Treatment FAQ

what is extracorporeal pulse activation treatment

by Betty Thiel Published 3 years ago Updated 2 years ago
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EPAT Therapy is also known as Extracorporeal Pulse Activation Technology and can successfully address acute and chronic pain such as:

  • Knee Pain
  • Heel Pain
  • Foot Pain
  • Ankle Pain
  • Hamstring Pain
  • Back Pain
  • Neck Pain
  • Shoulder Pain
  • Elbow Pain
  • Wrist Pain
  • Hand Pain

Extracorporeal Pulse Activation Technology, or EPAT, is a form of extracorporeal shock wave therapy. It is an evidence-based technology platform that utilizes a unique set of acoustic pressure waves to stimulate the metabolism, enhance blood circulation, and accelerate the healing process.

Full Answer

Is extracorporeal pulse Activation treatment noninvasive?

So, Extracorporeal Pulse Activation Treatment is noninvasive because it happens completely outside of the body. No needles and no surgery required! EPAT is an advanced technology that uses specific sound waves to stimulate an injured area of the body. EPAT has a broad range of clinical uses, including in orthopedic and musculoskeletal conditions.

What is extracorporeal pulse activation therapy for plantar fasciitis?

If you are suffering from heel pain caused by plantar fasciitis, your podiatrist may recommend extracorporeal pulse activation therapy, more commonly known by the acronym EPAT.

What are the risks of extracorporeal pulse activation technology?

When performed by a qualified caregiver, Extracorporeal Pulse Activation Technology has virtually no risks or side effects. Treatment sessions take approximately 5-10 minutes depending on the disorder to be treated. Generally, 3-5 treatment sessions are necessary at weekly intervals.

What is ePAT (pulse activation)?

“Pulse Activation” is a type of shockwave, also known as pressure or sound waves. These shockwaves are generated from the EPAT device and focused onto the painful heel tissue. The shockwaves trigger the body’s repair mechanisms.

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What does extracorporeal shockwave therapy do?

Extracorporeal shock wave therapy (ESWT) is a noninvasive treatment that involves delivery of shock waves to injured soft tissue to reduce pain and promote healing.

How much does Epat therapy cost?

The first 3 treatments are bundled at a cost of $500 for the procedure, but you are still responsible for any co-pays or costs associated with the initial and/or any follow up office visit. If a 4th or 5th treatments are deemed necessary, these cost $150 per treatment.

How long does Epat treatment last?

How long does this treatment take? EPAT treatment sessions last about 15 minutes. Most patients require three sessions performed at weekly intervals in order to achieve their desired results.

How many Epat treatments can you have?

Usually three treatment sessions are necessary and are performed once every 7-10 days. If you are improving after the first three treatments but are not yet pain free, up to 5 treatments may be necessary. How is EPAT performed? Ultrasound gel is applied over the skin of the area to be treated.

How quickly does Epat work?

While some patients report their pain goes away after the first treatment, it may take up to eight weeks or more, in some cases, for pain relief to begin. EPAT works by the use of shock waves; they are essentially sound waves that operate at a high speed and pressure.

Is Epat therapy covered by Medicare?

Traditional Medicare does not offer coverage for shockwave therapy for ED.

Who should not get shockwave therapy?

Malignant tumors, metastasis, multiple myeloma, and lymphoma in the treatment area have to be seen as contraindications for treatment with radial and focused shock waves with low and high energy. Cancer itself, in the form of the underlying disease, is not a contraindication for ESWT [4].

Why is shockwave therapy painful?

The reason is that shock waves cause micro-traumas and bursting of microtissues (bone, tendons, and muscles) in order to generate blood flow and stimulate cell regeneration. Then, both traumas and recovering tissues might be the responsible for the engendered pain.

Can shockwave therapy damage nerves?

Shockwave therapy uses waves that are both positive and negative. Either of these types of waves have the potential to do damage to nerve stimulators and other types of implanted devices. The waves can cause unwanted effects and equipment failure.

