines leverage radial shock waves to promote healing, alleviate pain, and stimulate circulation in soft tissues. Radial shockwave therapy (RSWT) operates by creating outward-directed pressure waves that penetrate the tissue superficially, producing cellular responses that enhance tissue repair. Unlike focused shockwaves, radial waves disperse energy in shallowly and dissipate more rapidly, making RSWT particularly effective for treating conditions near the skin surface.

In Masterpuls devices, the radial shock waves are generated through compressed air or electromagnetic propulsion, driving a projectile that impacts a metal applicator against the skin. This mechanical action generates pressure waves that stimulate cellular activity in tissues through cavitation effects. These waves aid in cell apoptosis and collagen formation, strengthening tissue structures without requiring high-energy levels, making RSWT suitable for superficial musculoskeletal applications such as tendinopathies and myofascial pain.

Types of Storz Masterpuls Machines and Their Specifications

The Storz Masterpuls line includes multiple devices, each designed with specific clinical applications and functional differences in mind. Here is a detailed overview of the available Masterpuls models.

MASTERPULS MP50 Ultra

The MASTERPULS MP50 Ultra is a sophisticated entry-level model that combines compact design with the essential features of RSWT.

  • Pressure: Max 4 bareff; Frequency: 1-17 Hz.

  • Features: Optional 10” touch screen and the V-ACTOR® HF handpiece for added versatility, with frequencies up to 21 Hz.

  • Indications: Primarily for tendinopathies and other superficial soft-tissue conditions where lower pressure is effective.

MASTERPULS MP100 Ultra

The MASTERPULS MP100 Ultra is a high-energy compact model, offering greater flexibility for a broader range of treatments.

  • Pressure: Max 5 bareff; Frequency: 1-21 Hz.

  • Features: Optional 10” touch screen, Skin Touch feature, and V-ACTOR® HF handpiece capable of reaching frequencies up to 50 Hz.

  • Indications: Suitable for musculoskeletal conditions requiring higher energy output and flexibility, including chronic tendinopathies.

MASTERPULS MP200 Ultra

An advanced device in the Masterpuls line, the MASTERPULS MP200 Ultra integrates several features for complex therapeutic needs.

  • Pressure: Max 5 bareff; Frequency: 1-21 Hz.

  • Features: Equipped with both the VACU-ACTOR® and Skin Touch technologies, and an optional 10” touch screen. The V-ACTOR® HF handpiece provides frequencies up to 50 Hz.

  • Indications: Useful for more advanced treatments involving reflex therapy, acupuncture shock wave therapy, and conditions that benefit from deeper tissue engagement.

MASTERPULS Ultra+

The MASTERPULS Ultra+ model includes versatile handpiece technology for a wide energy range, allowing for more nuanced treatment applications.

  • Pressure: 0.3 – 5 bareff; broad frequency adaptability.

  • Features: Integrated touch screen and Falcon® handpiece with the option for V-ACTOR® HF handpiece for vibration therapy. Optional trolley for increased mobility.

  • Indications: Suitable for a wide range of superficial applications, especially in settings requiring easy mobility.

MASTERPULS ONE

The MASTERPULS ONE is a compact starter model designed for high flexibility and ease of use.

  • Pressure: Max 2.7 bareff; Frequency: 6-18 Hz.

  • Features: Lightweight SPARROW® handpiece for easy handling.

  • Indications: Ideal for small practices and general indications, offering a cost-effective solution for clinicians new to shockwave therapy.

Comparison Table of Storz Masterpuls Machine Models

*Prices are for reference only and may vary based on location, vendor, and other factors. Please contact the manufacturer or authorized dealer for the most current pricing details.

Efficacy of Storz Masterpuls

The Masterpuls devices allows for versatile usage in various clinical and sports settings. Dr. Heinz Lohrer notes that the Masterpuls MP 50, known for its compact design and ease of transport, meets the requirements for high-power R-SWT while maintaining a low operational cost, making it a frequent choice for treating athletes at national and international levels.

In clinical studies examining the efficacy of R-SWT, such as Malliaropoulos et al.’s retrospective study on plantar fasciopathy, the Masterpuls MP 200 device was used to administer personalized treatments based on pain levels and tolerance (Malliaropoulos et al., 2016). The study reported significant pain reduction, with success rates reaching 98% after one year, and a low recurrence rate of 8%. Patients generally underwent four to eight sessions, with adjustments in pressure based on their pain tolerance. This individualized approach highlights the Masterpuls MP 200’s adaptability, where settings like frequency and impulse pressure can be modified to accommodate different patient responses, enhancing treatment success.

Further, ESWT research by Ko and Cho has demonstrated that radial and focused shock wave therapies effectively treat conditions involving dermal and subdermal fibrosis, enhancing tissue remodeling and circulation (Ko & Cho, 2024). The Masterpuls, by delivering radial shock waves, is particularly noted for improving lymphatic flow and breaking down fibrotic tissues, thus serving as a valuable tool in non-invasive therapies for fibrosis and other chronic conditions. 

Alternative Shockwave Therapy Option: SoftWave Therapy Devices

SoftWave is a distinctive alternative to traditional shockwave therapy devices like the Storz Masterpuls, offering several unique benefits using broad-focused shockwaves. Unlike radial shock wave machines, SoftWave offers the ONLY broad-focused applicator spans a wider area (7cm x 12cm), enabling deeper tissue penetration and stimulating biological responses that promote faster healing.

This technology is particularly effective for accelerating tissue repair, reducing inflammation, and enhancing blood flow without the need for invasive treatments or side effects. SoftWave therapy’s versatility is evident in its ability to impact both superficial and deep tissue issues, making it a highly effective option for patients requiring comprehensive shockwave therapy.

SoftWave’s advanced technology has been cleared by the FDA for multiple uses, including the activation of connective tissue, treatment of chronic diabetic foot ulcers, pain reduction, and improvement of blood supply. The system’s patented parabolic reflector allows it to spread energy over a large treatment area, providing faster results and fewer treatments compared to traditional shockwave devices. The following SoftWave machines each serve different clinical needs and offer targeted treatments for a range of conditions.

OrthoGold is designed to address a wide variety of acute and chronic conditions, including back pain, knee pain, overuse injuries, and tendon issues such as Achilles tendinopathy. The OrthoGold system employs SoftWave’s proprietary electrohydraulic shockwave technology, which offers maximum tissue penetration to enhance the biological effects of the treatment. By increasing blood supply and promoting angiogenesis (the formation of new blood vessels), OrthoGold can help restore tissue elasticity, support tissue regeneration, and alleviate pain. This device is an ideal solution for orthopedic practices looking for a safe, non-invasive option that delivers fast treatment times and high patient satisfaction.

 

SoftWave Gold Li Series formerly known as DermaGold: Revolutionary Wound Care Technology

SoftWave’s DermaGold device offers a cutting-edge approach to wound care, particularly in the treatment of chronic and non-healing wounds such as diabetic foot ulcers (DFUs). With its FDA clearance for treating DFUs, DermaGold accelerates wound healing by stimulating the body’s natural regenerative processes at the cellular level. The system promotes tissue regeneration and enhances blood supply to the affected area, leading to faster recovery times and reduced complications. DermaGold is a cost-effective alternative to other advanced wound care treatments like hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBOT) and negative pressure wound therapy (NPWT), providing quick, non-invasive treatments with high patient comfort and satisfaction.

5 views0 comments

Recent Posts

See All

Comments


bottom of page