TheraTouch SW1 Portable Radial Shockwave Device

TheraTouch® SW1 Portable Radial Pressure Wave Device

The Richmar TheraTouch® SW1, model SW1000, is a professional radial pressure wave device designed for physical therapy, sports medicine, chiropractic, and rehabilitation clinics.

The compact system combines a touchscreen interface, ergonomic treatment handpiece, rechargeable battery, interchangeable applicators, and carrying case. Clinicians can begin with one of 11 body-region programs, adjust the preset parameters, build a treatment manually, or create a frequency-and-energy sweep program.

The SW1 is intended for the relief of minor muscle aches and pains, temporary increases in local circulation, and activation of connective tissue. It is a prescription medical device intended only for trained, qualified healthcare professionals. It is not a home-use shockwave machine.

Explore additional professional systems in our shockwave collection.

TheraTouch SW1 at a Glance

The maximum available energy depends on the selected frequency. Energy can reach 185 mJ at lower frequencies, but the permitted maximum decreases as frequency rises above 10 Hz.

Why Choose the TheraTouch SW1?

Dedicated Radial Pressure Wave Platform

Unlike a multimodality device that adds stimulation or ultrasound, the SW1 is built specifically around radial pressure wave delivery.

Inside the handpiece, an electromagnetic coil accelerates a projectile toward the selected applicator. The impact creates a pressure pulse that enters the tissue through the applicator and coupling medium. The pressure energy is strongest near the applicator and spreads outward as it travels into the treatment area.

This dedicated design provides the clinician direct control over:

• Energy or pressure level

• Pulse frequency

• Total shock count

• Applicator type and diameter

• Normal or Sweep output

• Treatment point and handpiece movement

• Saved custom protocols

Touchscreen with Physical Controls

The SW1 combines an LCD touch display with an adjustment knob and dedicated shortcut buttons.

The device supports multiple interface languages and lets the clinician adjust screen brightness and system volume.

11 Body-Region Presets

The SW1 includes preset starting parameters for 11 anatomical regions.

These are body-region starting points—not diagnosis-specific prescriptions. The manual describes them as indicative parameters that may be adjusted according to the operator’s professional expertise and patient response. A preset name does not authorize treatment directly over the spinal column, lungs, large nerves, major vessels, or another contraindicated structure.

Manual Mode

Manual mode allows the clinician to build a treatment by selecting the following:

• Energy in mJ or bar

• Frequency from 1–22 Hz

• Shock count from 100–10,000

• Applicator type

• Treatment technique

• Custom protocol name

The resulting setup can be saved to the Favorites list for future use.

Energy and Frequency Relationship

The full 185 mJ output is not available at every frequency.

The device automatically limits the available energy according to the selected frequency.

Sweep Mode

Sweep mode automatically cycles selected frequency and energy ranges from minimum to maximum and back again.

The clinician can define the following:

• Minimum energy

• Maximum energy

• Minimum frequency

• Maximum frequency

• Total number of shocks

This feature provides a changing output pattern rather than holding energy and frequency at one fixed combination throughout the session.

Save Up to 30 Custom Protocols

The SW1 can store up to 30 clinician-created programs in its Favorites menu.

A saved protocol can retain the following selected items:

• Energy

• Frequency

• Shock count

• Applicator

• Normal or Sweep parameters

• Custom protocol name

These settings can help a clinic standardize recurring workflows while still requiring patient-specific screening and adjustment at each visit.

Included SW1 Applicators

Three treatment applicators are supplied with the standard SW1 system.

Compound round applicators as options for patients who are more sensitive to treatment. The clinician should select the applicator based on the target area, treatment technique, tolerance,, and protocol—not simply use the largest tip available.

15 mm vs. 20 mm vs. 35 mm

Applicator diameter describes the contact surface. It does not by itself determine treatment depth or clinical effectiveness.

What Comes with the TheraTouch SW1?

Rechargeable Clinical Portability

The removable lithium-ion battery supports movement between treatment rooms without keeping the unit connected continuously to a wall outlet.

The SW1 is designed for clinical use and can be moved between rooms. It is not intended for frequent transport between separate facilities and is not suitable for home use. The page should avoid describing it as a mobile home treatment or field-use device.

Radial Pressure Wave vs. Focused Shockwave

The phrases “shockwave therapy” and “ESWT” are often used broadly, but radial and focused systems generate and distribute pressure differently.

