Question 1

What is the difference between the EMS Swiss DolorClast Classic and the Oceanus PhysioPRO / II / LITE?

Accepted Answer

Both the EMS Swiss DolorClast Classic and the Oceanus PhysioPRO / II / LITE put their peak energy at the applicator surface, so they are built for the same clinical job and compare fairly. The EMS Swiss DolorClast Classic uses pneumatic wave generation; the Oceanus PhysioPRO / II / LITE uses electromagnetic ballistic. The EMS Swiss DolorClast Classic is described as “Pneumatic radial, external compressor”, the Oceanus PhysioPRO / II / LITE as “Clinical and at-home shockwave and ultrasonic”.

Question 2

Which is cheaper, the EMS Swiss DolorClast Classic or the Oceanus PhysioPRO / II / LITE?

Accepted Answer

Only the Oceanus PhysioPRO / II / LITE has a published purchase figure ($5,999–$9,999); the EMS Swiss DolorClast Classic's price is not published. Monthly figures: EMS Swiss DolorClast Classic, not published; Oceanus PhysioPRO / II / LITE, $500 per month. Prices change and estimates are not quotes, so confirm both in writing.

Question 3

Are the EMS Swiss DolorClast Classic and the Oceanus PhysioPRO / II / LITE FDA cleared?

Accepted Answer

FDA records located: for the EMS Swiss DolorClast Classic, PMA P050004 (Chronic proximal plantar fasciitis in patients 18 or older, with symptoms for 6 months or more and a history of unsuccessful conservative therapy); for the Oceanus PhysioPRO / II / LITE, no record located. A record covers one configuration and one indication, and never transfers to another model, so check it against the exact configuration you are quoted.

Question 4

How do I choose between the EMS Swiss DolorClast Classic and the Oceanus PhysioPRO / II / LITE?

Accepted Answer

Start with the clinical job, then ask both vendors for the same five things in writing: the exact model, revision, and which accessories are included at that price; contract term, APR, total payments, and the buyout option at the end; handpiece and consumable life, and what a replacement costs; warranty coverage and US service turnaround time; the exact FDA clearance number and the current labelling for the configuration being quoted.

Specification	RadialEMS Swiss DolorClast Classic	Value tierOceanus PhysioPRO / II / LITE
Technology
Category	Radial pressure wave	Value and direct-import tier
Wave generation	Pneumaticexternal compressed-air supply	Electromagnetic ballisticcompressor-free radial, per the specification table
Energy fieldWhere the peak energy lands	Peaks at the applicator surface	Peaks at the applicator surface
Technology as published	Pneumatic radial, external compressor	Clinical and at-home shockwave and ultrasonic
Stated use or positioning	Not stated	Clinical useOceanus also sells an in-home device, the PhysioLITE III
Energy outputPressure in bar, energy flux density in mJ/mm² and energy per pulse in mJ are different quantities. A figure in one row never stands in for another.
Energy flux densitymJ/mm²	Up to 0.18 mJ/mm²	Not published
Energy per pulsemJ	Not published	60–185 mJequivalent to 1–5 bar, as published
Pressurebar	1–4 bar	Not published
FrequencyHz	Up to 15 Hz	1–22 Hz
Applicators and handpiece
Applicators and transmitters	Handpiece with a 15 mm applicatoras described in the FDA summary	6, 15 and 25 mm heads
Handpiece life	Over 500,000 impulsesvalidated in the 2007 FDA summary	4,000,000 pulsesPhysioPRO warranty minimum; PhysioPRO II 2,000,000
Preset protocols	Not published	7 presetsplus more than 25 illustrated treatment recommendations
Size and setup
Unit weight	Not published	2.07 kg (≈ 4.6 lb)controller unit only
Dimensions	Not published	12 × 9.5 × 5 inL × W × H
Configuration	Console with manometer and LCDruns from an external compressed-air supply; compressor and cart are optional accessories	Tabletop controller with therapy handlealuminum carrying case; the PhysioPRO II is controlled from a phone or tablet app
Other published details	EMS's original radial devicesold since 1999	7.0-inch colour touchscreenPhysioPRO; 4 burst modes
Price and buying
Purchase price	Not publicly listed	$5,999–$9,999PhysioPRO II $5,999 · PhysioPRO $9,999
Monthly lease	Not publicly listed	$500 per monthadvertised, factory direct
Warranty and guarantees	Not published	Three years on the controller, one year on accessoriesplus a 30-day money-back guarantee; the company page states a one-year guarantee on all products
Sales and service	Through EMSnot listed on EMS's US website; confirm it is still sold	Factory-direct leaseonline store, financing and dealers
Regulatory recordRecord types and numbers exactly as located. A record covers one configuration and one indication, and never transfers to another product.
FDA record located	PMA P050004	None located
Indication as worded in the record	Chronic proximal plantar fasciitis in patients 18 or older, with symptoms for 6 months or more and a history of unsuccessful conservative therapy	No record to quote
Decision date	May 2007	Not stated
Other marks and claims	None noted	Advertises “FDA registered”a facility registration, not a clearance
Our notes
Where it stands out	A PMA approval, FDA's most stringent premarket pathway, covering chronic proximal plantar fasciitis.	An aggressive lease entry point.
What to check	An older design that needs an external compressor. EMS's US website lists only its DolorClast Radial and Focused, so confirm the Classic is still sold before quoting.	The site advertises “FDA registered”, which is a facility registration and is not the same as clearance. Verify model-specific labelling.

EMS Swiss DolorClast Classic vs Oceanus PhysioPRO / II / LITE

Side by side