Richmar TheraTouch Review: CX2, CX4, and EX4 Compared
Discover which Richmar TheraTouch model delivers the best therapeutic ultrasound performance for your clinical or personal needs.
The Richmar TheraTouch line includes three clinically focused models worth comparing: the two-channel CX2 combination unit, the four-channel CX4 combination electrotherapy and ultrasound system at $3,199.95, and the electrotherapy-only EX4 at $2,599.95, each sharing the same touchscreen interface but differing in channel count, modality scope, and patient throughput capacity.
- The TheraTouch touchscreen keeps all channel parameters visible at once, so clinicians adjust settings without navigating menus or risking accidental changes to the wrong channel.
- EX4 Versus CX4 Tradeoff: The EX4 supports four concurrent patients with pure electrotherapy, while the CX4 adds ultrasound and costs 600 dollars more but lists a maximum of three concurrent patients.
- Interferential current, bilateral TENS, and Russian stimulation all run on one or two channels, so the CX2 handles the majority of standard clinical scenarios without a four-channel system.
- Confirm Warranty Before Buying: Warranty terms for the electrotherapy units are not stated in current manufacturer documentation, so ask before purchase rather than assuming coverage matches the LX2's published three-year term.
- EX4 Value If Ultrasound Covered: If your clinic already has ultrasound, the EX4 delivers four-patient concurrent capacity at the same price as the two-channel CX2, making it the strongest value in the lineup.
Where to start
Richmar TheraTouch CX4 4-Channel Electrotherapy & Ultrasound Combination System
Richmar TheraTouch EX4 4-Channel Electrotherapy System
Richmar TheraTouch: A Line Built for Clinical Practice
Richmar has spent years developing electrotherapy devices aimed squarely at the clinical environment, and the TheraTouch line reflects that focus. These are not consumer-grade TENS units dressed up with a touchscreen. They are multi-functional, multi-patient systems built for practitioners who need reliable modality delivery across a busy schedule. The CX2, CX4, and EX4 represent three distinct positions within that lineup, and understanding where each fits requires looking past the spec sheet at how they actually function in practice.
The TheraTouch name appears across several device categories: electrotherapy-only units, combination electrotherapy and ultrasound systems, low-level laser devices, and shortwave diathermy. This article focuses on the three models most relevant to clinicians setting up or expanding an electrotherapy suite: the two-channel CX2, the four-channel CX4, and the four-channel EX4. Each carries the TheraTouch interface and Richmar's characteristic approach to independent channel control, but they differ significantly in capability and price.
The TheraTouch Interface: What It Actually Means
Richmar built the TheraTouch interface around a touchscreen that keeps all channel parameters visible and independently adjustable without navigating nested menus. For a practitioner managing multiple patients in adjacent treatment bays, that matters. Reducing the time spent at a device and the risk of accidentally adjusting the wrong channel are real clinical benefits, not marketing points.
The EX4 takes that further with independent TheraTouch and parameter controls per channel, which means a clinician can set each of the four channels to a completely different waveform, frequency, and intensity without those selections interfering with each other. The CX-series units share the same ergonomic form factor and interface logic, adding the ultrasound transducer output as a layered capability. Across the line, the interface philosophy stays consistent: reduce the cognitive load on the practitioner so attention stays on the patient.
TheraTouch EX4: Pure Electrotherapy at Four Channels
The EX4 is the electrotherapy-only anchor of the TheraTouch range, priced at $2,599.95. It delivers four fully independent channels of stimulation, each configurable separately, and its multi-patient function supports treating up to four patients simultaneously. For a practice that runs high patient volume and relies primarily on electrical stimulation modalities, this is the unit to consider first.
Four-channel electrotherapy is not simply about quantity. The clinical rationale for multiple independent channels involves treating different muscle groups, running interferential current across a joint while applying TENS to a peripheral site, or managing patients with complex, multi-region presentations. Research on multi-channel neuromuscular electrical stimulation for conditions like post-operative quadriceps inhibition consistently finds that precise, isolated stimulation of target muscles produces better motor recruitment outcomes than generalized application. The EX4's architecture supports that kind of precision across four separate treatment sites at once.