What is the success rate with Epat?

Beneficial effects are often experienced after only 1 or 2 treatments and there is no downtime. Many patients report immediate pain relief after treatment. The EPAT Technology has a 91% success rate as per clinical studies, and patients treated report being pain free and /or have a significant reduction in pain.

Is Epat FDA approved?

Extracorporeal Pulse Activation Technology (EPAT®) is an FDA approved, non-invasive treatment option that relieves pain associated with many musculoskeletal conditions like frozen shoulder and plantar fascitis. Treatment doesn't leave scars, requires no anesthesia, and has no down time.

When should you not use shockwave therapy?

This type of treatment isn't suitable if: You have a blood clotting disorder and/or take blood thinning or anticoagulant medications such as aspirin (75mg on a daily basis) or warfarin. You have a nerve disorder. You're pregnant.

How long does extracorporeal pulse activation therapy take?

Treatment sessions take approximately 5-10 minutes depending on the disorder to be treated. Generally, 3-5 treatment sessions are necessary at weekly intervals.

What is EPAT surgery?

No needles and no surgery required! EPAT is an advanced technology that uses specific sound waves to stimulate an injured area of the body. EPAT has a broad range of clinical uses, including in orthopedic and musculoskeletal conditions. Also, it potentially helps patients suffering from chronically painful conditions.

How long does it take for EPAT to work?

Some patients report immediate pain relief after the treatment, although it can take up to four weeks for pain relief to begin. The procedure can eliminate pain and restore full mobility, thus improving your quality of life.

Is extracorporeal pulse activation surgery?

The word “extracorporeal” comes from two latin roots: extra (outside) and corp (body). So, Extracorporeal Pulse Activation Treatment is noninvasive because it happens completely outside of the body. No needles and no surgery required!

Does EPAT help with musculoskeletal pain?

Also, it potentially helps patients suffering from chronically painful conditions. To understand how EPAT can help heal orthopedic and musculoskeletal injuries, you must understand what causes these painful conditions in the first place.

Does EPAT help with degeneration?

Poor blood circulation, repeat injuries, overuse and weakness can also cause degeneration, and therefore poor healing. By exposing these injured tissues to specific sound waves, EPAT can improve healing by increasing blood circulation.

What is EPAT therapy?

EPAT Therapy is a highly effective treatment method: high-energy sound waves are introduced into the painful areas of the body. It is one of the most advanced and highly effective noninvasive treatment methods cleared by the FDA.

How successful is EPAT?

EPAT/Shockwave Therapy is an extremely successful treatment for a wide range of conditions reporting a 91% success rate as per clinical studies. Globally, millions of patients have benefited from this pressure wave and shockwave therapy.

Can you use EPAT for cancer?

Most people are good candidates for EPAT treatment however patients who are pregnant, have a pacemaker or current cancer are not suitable for treatment with EPAT Technology. Your doctor will provide you with information about conditions you may have that would affect your ability to undergo treatment.

Does EPAT therapy help with pain?

The non-surgical therapy for pain not only eliminates pain but it also restores mobility, thus quickly improving the quality of life for patients. Learn more about how EPAT Therapy can address your pain, accelerate your healing and optimize your health.

What is EPAT treatment?

Extracorporeal Pulse Activation Treatment, also known as EPAT, is a non-invasive, non-surgical treatment option for treatment of ligament and tendon injuries. We most commonly use EPAT for heel pain associated with plantar fasciitis and Achilles tendonitis, There is also evidence it may be helpful for some types of shin splints, ...

How effective is EPAT?

EPAT is about 70% effective in relieving plantar fasciitis pain and has no side effects or complications . EPAT is done in combination with treatments to decrease load on the plantar fascia which might include orthotics, walking boots, activity modification and weight loss.

How does shockwave healing work?

