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Storz Medical Radial Shockwave Applicator Guide

By kyle lee  •   10 minute read

Storz Medical Radial Shockwave Applicator Guide

Quick Summary

STORZ Medical offers the widest range of radial shockwave transmitters in the industry, and most clinics only ever use the two or three that shipped with their device. Each applicator differs in tip material, diameter, penetration depth (10 mm to 60 mm) and energy intensity from the ultra-gentle ATLAS silicone tip (1/10) for sensitive and bony areas, up to the C15 CERAma-X (9/10) for deep, chronic conditions. Matching the transmitter to the tissue improves both patient comfort and treatment outcomes. Note that Masterpuls ONE owners are limited to Sparrow handpiece-compatible transmitters, and the MASTERPULS® icon uses its own RFID-chipped applicators — both are marked in the table below.

Any practitioner or clinic owner who owns a STORZ radial shockwave device is familiar with applicators, also known as shockwave transmitters. But far too many practitioners stick with the two or three applicators that came standard with their device, never realizing the full potential of what's available. STORZ Medical offers a diverse range of specialized transmitters engineered to enhance precision, target different tissues more effectively, and improve your patients' treatment outcomes using radial pressure wave therapy. If you're only using the applicators you started with, you're leaving powerful treatment possibilities untapped.

Think of it like using a drill. A standard slot bit can handle some jobs, but it won't be effective for every task — a full set of bits and attachments unlocks the tool's true potential. The same principle applies to radial shockwave therapy: a comprehensive range of transmitters allows for precise, targeted treatment and optimal therapeutic results.

STORZ MEDICAL stands out in the shockwave industry by offering the most extensive selection of radial pressure wave transmitters, each designed for specific clinical applications. Unlike most competitors that provide only a limited range, STORZ equips practitioners with the tools needed to customize treatments for each patient. A one-size-fits-all approach simply doesn't work when addressing complex musculoskeletal conditions.

The right transmitter ensures proper energy distribution, ideal depth penetration, and precise tissue targeting, making treatments both effective and comfortable for the patient. Without this variety, clinicians risk using the wrong tool for the job — akin to drilling through concrete with a wood bit. In this guide we'll explore the full range of STORZ Medical radial shockwave transmitters, their specifications, and their best applications in clinical practice.

Full range of STORZ Medical radial shockwave applicators and transmitters

STORZ Medical Applicator Guide: At a Glance

Below is a quick reference of every STORZ radial transmitter covered in this guide. Each one is designed for a specific purpose, helping you fine-tune treatments and achieve the best possible results.

Swipe sideways to view the full table on mobile.

Transmitter Size / Tip Depth Intensity MP ONE Icon
R15 15 mm 0 – 30 mm 6/10
DI15 15 mm (Gold Tip) 0 – 50 mm 8/10
C15 15 mm (Ceramic Tip) 0 – 30 mm 9/10
F15 15 mm (White Soft Tip) 0 – 30 mm 2/10
ATLAS 15 mm (Silicone Soft Tip) 0 – 10 mm 1/10
Comfort Care 15 mm (Soft Tip) 0 - 10 mm 1/10
B15 15 mm (Round White Tip) 0 – 40 mm 3/10
Ro40 15 mm (Concave Tip) 0 – 35 mm 5/10
D20-S 20 mm (Silver Tip) 0 – 50 mm 4/10
D20-T 20 mm (Silver Tip) 0 – 50 mm 8/10
D35-S 35 mm (Silver Tip) 0 – 60 mm 5/10
T10 10 mm (Trigger Point) 0 – 40 mm 6/10

Masterpuls ONE owners, please note: the Masterpuls ONE (MP1) uses the Sparrow handpiece, which accepts a specific range of transmitters only: the D20-S, R15, C15, DI15 and D20-T. Other STORZ Medical and Chattanooga RPW devices — including the Masterpuls line, Masterpuls Ultra, D-ACTOR and Duolith RSW — support the broader range below. Compatible transmitters are marked on each applicator page.

A note on the MASTERPULS® icon: the MASTERPULS® icon »Deep« uses its own dedicated applicators fitted with RFID chip readers, so the device automatically recognises which transmitter is attached. Icon-compatible transmitters are the R15, DI15, C15, D20-S and D20-T, plus the Icon-exclusive Comfort Care applicator. Standard transmitters from other STORZ devices are not interchangeable with the icon.