The ergonomic design Richmar describes is not incidental. A unit that moves easily between treatment bays and sits stably on a cart reduces setup time per session. For context on how four channels compare to two-channel configurations in real clinical workflows, the difference is most pronounced in practices treating multiple regions per patient or managing concurrent appointments. Those are the conditions where the EX4 earns its price over a simpler unit.
TheraTouch CX4: When You Need Ultrasound Alongside Electrotherapy
The CX4 adds therapeutic ultrasound to the four-channel electrotherapy platform, bringing the price to $3,199.95. The fundamental advantage of a combination unit over two separate devices is consolidation: one interface, one power supply, one cart, and one set of documentation to manage. For a clinic with limited floor space or a mobile practice, that compression of hardware is a genuine operational benefit.
Clinically, the combination of ultrasound and electrical stimulation is well established. Phonophoresis, where ultrasound enhances transdermal drug delivery, and simultaneous ultrasound with neuromuscular stimulation for deep tissue preparation are both documented treatment approaches. Having both modalities in a single unit means transitioning between them mid-session without repositioning equipment, which keeps treatment time efficient. The CX4 maintains the same four-channel independent stimulation capability as the EX4, so nothing is sacrificed on the electrotherapy side to accommodate the ultrasound output.
The $600 difference between the EX4 and CX4 is the practical question. If ultrasound is already covered by another device in the practice, that premium adds little. If a practice is starting from scratch or replacing aging equipment, buying one CX4 instead of an EX4 plus a standalone ultrasound unit is almost certainly the more economical path. Browse the full range of electrotherapy equipment to see how the CX4 sits within the broader clinical toolkit.
TheraTouch CX2: The Two-Channel Entry Point
The CX2 shares the TheraTouch interface and combination electrotherapy-plus-ultrasound architecture with the CX4, but reduces the channel count to two and drops the price accordingly. For solo practitioners, smaller clinics, or treatment rooms where concurrent multi-patient treatment is not the model, the CX2 covers the most common clinical scenarios without the overhead of a four-channel system.
Two independent channels handle the majority of standard electrotherapy applications: interferential current requires two channels at minimum, TENS for bilateral presentation needs two, and pre-modulated IFC and Russian stimulation protocols typically run on one or two channels. The limitation appears when a practitioner needs to treat more than two discrete sites simultaneously or wants to run a true four-pole interferential setup and a separate peripheral stimulation simultaneously. For practices where that scenario is routine, the CX4 is the correct choice. For those where it is occasional, the CX2 handles the core workload.
At $2,599.95, the CX2 matches the EX4's price while adding ultrasound capability, which makes it a strong value proposition for any practice that uses both modalities. The trade-off is channel count, and that decision comes down entirely to the practice's patient mix and treatment model.
Comparing the Three Models Side by Side
The table below captures the key decision points across the three units. Specs not published by Richmar are noted as such rather than estimated.
| Model | Channels | Ultrasound | Max Concurrent Patients | Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
 Richmar TheraTouch CX2 2-Channel Electrotherapy & Ultrasound Combination System |
2 | Yes | Not published | $2,599.95 |
| Richmar TheraTouch CX4 4-Channel Electrotherapy & Ultrasound Combination System |
4 | Yes | 3 | $3,199.95 |
| Richmar TheraTouch EX4 4-Channel Electrotherapy System |
4 | No | 4 | $2,599.95 |
One detail worth flagging: the EX4 supports up to four concurrent patients while the CX4 lists three. Richmar does not explain this difference in the product documentation, but it likely reflects how channel allocation works when ultrasound is integrated. A practitioner running the CX4's ultrasound output alongside electrotherapy channels may have one channel committed to the combination application, reducing the available independent channels for separate patient assignments. Confirming this with Richmar directly before purchasing for a high-volume multi-patient model is advisable.