The SW1 is properly described as a radial pressure wave device. It should not be promoted as a focused shockwave system or as equivalent to one for every application. ISMST notes that “radial shockwave” is established clinical terminology even though radial systems technically generate unfocused pressure pulses.

Current comparative research has not established one technology as universally superior across all tendon conditions; device choice should reflect the diagnosis, target depth, clinician training, and evidence for the intended application. 

SW1 vs. Other Balego Clinical Modalities

These systems deliver different forms of energy and should not be treated as interchangeable versions of the same therapy.

Choose the SW1 when:

• The clinic specifically wants radial pressure wave capability.

• A dedicated rather than a combination device is preferred.

• Room-to-room portability is important.

• Preset and custom programming are both needed.

• Multiple applicator materials and sizes are useful.

• The practice is prepared to provide operator training, maintenance, and contraindication screening.

• The clinic can support a professional shockwave service rather than an unsupervised home program.

Consider another modality when:

• The intended treatment requires focused rather than radial energy.

• Photobiomodulation is the desired modality.

• Deep heating is the treatment objective.

• Ultrasound or electrical stimulation is needed.

• The patient cannot tolerate mechanical pressure pulses.

• The clinic cannot provide trained professional operation and scheduled maintenance.

Treatment Workflow Overview

This outline describes product operation rather than a diagnosis-specific treatment protocol.

1. Review the patient’s history and confirm that radial pressure wave therapy is appropriate.

2. Screen the patient for all contraindications and precautions.

3. Inspect and clean the intended treatment area.

4. Select the applicator and body-region preset or enter manual mode.

5. Apply a generous amount of legally marketed coupling gel.

6. Begin at the minimum tolerable energy setting.

7. Place the applicator vertically against the treatment region.

8. Increase energy gradually while communicating with the patient.

9. Deliver the selected shock count using a stationary or moving technique.

10. Monitor pain, skin response, and tolerance throughout treatment.

11. Stop or adjust treatment when the patient reports excessive pain.

12. Document energy, frequency, shocks, applicator, and response.

13. Clean and inspect the applicator and handpiece after use.

The manual advises starting at the lowest energy, raising it gradually and using coupling gel to support energy transfer and reduce skin friction. Coupling gel is not included with the device.

Compare compatible options in our conductive gel and contact-media collection.

Recommended Treatment Documentation

Maintenance and Ownership Planning

Shockwave systems contain mechanical consumable components. Clinics should consider long-term service requirements before purchasing.

Applicators, O-rings, projectiles, and guiding-tube components are consumable. The handpiece should be serviced only according to the manufacturer’s procedures or by authorized personnel.

Why shock-count tracking matters

The SW1 displays total shock counts for the main unit and handpiece. These counters can help the clinic:

• Schedule handpiece overhauls

• Anticipate applicator replacement

• Plan maintenance expenses

• Track device utilization

• Avoid unexpected downtime

• Document preventive maintenance

Intended Use and Professional Restrictions

The SW1 is intended for:

• Relief of minor muscle aches and pains

• Temporary increase in local blood circulation

• Activation of connective tissue

Federal law restricts the device to sale only by or on the order of a properly licensed practitioner. The SW1 is intended exclusively for trained, qualified medical professionals working in a clinical environment.

The presence of an anatomical preset does not establish that every diagnosis in that body region is appropriate for treatment.

Contraindications and Safety

Do not use the SW1.

• Where vascular disease is present in or near the treatment area

• Over or near a local infection

• Around malignant or benign tumors

• Directly on cartilage surfaces

• Near the small facet joints of the spinal column

• Directly over a pacemaker, analgesic pump or other electronic implant

• Where mechanical vibration could damage tissue around certain metal implants

• Over or near an open wound

• After a fracture, torn muscle fiber or muscle tear

• With a local thrombosis or significant blood-clotting disorder

• When anticoagulant or antiplatelet treatment creates unacceptable bleeding risk

• Within six weeks after a local cortisone injection

• During pregnancy

• Near the head, large nerves, major vessels or spinal column

• Over the lungs, intercostal spaces, gastrointestinal area or other air-filled cavities

• On pediatric patients

• On an unconscious person or anyone unable to report pain

• Where sensation or vasomotor function is impaired

The operator must review the complete user manual rather than relying on this summary.

Possible Side Effects

Temporary effects can include:

• Redness

• Discomfort

• Swelling

• Increased pain or soreness

• Bruising or hematoma

• Petechiae

• Skin irritation

Some effects can appear one or two days after treatment. The manufacturer instructs users not to repeat treatment until prior side effects have diminished.

