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Extracorporeal Pulse Activation Technology or shockwave therapy or EPAT is a non-invasive method that can address many musculoskeletal pains for individuals of all ages. This treatment is FDA-approved and can accelerate your healing process and helps you get back to your everyday activities, sports practice, or workplace more quickly.
EPAT therapy offers many benefits such as:
- No anesthesia or surgery
- Minimal downtime
- Quick solution for short and long-term relief
- No risk of infection
- No scarring
- Increased metabolism and blood flow
An EPAT session typically takes about 5 to 15 minutes depending on which body area(s) you are getting treated. During EPAT treatment, your doctor uses a handheld device on the targeted area to apply gradual sound wave pulses to it. Your provider can also combine EPAT with other types of physical therapy techniques to optimize your recovery.
What Body Parts Can Your Doctor Use EPAT on?
Although people may associate EPAT with ankle and foot medical care, this method can treat most of your musculoskeletal structure.
Your doctor can apply EPAT to your:
- Hip
- Knee, ankle, heel, or foot
- Back
- Neck
- Shoulder, elbow, wrist, or hand
Although there are a few contraindications for EPAT treatment, your provider should review your health history to make sure that this is a safe solution for you. For example, your physician may recommend an alternative if you are pregnant or have a neurological or vascular condition.
Sports Injuries
Physical therapy can help athletes return to practice safely and quickly thanks to a variety of methods such as EPAT. Whether you experienced a minor sports injury or need personalized post-surgical care to get back to your physical standards, EPAT can help.
Common sports injuries include:
- Bone bruises
- Muscle tears
- Rotator cuff tears
- Sprains and strains
- Tendon tears
Thanks to how EPAT stimulates your body’s natural healing capabilities, this treatment is useful if you are looking to resume your training as soon as possible even with multiple sessions. EPAT can also be part of your usual physical conditioning to prevent injuries.
Plantar Fasciitis
Plantar fasciitis is a common condition that causes inflammation of the thick band of tissue underneath the foot. Symptoms can be mild to severe. Risk factors for plantar fasciitis include age, obesity, and some types of physical and professional activities that put high and frequent stress on the area.
EPAT can alleviate the stabbing pain commonly associated with this foot condition which can help make progress with other parts of your treatment to regain stability and mobility.
Achilles Tendonitis
Achilles tendinitis happens when you overuse your Achilles tendon that connects your calf muscles to your heel bone. Runners, tennis players, or basketball players can be especially prone to experience it, especially if they do not have a regular practice or suddenly increase intensity.
You may experience mild to severe pain in the back of your leg. Seeking medical attention can help you recover more quickly and avoid further injury as untreated Achilles tendonitis can leave your tendon more susceptible to tears.
EPAT can not only alleviate your pain but helps restore proper function to the area. This method can be used for both the prevention and treatment of Achilles tendonitis.
Other Musculoskeletal Pains
Thanks to its versatility and convenience, EPAT can help treat other musculoskeletal conditions like tennis elbow and lower back pain. If you are looking for physical therapy to address certain aches, you can ask your provider whether they have received EPAT training and if this method could be useful for your situation.
EPAT can treat aches and conditions that happen due to overuse, poor posture, trauma, injury, or general wear and tear of your muscles, bones, and other connective tissues. Seeking a detailed diagnosis is important before beginning treatment to optimize your recovery.
At ProFysio Physical Therapy, we prioritize safe and individualized treatment plans, which may include EPAT therapy. We can use EPAT as part of our in-office solutions while also incorporating telehealth consultation and exercises and/or at-home protocols with specific activities and stretches our team teaches you.
Are you looking for personalized physical therapy treatment in Monmouth or Middlesex Counties? Call ProFysio Physical Therapy today at (732) 812-5200 or use our online form to schedule an appointment!