If you’re evaluating focused acoustic/shockwave devices, you’ve probably noticed there are different “engines” under the hood. StemWave uses an electrohydraulic (EH) generator. Many competitors use electromagnetic (EM) generators. Both create focused acoustic waves; how they generate and deliver those waves affects depth, focal geometry, dosing, maintenance, and ultimately, your clinic’s outcomes, workflow, and margins.
Below is what we’d want to know if we were in your chair, deciding where to invest.
Depth & target access: Focused ESWT in general can reach deep tissues (reports up to ~12 cm depending on device and protocol). EH systems are commonly associated with greater achievable depth and broader focal volumes; EM systems tend to have narrower focal regions and, in many product lines, shallower maximum depths. Device-to-device variation is real, but the EH tier is frequently chosen when deep targets are on the table.
Dosing & feel: EM generators can deliver very tight, precise waves; EH sources are known for a comparatively larger, therapeutically useful focal zone that can “find” pathology (we call it “biofeedback“) without constant micro-repositioning—useful when you’re treating busy athletic rosters or complex tendinopathies.
Throughput: With StemWave, typical sessions run ~5–8 minutes, slotting into cash-pay workflows without adding staffing.
Ownership math: Beyond sticker price, model the cost of time (setup/re-targeting), any consumables, service schedules, and the revenue lift from reliably reaching deeper generators of pain. (We give you a questions checklist at the end.)
The Core Differences
1) How the wave is made and why it matters clinically
StemWave: An electrical spark in fluid produces the true focused wave, penetrating 12mm deep into tissue. This architecture has long been valued in medicine for creating high-quality, deeply penetrant, focused waves with a comparatively broader effective focal zone. In practice, that means it’s easier to engage deep or multi-layer pathology without chasing a millimetric “hot spot.”
Electromagnetic: A coil/membrane acts like a precision loudspeaker. Many EM systems emphasize tight, small foci and fine increment control. This can be great for calcific pinpoint targets, but real-world soft tissue isn’t a water tank. The actual focal zone can shrink or shift in vivo relative to spec sheets, which is why technique and repositioning matter.
2) Depth & focal geometry (what you can reliably reach)
Peer-reviewed and clinical resources consistently differentiate focused acoustic waves from radial pressure waves in depth (focused reaching multiple centimeters into tissue; radial mostly superficial).
Within the focused family, EH platforms are often referenced for higher achievable depths (reports up to ~10–12 cm in focused ESWT literature), while EM devices in many product lines advertise mid-range depths (often ~5–8 cm). Actual numbers vary by model and protocol.
Side-by-Side: StemWave (Electrohydraulic) vs. Electromagnetic Systems
| StemWave | Electromagnetic systems | |
|---|---|---|
| Wave generation | Electrohydraulic spark in a water-based membrane. | Coil/membrane generates waves. |
| Typical penetration | Penetrates up to 12 cm deep into tissue. | Many EM product lines advertise ~5–8 cm max; some models vary. |
| Focal zone character | Broader, therapeutically useful focal volume, helpful when pathology isn’t a perfect “dot,” but goes deeper into the source of inflammation | Tighter focal spot, precise, but may require frequent micro-repositioning. |
| Session length in practice | ~5-8 min typical with StemWave protocols. | Varies by model/protocol; tighter foci can add repositioning time during first sessions. |
| Customer success | Dedicated account manager, clinical advisor, and marketing tools that are ongoing beyond purchase. Platinum Provider Program provides great benefit from day one. | Distributor dependent, often just one-day training from a generalist |
| Use cases you’ll feel the difference | Deep tendons, proximal hamstring, gluteal tendinopathy, thick calves, hip/bursal regions; multi-layer pain generators. | Small calcific foci, tightly localized lesions where pinpoint dosing is preferred. |
| What your staff notices | Faster “find and treat,” fewer target-hunting minutes, smooth add-on to cash-pay visits. | More target confirmation and re-aiming to maintain the small focus in moving/guarding patients. |
What this translates to in a clinic setting
Throughput & workflow: If your revenue model depends on short, high-value sessions, the combination of deep access + workable focal size matters more than a brochure number. With StemWave, clinics routinely structure visits around ~5–8 minutes of focused treatment, keeping providers on schedule and patients moving while earning more in monthly collections than ever before. (See how Dr. Kalani Jose made 90k in 60 days with StemWave here).
Target confidence: Deep pain generators (proximal hamstring, adductor complex, posterior hip, thick calves, fascia insertions) often sit beyond radial reach. Focused ESWT is indicated for those depths; EH systems are commonly chosen where depth tolerance and focal volume help you treat, not chase.
Commonly asked questions
“How deep does it go?”
Focused ESWT literature references up to ~12 cm, depending on the system and protocol. EH platforms are frequently associated with greater depth tolerance vs many EM lines that spec ~5–8 cm. Always verify per model.
“Will it fit my schedule?”
StemWave visits commonly run ~5–8 minutes of treatment time. That supports cash-pay throughput and add-on revenue without adding staff. StemWave+1
“What conditions can StemWave treat?”
- StemWave is used by healthcare providers to help reduce pain and improve function in patients with musculoskeletal conditions such as tendon injuries, joint pain, and plantar fasciitis. By delivering focused acoustic waves deep into tissue, it stimulates the body’s natural healing response and improves circulation. Providers commonly integrate it into treatment plans to accelerate recovery without drugs or surgery.
Is StemWave “stronger” than electromagnetic systems?
- “Stronger” isn’t the right metric. What matters is whether therapeutic energy reaches the pathology efficiently. EH systems like StemWave are commonly selected where clinics need depth tolerance and a practical focal volume to treat deep or layered pathology on a tight schedule.
Can electromagnetic systems work for deep issues?
- Some can, depending on the model and settings, but many EM lines spec mid-range depths and tighter foci. If deep access is routine in your caseload, compare in-tissue depth and focal size across devices—not just water-tank numbers.
How long does a StemWave treatment take?
- Most clinics run ~5-8 minutes per session, making it realistic as a cash-pay add-on or core service.
Final thought from our team
Your clinic doesn’t need another flashy gadget; it needs technology that performs where it counts. StemWave was built to reach real pain sources quickly, deliver consistent results, and fit seamlessly into the rhythm of your day.
That’s the standard we hold ourselves to.
Disclosure Statement: The content provided in this blog post is for informational purposes only and should not be considered medical advice. The opinions expressed are those of medical professionals and are based on a collective analysis of publicly available studies and data. Our company’s product is a Class I medical device, and while it may be related to the topics discussed in this post, it is important to note that our product may not cause similar effects as stated in the post. Additionally, this post should not be interpreted as a guarantee of any specific outcome or result. It’s important to consult with a qualified healthcare professional for personalized medical advice and treatment. We encourage readers to consult the FDA’s website for information on our product’s clearance and any relevant labeling information.