Beyond the CX and EX: The Rest of the TheraTouch Ecosystem
Richmar extends the TheraTouch platform into two additional modality categories that complement the electrotherapy units. The TheraTouch LX2 is a dual-output low-level laser therapy device capable of delivering up to 35 J/cm2 per treatment, using an 850nm, nine-diode cluster applicator. Its built-in dosage calculator is genuinely notable: clinicians can input dose measurements in the unit they are trained to use and the device performs the conversion, removing a common source of dosing error in LLLT practice. It comes with ten predefined clinical protocols and can store up to 100 user-defined protocols, all backed by a three-year clinical device warranty. At $3,699.95, it occupies a niche that the electrotherapy units do not touch.
The TheraTouch DX2 Clinical Shortwave Diathermy System sits at the top of the lineup at $5,999.95. It uses resonant auto-tuning technology that continuously adjusts coupling based on calculations of the patient's impedance, body size, and density, which the manufacturer positions as a mechanism for maximizing energy transmission without requiring higher dosage. The DX2 also includes Richmar's Scientific Dosage Control feature, stores up to 99 user-defined treatment favorites, and offers nine evidence-based Quick Links organized by indication. Shortwave diathermy generates deep tissue heat through electromagnetic energy rather than ultrasound, making it a distinct clinical tool for joint contractures, muscle spasms, and deep pain presentations. Practitioners building a comprehensive modality suite may find the DX2 covers patient presentations that neither ultrasound nor electrotherapy alone addresses well.
For practices already using other combination platforms, it is worth noting how the TheraTouch approach differs from modular systems. Modular combination systems offer expandability by design, while the TheraTouch units are purpose-built configurations. Neither approach is universally superior; the right choice depends on whether a practice expects its modality needs to evolve significantly over the device's service life.
Clinical Applications: Where These Units Perform Best
The TheraTouch electrotherapy systems cover a broad treatment spectrum. Interferential current for pain management and edema reduction, neuromuscular electrical stimulation for motor re-education, Russian stimulation for strength training in rehabilitating athletes, and TENS for chronic pain management are all standard applications within the platform's capability. The CX-series units extend that to phonophoresis and direct ultrasound therapy for soft tissue healing, periosteal stimulation, and scar tissue management.
Orthopedic rehabilitation clinics are the obvious core market: high patient volume, recurring appointments, and a mix of acute and chronic presentations that benefit from varied modality access. Sports medicine facilities benefit similarly, particularly where neuromuscular stimulation for post-surgical recovery is a regular protocol. Physical therapy practices treating neurological populations, where motor recruitment through NMES is a primary tool, get the most value from the EX4's four independent channels. The sEMG-guided electrotherapy approach used in some dysphagia treatment programs, as seen in devices like those reviewed alongside sEMG biofeedback systems, shows how specialized electrotherapy applications can extend well beyond musculoskeletal practice.
Occupational therapy settings also warrant mention. Hand and upper extremity rehabilitation frequently uses two-channel electrotherapy for tendon gliding and grip strengthening protocols, making the CX2 a viable fit there without over-specifying. The Richmar product collection covers the full lineup if cross-referencing other modality options alongside these units.
Build Quality, Warranty, and Long-Term Value
Clinical electrotherapy devices take physical abuse in ways that consumer products do not. They are moved between rooms, connected and disconnected repeatedly, and used through several patient sessions per day. The TheraTouch units are described as ergonomic designs, and Richmar's positioning in the clinical market for many years suggests the build standard is consistent with that environment. The LX2 laser specifically carries a three-year clinical device warranty, which is published explicitly. Warranty terms for the electrotherapy units are not stated in the manufacturer's current documentation, and confirming them before purchase is recommended.
The TheraTouch interface, being touchscreen-based, is the component most worth asking about in terms of durability. Touchscreens in clinical settings are exposed to cleaning agents and repeated contact that can degrade responsiveness over time. Richmar does not publish specific information about the screen's rated contact cycles or chemical resistance, so this is a reasonable question to direct to the distributor when evaluating for a high-use environment.
Price-to-capability comparisons in clinical electrotherapy should account for the total cost of modality access. A practice buying an EX4 at $2,599.95 and a separate ultrasound unit will almost certainly spend more than the $3,199.95 CX4 costs, while managing two devices, two maintenance schedules, and two sets of consumables. The combination units carry a real economic argument beyond their headline prices, particularly when replacement electrode leads, ultrasound coupling gel, and transducer maintenance are factored into the five-year cost picture.
