Buyer Beware: The Truth About Shockwave Devices for Sale on Amazon or eBay

Uncovering the Reality of Shockwave Devices from Online Marketplaces
September 5, 2024  |  By Elise Hamann

A close-up of a cardboard package left on a doorstep, with a delivery person walking away in the background. The image emphasizes the delivery of online purchases, possibly representing e-commerce platforms like Amazon or eBay.Today, shockwave is recognized as one of the fastest-growing evidence-based technologies used in medicine worldwide. This non-invasive treatment is revolutionizing healthcare and optimizing patient outcomes in multiple fields.

As shockwave technology rises in popularity, medical providers looking to invest in a shockwave device for sale can become overwhelmed by the sheer volume of choices. A word of caution: not all devices are created equally, and the quality standard varies greatly among suppliers.


What is Shockwave?

Shockwave, also known as radial pressure wave (EPAT) and focused shockwave (ESWT) therapy, is the most innovative technology for treating acute and chronic musculoskeletal pain and connective tissue disorders. The technology is supported by Level 1 evidence, and shockwave treatment is highly complementary and used in tandem with a range of regenerative treatments to achieve outstanding results.

During treatment, acoustic energy shockwaves awaken the body’s natural healing process and cause a cascade of effects that influence circulation, cell regeneration, and tissue healing.

Professional-Grade vs Consumer-Grade Shockwave Devices 

As online sales on platforms such as Amazon and eBay increase, there is a need for more vigilance and awareness. While there is an endless array of shockwave devices for sale on Amazon and similar online marketplaces, what in the world are you actually looking at? 

In addition to a quality control issue, there is a significant disparity between professional-grade shockwave and consumer-grade devices. Most of what you’ll find from marketplace vendors like Amazon and eBay is from the latter category. Medical professionals should only invest in professional-grade shockwave devices from trusted vendors, as patient safety is of primary concern.

  • Professional/Medical-Grade Shockwave
    Medical-grade shockwave devices are manufactured with higher standards to equip medical professionals to treat patients safely and appropriately. In your pursuit of finding the ‘right’ shockwave device for sale, you will discover that many manufacturers claim to sell shockwave devices. However, the quality varies significantly from one manufacturer to the next and so does the definition of 'shockwave.'

    We’ll delve into critical factors for choosing the best vendor partner for your shockwave device purchase.

  • Consumer-Grade Shockwave
    Consumer-grade shockwave devices for sale are not backed by evidence, have not been reviewed and vetted by the FDA, and will fall far short of medical-grade shockwave devices. Common sense tells us that we cannot reasonably expect any consumer-grade shockwave device to have the same power, parameters, and capabilities as a professional-grade device.

    In addition, performance may fail to live up to the marketing claims or meet patient expectations. On Amazon and eBay, shockwaves may start as low as $200.00, and you get precisely what you pay: substandard devices. Under no circumstance would it be wise for a medical professional to use consumer-grade shockwaves to treat patients in a clinical setting; in fact, it would be hazardous.

Tempting as it may be to buy a shockwave device for sale from a cheap supplier, it’s never in your patient's best interest to favor price over quality. In doing so, you can expect medical equipment that does not perform as expected, is virtually impossible to maintain, and is predictably unreliable.

Is that really what you want for your practice and patients? 


Risks of Buying a Shockwave Device for Sale from Online Retailers

  • Device Safety
    • Safety is a top concern for medical professionals who put the quality of patient care at the forefront.
    • The potential for counterfeit or substandard products is high. Knockoffs and counterfeits exist in medicine, just as in other industries. Fraudulent companies may slap a fake brand nameplate on a sub-standard device to profit quickly. Be on the lookout for signs of fraud. If you feel uneasy, step away and investigate thoroughly before you purchase.

  • Effectiveness Issues
    • Variability in device performance and quality. Ask trusted peers who have actually made the investment and purchased shockwave devices for valuable insights on performance, quality, service, and reliability.

  • Identify Red Flags
    • Is the pricing ‘too good to be true?’ Are you purchasing authentic/genuine products? Or are you purchasing stolen goods? It happens every day.
    • Cautionary Tale: We were in talks with a doctor who then went online to look for a device at a "better” price. He found one and sent us the link. Turns out it was stolen!


How to Choose a Shockwave Device for Sale: Making an Informed Decision

As a rule of thumb, you should choose a manufacturer with a stellar reputation and a long history of shockwave device excellence.

Manufacturers Reputation: STORZ Medical is the Gold Standard

When investing in a shockwave device, you can rely on STORZ Medical without reservation; professionals worldwide hail STORZ Medical as the gold standard in the industry for shockwave and regenerative medicine.

While the market may be crowded with device manufacturers, none can compare to STORZ Medical's offerings. Make no mistake: the expertise, standards of excellence, precision, and mastery that STORZ Medical offers is unparalleled.

STORZ Medical boasts high standards, a storied history, and an impeccable reputation in shockwave. At a glance, here are some essential qualifying characteristics: 

  • Sold over 50,000 devices worldwide
  • Global leaders in shockwave research and related technologies
  • Known for exacting standards of excellence and precision

STORZ Medical shockwave devices stand out from competitor products because they are backed up by numerous scientific studies, including respected Level 1 studies that support the efficacy of the technology.

What Makes CuraMedix the Trusted Choice for Your STORZ Medical Shockwave Devices?

You’ll want a reputable and authorized distributor—one who supports you from your initial expression of interest through onboarding and integration. CuraMedix is known as a distributor committed to education, training, your success and providing service and support long after the sale of a device.

This type of outstanding service has earned CuraMedix the privilege of being the leading full-service U.S. distribution partner for STORZ Medical, supporting their complete range of radial pressure waves, focused shockwaves, and EMTT devices.

The CuraMedix and STORZ Medical Alliance

Over 16 years, CuraMedix has developed an enduring relationship with STORZ Medical.

The two companies share the same dedication to excellence and are proud to represent STORZ Medical and supply medical professionals with the best shockwave and EMTT devices on the market to facilitate outstanding patient outcomes. Both CuraMedix and STORZ Medical are equally passionate about providing exceptional support and educational resources essential to integrating shockwave treatments into your practice’s continuum of care.

5-Star Service, Support, Ongoing Education, and Integration 

Ideally, you’ll want a trusted partner with years of experience who provides support before and after your purchase, ensuring you get the maximum return on your investment. You'll be pleased to know that CuraMedix excels in this area. 

Take a look at a sampling of content to support education and growth:

  1. Webinar: Onboarding and Integrating Shockwave and EMTT for Optimal Success 
  2. White Paper: The Art of Shockwave
  3. The Institute for Tissue Regeneration & Repair Conferences

CuraMedix consistently shares high-value content and educational opportunities that can assist physician partners in achieving great success and practice growth with shockwave.

 

Consult with Trusted Medical Peers for Experiential Insights

It’s imperative to consult with healthcare professionals before purchasing. This is essential in verifying vendors and learning more about direct clinical experience from trusted peers. You may also find it helpful to review the Practice Profiles to know how others have incorporated shockwave for practice and patient success.

If you want to integrate regenerative shockwave into your practice to provide exceptional patient care, we’re here for you and ready to help you elevate your practice and take patient care to new heights.

Ready to chat? Our team of shockwave experts is here to help you! Contact us to get your questions answered and find the perfect shockwave device for your practice.

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Topics: EPAT, Practice Improvement, ESWT, EMTT, shockwave