The short answer
Shockwave therapy applies acoustic pressure pulses. Radial and focused technologies differ. Sixtus Italia describes UrtoSix EMC as a radial, non-focused system.
Mechanical pressure pulses
An applicator delivers mechanical pulses to a body area. This differs from TECAR radiofrequency energy and from electrical current applied through skin electrodes. A tapping sensation does not demonstrate that a tendon has healed.
Discuss the assessment, treatment goal and place of the application within rehabilitation.
Radial is different from focused
ISMST distinguishes the pressure characteristics and spatial distribution of radial and focused technologies. Settings and research findings cannot automatically be transferred from one to the other.
Ask which technology is being used. A product name or number on a display is not enough to establish equivalence.
UrtoSix EMC: radial, non-focused
UrtoSix EMC uses an electromagnetic drive and interchangeable treatment heads. The manufacturer describes it as radial and non-focused. See the equipment overview for the original product link.
When comparing energy figures, check the unit, technology and measurement conditions. Request the technical sheet, handpiece details and maintenance requirements. Do not copy a dose simply because displayed values appear similar.
An indication is not a guarantee
ISMST discusses specific chronic tendon conditions in relation to diagnosis, technology and application. An indication list does not establish that every patient needs or will benefit from shockwave treatment.
Persistent symptoms require assessment of the structures and contributing factors, and of the expected added value of treatment. A fixed number of weeks is not sufficient reason to begin automatically.
During treatment and afterwards
Agree beforehand what treatment may feel like, which adverse responses to report, and what limits apply to sport and daily activity. Evaluate the agreed functional activity afterwards, rather than only pain during tapping.
If progress is poor, reconsider the plan. The patient guide offers useful discussion questions.
Technology-specific precautions
Report clotting problems, anticoagulant medication, implants and relevant conditions. Treatment area and energy type matter. ISMST distinguishes considerations for radial or low-energy treatment from high-energy focused shockwaves.
Internet settings are not a standard personal protocol. Diagnosis, professional competence and the model-specific instructions must be considered together.
Frequently asked questions
Does UrtoSix EMC deliver focused shockwaves?
No. Sixtus Italia describes UrtoSix EMC as a radial, non-focused system.
Are radial and focused technologies identical?
No. Their pressure distribution and technical characteristics differ. Settings and studies are not automatically interchangeable.
Must shockwave treatment be painful?
Pain is not proof that a treatment or dose is appropriate. Discuss sensation and responses with your clinician.
Can shockwave therapy heal every tendon problem?
No. Diagnosis, relevant evidence, the overall plan and individual progress must be assessed.
Can I return to full sport immediately?
Discuss an individual activity and loading plan with your clinician.
Can energy values be compared directly?
Only when the units, technology and measurement conditions are comparable. Request the actual documentation.
Sources for this page
Technical sources consulted on 2 October 2026; contacts checked on 3 October 2026. Manufacturer data describes technology and equipment; clinical sources address defined questions.
- Manufacturer · technologySixtus Italia — Shock wave therapy ↗
- Manufacturer · deviceSixtus Italia — UrtoSix EMC ↗
- Professional association · consensusISMST — indications, contraindications and definitions ↗