Let’s talk about technology for treatment modalities related to therapy and rehabilitation. When it comes to equipment investments for your practice, two prominent brands emerge in the conversation: PiezoWave 2T and StemWave.
It’s time to dive deep into what these systems offer head-to-head and their associated costs from top to bottom to help chiropractors, physicians and physical rehab specialists make informed decisions.
Versatility and Depth of Treatment
If you’re looking for an exceptional range of potential treatment possibilities, there’s no question that the PiezoWave 2T is the better option.
The PiezoWave 2T leverages non-invasive, extracorporeal shockwave therapy (ESWT) used to treat musculoskeletal conditions. It utilizes acoustic waves to promote healing, reduce pain and improve mobility in soft tissues, tendons, ligaments and bones.
Let’s not forget about penetration depth. With its focused shockwave therapy, the PiezoWave 2T has impressive penetration depths of up to 30mm.
In contrast, StemWave employs electromagnetic ballistic technology suitable for more superficial treatments.
However, when it comes to having more outstanding options across a wider variety of treatment areas – and bringing substantial depth penetration to those areas – the PiezoWave 2T can’t be beaten.
Two key therapy sources are essential tools in shockwave therapy: Pinpoint Therapy for focused, chronic issues and Linear Therapy for broader, muscle-related conditions. The device that provides a “best of both worlds” high performance for both therapies will have a clear advantage over the other.
Pinpoint Therapy: Small, Deep-Seated Injuries
When you consider your patients with chronic and persistent conditions, these cases frequently involve specific areas that require laser-focused targeting.
The PiezoWave 2T’s therapy mechanism was designed for these precise, focused treatments. It delivers high-energy shockwaves to a very localized area, stimulating repair in the process.
Among its many applications, the PiezoWave 2T’s supreme precision is ideal for treating:
- Myofascial trigger points
- Calcific tendinitis in the shoulder
- Chronic tendinopathies, such as Tennis Elbow, Plantar Fasciitis and Achilles tendinopathy
Since it offers much gentler treatment, the PiezoWave 2T can benefit pediatric patients.
If your patient needs fast treatment for large muscle groups, the StemWave could suffice. However, since this category is all about treatment precision and not broad treatment, PiezoWave 2T gets the nod.
Linear Therapy: Large, Superficial Areas
Patients with widespread tissue damage or tightness have large surface areas that require treatment. The PiezoWave 2T meets that demand by distributing shockwaves across a broader area, providing a more dispersed energy spread.
With its effectiveness in linear therapy, the PiezoWave 2T is ideal for:
- Muscle Pain & Tightness: Hamstrings, quadriceps and back.
- Myofascial Release: Large areas of muscle tension or fascial adhesions.
- Post-Surgical Recovery: Mobilizing scar tissue and reducing fibrosis over a broader zone.
Customization Capabilities
The PiezoWave 2T’s touchscreen interface provides intuitive control over treatments, while the StemWave opts for a more traditional digital display with rotary controls. Both systems offer preset protocols, but the PiezoWave 2T edges ahead in providing you with greater freedom yet greater control per your specifications.
Energy Output and Applicator Options
Energy Output: The PiezoWave 2T delivers up to 0.55 mJ/mm² energy flux density, while the StemWave operates in the 0.03-0.25 mJ/mm² range
Here’s what we like about the PiezoWave 2T’s energy distribution: It allows practitioners to choose two types: Pinpoint therapy for a more precise area or Linear therapy for less intensity per point but covering more surface.
This control of its piezoelectric technology enables practices to offer more tailored treatments across different tissue types and conditions, potentially leading to enhanced treatment outcomes and higher patient satisfaction rates.
Applicator Options: The PiezoWave 2T provides multiple focal tips (0-20mm, 30mm, 60mm), while StemWave only comes with a standard 15mm applicator.
The PiezoWave 2T’s applicator options allow your practice to treat a broader range of clinical applications with a single device, including myofascial trigger points, tendinopathies and muscle treatments. This increases revenue when you say, “Yes, we treat that” to more patients.
Having various applicators means you can deliver both focused and planar pressure waves, virtually eliminating the need for multiple devices.
The StemWave’s focus on musculoskeletal conditions still provides solid treatment options but may limit some highly specialized applications.
Training and Device Deployment
The training requirements and learning curve for staff members are generally more straightforward with the PiezoWave 2T, potentially leading to faster implementation and shorter ramp-up times for new practitioners. This can result in quicker time-to-value when introducing the technology into your practice.
Total Cost of Ownership
It’s not hard to envision how the PiezoWave 2T’s greater versatility of applicator options compared to the StemWave translates into higher utilization rates and potentially a much higher Return on Investment.
However, if there’s one area that practice owners forget about when they’re investing, it’s the long-term maintenance costs to be covered and included as part of the Total Cost of Ownership. You have a base unit, initial warranty coverage and a basic training package at purchase. But that’s not everything.
What about annual service? Applicator head replacement after 1-2 million shocks? Extended warranty? Regular supplies such as O-rings, coupling gel and membranes?
All of these should be factored in for accurate budgeting. While those add to the total, once considered, maintenance costs and durability factors tend to favor the PiezoWave 2T.
How so? The technology itself, for one. PiezoWave 2T’s piezoelectric technology typically requires less frequent maintenance than electromagnetic systems, which can result in lower long-term operational costs than StemWave. The PiezoWave 2T’s applicators generally have longer lifespans, which helps reduce ongoing expenses for replaceable parts.
The Right Choice: PiezoWave 2T
An excellent range of treatment options between pinpoint therapy and linear therapy. Versatility of energy distribution. Reliably solid tissue penetration. A total cost of ownership that offers compelling value.
For these and many other reasons, the PiezoWave 2T is a winner for many types of practices to provide custom treatment – and grow from it. Plus, the broader capabilities of the PiezoWave 2T may heavily benefit those practices anticipating expansion.
That’s a win for patients and practice owners alike.
Ultimately, the right choice for your practice depends on your specific needs, budget and growth strategy, so let’s talk about what you’re considering in those areas for the next quarter, the next six months and the next year.
With consultation from one of our representatives at HillDT Solutions, you’ll be well on your way to selecting a piece of equipment, like the PiezoWave 2T, that may quickly become your most valuable.
