EPISODE · Aug 20, 2025 · 25 MIN
Choosing the Right Shockwave Device for Your Podiatry Practice: Radial, Focused, or SoftWave?
from Don Pelto, DPM - Podiatry Practice Mastery · host Don Pelto, DPM
The funny thing about practice is how our kids often see it differently than we do. My son recently told my wife he thinks I’m a YouTuber—because all he hears about are the videos and shorts I create. Truth is, I still love the clinic, but the videos bring variety and joy.Beyond family humor, today’s episode dives into a practical question from a colleague: Which shockwave machine should you buy? I break down radial, focused, and SoftWave devices—not just their costs, but their strengths, limitations, and the finesse required to use them well. It’s not just about the machine; it’s about setting patient expectations and growing confidence with the technology.Key Takeaways Radial shockwave covers 80% of podiatry needs and is budget-friendly for startups. Focused shockwave is the “workhorse” for bone, insertional tendinopathies, and nonunions. Patient outcomes often depend more on how we set expectations than on which device we use.SEO Keywords: podiatry shockwave therapy, radial vs focused shockwave, SoftWave podiatry, practice startup equipment, podiatry business pearlsEpisode Timestamps 00:00 — Why my kids think I’m a YouTuber 04:22 — A colleague’s question: which shockwave device to buy? 07:50 — Radial devices: cost, uses, and patient expectations 12:10 — Focused shockwave: why I call it the “workhorse” 17:20 — SoftWave pros and cons for podiatry practice 23:05 — Patient case: navicular pain resolved with focused shockwave 28:40 — Lessons on setting patient expectations and timing outcomes 34:15 — Daily practice pearls: pre-surgical discussions, x-rays, and shoe talks 45:20 — Review systems: why I switched from Clara back to Swell
What this episode covers
The funny thing about practice is how our kids often see it differently than we do. My son recently told my wife he thinks I’m a YouTuber—because all he hears about are the videos and shorts I create. Truth is, I still love the clinic, but the videos bring variety and joy.Beyond family humor, today’s episode dives into a practical question from a colleague: Which shockwave machine should you buy? I break down radial, focused, and SoftWave devices—not just their costs, but their strengths, limitations, and the finesse required to use them well. It’s not just about the machine; it’s about setting patient expectations and growing confidence with the technology.Key Takeaways Radial shockwave covers 80% of podiatry needs and is budget-friendly for startups. Focused shockwave is the “workhorse” for bone, insertional tendinopathies, and nonunions. Patient outcomes often depend more on how we set expectations than on which device we use.SEO Keywords: podiatry shockwave therapy, radial vs focused shockwave, SoftWave podiatry, practice startup equipment, podiatry business pearlsEpisode Timestamps 00:00 — Why my kids think I’m a YouTuber 04:22 — A colleague’s question: which shockwave device to buy? 07:50 — Radial devices: cost, uses, and patient expectations 12:10 — Focused shockwave: why I call it the “workhorse” 17:20 — SoftWave pros and cons for podiatry practice 23:05 — Patient case: navicular pain resolved with focused shockwave 28:40 — Lessons on setting patient expectations and timing outcomes 34:15 — Daily practice pearls: pre-surgical discussions, x-rays, and shoe talks 45:20 — Review systems: why I switched from Clara back to Swell
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Choosing the Right Shockwave Device for Your Podiatry Practice: Radial, Focused, or SoftWave?
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