The manual also recommends suitable hearing protection for the operator and patient because of treatment noise.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the TheraTouch SW1?

The TheraTouch SW1 is Richmar’s professional radial pressure wave device, model SW1000. It uses a handheld applicator to transmit mechanically generated pressure pulses into the treatment area.

Is the SW1 a focused shockwave machine?

No. It is a radial pressure wave system. Its energy is generated at the handpiece applicator and spreads outward rather than being concentrated at a selected internal focal point.

Is radial pressure wave therapy still called shockwave therapy?

Yes. “Radial shockwave therapy,” “radial ESWT," and “radial pressure wave therapy” are all used in clinical and commercial literature. "Radial pressure wave" is the most technically precise term.

How deep does the SW1 reach?

Richmar lists an approximate maximum penetration depth of 35 mm. This is a manufacturer specification, not a guarantee that the same energy reaches every target at exactly that depth. Tissue composition, coupling, applicators, and technique can affect transmission. 

How many presets does it have?

The SW1 has 11 body-region presets: wrist, elbow, knee, shoulder, neck, thigh, ankle, upper back, lower back, lower leg, and foot. Manual is a separate operating option.

Can the preset settings be changed?

Yes. The clinician can modify the preset energy, frequency, and shock count according to professional judgment and patient tolerance.

How many custom programs can be stored?

The SW1 can save up to 30 custom protocols in Favorites.

What is sweep mode?

Sweep mode cycles the selected energy and frequency from minimum to maximum and back again rather than maintaining one fixed combination.

What is the frequency range?

The adjustable frequency range is 1–22 Hz.

What is the energy range?

The range is 60–185 mJ, displayed alternatively as 1–4 bar. The highest available energy decreases at higher frequencies.

How many shocks can be selected?

The treatment control can be adjusted from 100 to 10,000 shocks in increments of 100. The manual requires a 15-minute break after a treatment block reaching 6,000 shocks.

Which applicators are included?

The standard package includes:

• SR 15 mm Steel Round

• CR 15 mm Compound Round

• CR 20 mm Compound Round

Which applicators are optional?

Optional choices include:

• SR 20 mm

• SR 35 mm

• CR 35 mm

What is the difference between SR and CR?

SR means Steel Round. CR means Compound Round. Richmar positions the compound applicators as options for patients who are more sensitive to treatment.

Does the SW1 include gel?

No. The manual states that coupling gel must be supplied separately.

Is the SW1 battery powered?

Yes. It has a rechargeable and replaceable lithium-ion battery module.

How long does the battery last?

Richmar markets approximately three hours of battery operation. The technical manual provides a more reproducible specification of approximately 20,000 shocks per full charge when operating at 120 mJ and 10 Hz. Actual performance varies with settings and battery condition. 

How long does charging take?

The manual lists a charge time of no more than approximately three hours.

Is the SW1 suitable for mobile providers?

It is designed to move between rooms within a clinical facility. The manual says it is not intended for frequent transport between separate facilities.

Can patients use it at home?

No. It is a professional prescription device that is not suitable for home use.

How often does the handpiece need service?

Richmar advises an overhaul after approximately every one million shocks. The listed expected handpiece service life is approximately five million shocks when maintenance intervals are observed.

How long do the applicators last?

Each applicator is designed for approximately one million radial pressure waves. Richmar recommends weekly inspection after an applicator passes approximately 300,000 shocks.

What is the warranty?

The main device carries a three-year limited warranty. Accessories carry a 12-month limited warranty.

Does the SW1 replace ultrasound or laser?

No. Radial pressure wave, ultrasound, laser, and shortwave diathermy deliver different forms of energy and have different clinical workflows, precautions, and treatment objectives.

Does a preset guarantee that treatment is appropriate?

No. The anatomical programs are starting parameters. The clinician must still establish the diagnosis, screen contraindications, and choose appropriate treatment parameters and placement.

Best Buyer Fit

Why Buy the TheraTouch SW1 from Balego?

Balego supplies professional rehabilitation devices, treatment accessories, and contact media for clinics across the United States.

Ordering the SW1 through Balego provides access to the following:

• The complete SW1000 standard system

• Free shipping across the USA

• Balego’s Best Price Guarantee

• Shockwave equipment

• Conductive gels and contact media

• Professional laser equipment

• Clinical electrotherapy systems

• Ultrasound and deep-oscillation devices

• Balego product support through the contact page

The SW1 is a high-value professional device. Confirm practitioner requirements, clinical fit, training, maintenance, and accessory needs before ordering.