Matching the Right Unit to Your Practice
The decision between these three units comes down to three variables: channel count, ultrasound need, and concurrent patient volume. A practice treating one patient at a time with standard two-channel protocols and ultrasound fits the CX2 well. A practice running concurrent appointments, treating multi-region presentations, or building out a department where multiple practitioners share equipment should be looking at the CX4 or EX4. If ultrasound is already covered elsewhere, the EX4's four-patient concurrent capacity at the CX2's price point is the most compelling value in the lineup.
For practices new to Richmar equipment, starting with one of these units and adding the LX2 or DX2 as patient volume grows is a reasonable expansion path. The TheraTouch interface consistency across the line means staff trained on one unit can navigate any other without significant relearning. That operational continuity has real value in practices with multiple staff members or high turnover.
Ultimately, the TheraTouch line represents a coherent clinical offering from a brand that has clearly prioritized practitioner workflow alongside treatment capability. The units are not the cheapest electrotherapy devices on the market, and they are not trying to be. They are purpose-designed clinical tools with pricing that reflects the multi-patient, multi-modality demands of an active rehabilitation environment. For the right practice, that alignment between design intent and clinical reality is exactly what makes them worth the investment.
More electrotherapy equipment worth a look
Richmar TheraTouch LX2 Therapeutic Laser System with Cluster Applicator
Richmar TheraTouch DX2 Clinical Shortwave Diathermy System
Frequently asked questions
Who is the Richmar TheraTouch line actually designed for?▾
These units are built for clinical practitioners, not home users or consumers. They handle multi-patient workflows, independent channel control, and a range of modalities that a busy practice needs, so they are best suited to clinics, physical therapy practices, and similar professional environments.
Are there any safety considerations when running multiple patients simultaneously on one unit?▾
Each unit keeps channels fully independent, which means adjusting one patient's parameters does not affect another channel mid-treatment. That said, the practitioner is still responsible for monitoring each patient, and proper electrode placement and intensity settings should follow the same clinical protocols used with any electrotherapy device.
What does each of these three units cost?▾
The EX4 is priced at $2,599.95, the CX4 at $3,199.95, and the CX2 is priced below the CX4 given its two-channel configuration. The $600 difference between the EX4 and CX4 reflects the addition of therapeutic ultrasound to the CX4.
How difficult is it to set up and integrate one of these units into an existing treatment room?▾
The TheraTouch interface is designed around a touchscreen that keeps all channel parameters visible without navigating nested menus, which shortens the learning curve considerably. Richmar built these units with an ergonomic form factor suited to cart-based mobility between treatment bays, so physical setup is straightforward for a practice already running electrotherapy modalities.
What are the ongoing running costs beyond the purchase price?▾
Consumables like electrodes and ultrasound gel are the primary recurring costs, and those are standard across any electrotherapy or ultrasound practice regardless of brand. The manufacturer does not publish figures for replacement parts or service intervals, so it is worth confirming consumable compatibility and support options directly before committing to a unit.
How should these units be maintained to stay in reliable clinical condition?▾
Routine maintenance centers on keeping transducer heads clean, inspecting leads and electrodes for wear, and ensuring the touchscreen and casing are wiped down between patients. Richmar has not published a specific maintenance schedule in the product documentation, but following general electrotherapy device care standards and checking for firmware or software updates via the USB port on compatible models is good practice.
How do you choose between a two-channel and four-channel configuration for your practice?▾
The practical answer depends on how many patients you treat concurrently and how many body regions you typically address per session. The EX4 supports up to four patients simultaneously, which makes it the better choice for high-volume practices, while the CX2 covers most standard two-site electrotherapy applications for a solo practitioner or lower-throughput setting without paying for capacity you will not use.
What is the most common mistake clinicians make when choosing between the EX4 and CX4?▾
The typical misstep is buying the EX4 when a practice has no ultrasound device at all, then purchasing a standalone unit separately, which usually costs more in total than the CX4 would have. Conversely, paying the ultrasound premium on the CX4 when the clinic already has a functional ultrasound device adds little practical value, making the EX4 the smarter purchase in that scenario.
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