Applicators in Detail

The R15 is considered the "standard" transmitter and is included in all radial pressure wave systems. It is the most trusted applicator and the one used most often when treating tendinopathies and trigger points. One clinician described it best: "If I were stuck on a deserted island and could only have one applicator, it would be the R15." This is the workhorse applicator in a general clinic setting.

ApplicationAny type of enthesopathy
Size15 mm
Penetration Depth0 – 30 mm
Intensity6/10

The DI15, also known as the Deep Impact 15 or the "gold tip" applicator among many therapists, can be described as the big brother to the R15. It packs an extra punch over the standard R15, which is helpful for deep-lying structures, chronic conditions, or anywhere you need a higher-energy application — for example with larger clients or athletes.

ApplicationAny type of enthesopathy
Size15 mm (Gold Tip)
Penetration Depth0 – 50 mm
Intensity8/10

The C15 CERAma-X® delivers a snappier, more intense energy output compared to the standard DI15, making it an excellent choice for patients with a higher pain threshold. Its ceramic-based design enhances energy transmission, providing greater efficiency and deeper penetration for stubborn, chronic conditions. It is particularly effective for deep gluteal pain syndrome, tendinopathies, and other high-energy applications where a more focused and powerful approach is needed.

ApplicationAny type of enthesopathy
Size15 mm (Ceramic Tip)
Penetration Depth0 – 30 mm
Intensity9/10

If the DI15 is the big brother to the R15, the F15 White Soft Focus transmitter is the little brother. It is the same 15 mm diameter but with a soft tip, designed to treat high-sensitivity areas such as the cervical spine (including tension headaches and cervical muscle strain), facial muscles for TMJ at lower energy, and superficial pain regions where pain sits close to the surface. This is a must-have applicator in any practice using radial shockwave.

ApplicationSuperficial pain regions, facial muscles (TMJ), cervical spine, treatments where sensitivity is an issue
Size15 mm (White Soft Tip)
Penetration Depth0 – 30 mm
Intensity2/10

When treating tender, bony, or highly sensitive areas with radial shockwave, patient comfort and precision are key. Unlike traditional hard-tipped transmitters, which may cause discomfort when applied to delicate structures, the ATLAS uses a silicone tip to offer gentle yet effective energy transmission — ensuring a comfortable treatment in areas such as the cervical spine, fibromyalgia-related trigger points, chronic muscle tightness, and other sensitive or painful regions.

ApplicationSensitive areas such as lateral epicondylitis, cervical spine pain, superficial pain regions, facial muscles (TMJ)
Size15 mm (Silicone Soft Tip)
Penetration Depth0 – 10 mm
Intensity1/10

The Comfort Care transmitter is an Icon-exclusive applicator built around the same principle as the ATLAS: gentle, low-intensity energy delivery for patients and regions where a hard tip would be uncomfortable. It uses a different tip material, but serves the same clinical purpose - treating tender, bony, or highly sensitive structures such as the cervical spine, facial muscles, fibromyalgia-related trigger points, and areas of chronic muscle tightness, while keeping the treatment tolerable for the patient.

ApplicationSensitive and superficial regions, cervical spine, facial muscles (TMJ), trigger points in tender or bony areas
Size15 mm (Soft Tip)
Penetration Depth0 - 10 mm
Intensity1/10

The B15 "White Tip" transmitter is designed for gentle yet effective shockwave therapy, making it ideal for treating highly sensitive areas. It is particularly useful for conditions such as base-of-thumb osteoarthritis, where the adductor pollicis muscle shortens, or for alleviating jaw tension caused by masseter muscle dysfunction in cases of skull-jaw imbalance.

What sets the B15 apart is its softer shock transmission surface, which reduces intensity while maintaining therapeutic effectiveness. Unlike alternative applicators, the B15 lacks a booster effect, allowing for a more controlled and comfortable treatment experience. Clinicians often choose this transmitter for delicate musculoskeletal conditions where precision and patient comfort are essential.

ApplicationFacial muscles (TMJ), trigger points in the cervical spine muscles, hands, and smaller sensitive muscle groups
Size15 mm (Round White Tip)
Penetration Depth0 – 40 mm
Intensity3/10

The Ro40 Beam transmitter is designed for highly targeted shockwave therapy, making it a preferred choice for treating deep-seated musculoskeletal conditions. Its slightly concave shape focuses the energy beam, allowing for a more concentrated and precise application compared to standard flat-head transmitters such as the R15. This design enhances penetration depth, making the Ro40 particularly effective where focused energy delivery is needed in densely structured tissues.

ApplicationTreats any type of tendinopathy effectively
Size15 mm (Concave Tip)
Penetration Depth0 – 35 mm
Intensity5/10

Designed for myofascial treatments, the D20-S is included in most radial pressure wave packages from STORZ. It is often used on the muscles and connective tissue distal, proximal, medial, and lateral to the painful site to "smooth out" the tissues using moderate pressure. Depending on the indication, many clinicians use the D20-S at a slightly higher Hz as a scanning tool for trigger points, then hold on the located trigger point for 300–400 pulses. The D20-S can also be used while passively mobilizing the joint to increase its effectiveness.

ApplicationMuscle and connective tissue
Size20 mm (Silver Tip)
Penetration Depth0 – 50 mm
Intensity4/10

Note: The D20-S, by the way it is designed to deliver energy, must be changed out every 1 million pulses to prevent damage to the handpiece barrel.

Just as the DI15 is to the R15, the D20-T is the big brother that packs a bigger punch than the D20-S. Same applications, but used in higher-energy applications such as with professional athletes.

ApplicationMuscle and connective tissue
Size20 mm (Silver Tip)
Penetration Depth0 – 50 mm
Intensity8/10

Note: The D20-T, by the way it is designed to deliver energy, must be changed out every 1 million pulses to prevent damage to the handpiece barrel.

The D35-S is 15 mm larger in diameter than the D20-S and is used where larger tissues lie, such as the back or leg. It is also used in aesthetic protocols for enhancing skin elasticity.

ApplicationMuscle and connective tissue over larger areas
Size35 mm (Silver Tip)
Penetration Depth0 – 60 mm
Intensity5/10

The T10 finger transmitter is designed for precise targeting of trigger points and deep-seated conditions such as enthesopathies, delivering focused treatment with exceptional depth and accuracy. Its design allows clinicians to apply targeted pressure with greater control, making it an excellent choice for treating smaller, more localized areas that require high-intensity energy delivery.

ApplicationTrigger points, deep trigger points, enthesopathies
Size10 mm (Trigger Point)
Penetration Depth0 – 40 mm
Intensity6/10

STORZ Medical Transmitter Sets

Fascial dysfunction is a common yet often overlooked contributor to chronic pain, restricted mobility, and muscular imbalances. Traditional manual techniques can be effective, but they require extensive time and effort. The PERI-ACTOR transmitters help release fascial tension, stimulate circulation, and improve overall movement quality. By attaching these to a STORZ radial shockwave device, the therapist's hands are spared the constant pressure into the joints — let the tools do the heavy lifting.

The PERI-ACTOR set contains four tools along with a transmitter head with a quick-change function for fast, easy tip swaps:

ScraperTreatment of all fascia on the musculoskeletal system
KnuckleTreatment of all medium-sized and large fascia
SphereSpot treatment of fascia
ScoopTreatment at or under bone edges (e.g. scapula)

When treating paravertebral muscle dysfunction and spinal conditions, precision and effectiveness are key. The SPINE-ACTOR transmitters from STORZ Medical are specifically designed for targeted radial shockwave therapy, offering a non-invasive solution to address muscular tension, restricted mobility, and pain in the spinal region.

The series consists of three specialized transmitters. Unlike standard transmitters, these are engineered with a unique shape that allows precise targeting of the paravertebral muscles without directly impacting the vertebrae — with three sizes covering the lumbar, thoracic and cervical sections of the spinal column.

SPINE-ACTOR® 120 mm span — ideal for pinpoint accuracy in smaller or more sensitive areas
SPINE-ACTOR® 227.5 mm span — a balanced option for general paravertebral muscle therapy
SPINE-ACTOR® 335 mm span — best suited for broader applications, covering larger muscle groups efficiently

Shop the full range of STORZ applicators

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