The shockwave stimulates and reactivates healing through revascularization (creation of new blood vessels), differentiation of stem cells (creating more of the cells that cause tissue to heal) and other elements necessary to advance normal tissue healing .

How long does it take for shockwave to work?

Maximum improvement is usually seen at about 12 weeks after the final session. Keep in mind that this isn’t like a steroid injection where rapid results can be seen. What shockwave does is stimulate the bodies healing process, so it takes a number of weeks to see results.

How does shockwave therapy help with orthopedic pain?

The concept behind shockwave therapy in orthopedic disorders is that the shockwave stimulates and reactivates healing to encourage new blood vessel formation and other elements necessary to advance normal tissue healing. Additionally, shockwaves help to over-stimulate pain transmission nerves, which can lead to a reduction in sensitivity and pain.

What are the benefits of shockwave therapy?

Benefits of Non-invasive EPAT Shockwave Therapy. 1 Over 70% successful in relieving pain of plantar fasciitis and Achilles tendonitis. 2 Patients can bear weight immediately. No need to wear a walking boot after the procedure. 3 No surgery or the risks of surgery. 4 Patients can return to work immediately. 5 Most patients return to strenuous activity after 4 weeks. 6 Completely non-invasive so there is no future treatment options are not affected. 7 Cost effective. 8 Reduces need for other treatments. 9 Helps patients return to activity faster. 10 Fast, safe and effective. 11 No anesthesia required.

Can EPAT be used for plantar fasciitis?

There are no studies we have found on using EPAT for other types of tendonitis and ligament inflammation of the foot. The effects, however, should be the same on other tendons and ligaments and the treatment can be done on these areas also as long as the patient understands that we do not have the same quality studies as we do for plantar fasciitis and Achilles tendonitis.

What is plantar fasciitis?

Plantar fasciitis is inflammation of the plantar fascia, the band of tissue that goes along the bottom of your foot. This tissue connects your heel to your toes. When the plantar fascia inflames, it can cause heel pain. Usually, this pain is worse with activity and better with rest.

What is EPAT?

Extracorporeal Pulse Activation Technology, or EPAT, is a nonsurgical, evidence-based treatment option for plantar fasciitis. This treatment was first developed in Europe and is now used worldwide to treat chronic inflammation. This highly advanced, FDA-cleared treatment works using shockwave therapy.

What should I expect during EPAT treatments?

EPAT requires multiple treatments. Usually, patients have 3-5 treatments over 3-5 weeks. Yet, the number of treatments will also depend upon the patient’s condition or injury. Each treatment lasts about 10 minutes. Patients typically describe the sensation as pulsing but not painful.

What are the benefits of EPAT?

EPAT is a non-invasive treatment option. This means there is no surgery, recovery, or associated surgical risks. Also, EPAT has no known side effects or risks. In other words, EPAT is just as successful as surgery for plantar fasciitis, but without any unnecessary risks. This is great for patients who do not or cannot have surgery.

EPAT for Plantar Fasciitis at Advanced Ortho and Spine

So, if you have unresolved heel pain due to plantar fasciitis, EPAT may be right for you. At Advanced Ortho and Spine, we are proud to provide EPAT to patients as a non-invasive, effective treatment for plantar fasciitis.

What is the most common condition for which EPAT therapy is prescribed?

The most common condition for which EPAT therapy is prescribed is plantar fasciitis, a condition affecting the plantar fascia. The plantar fascia is a ligament that supports the arch and acts as a shock absorber.

How long does it take for EPAT to work?

Most patients will require three weekly treatments, and it may be as long as three months before you see the maximum benefit from your EPAT, although most patients experience some pain relief within less than a month, and many experience some degree of pain relief immediately.

What is EPAT for heel pain?

Your Complete Guide To EPAT For Heel Pain. If you are suffering from heel pain caused by plantar fasciitis, your podiatrist may recommend extracorporeal pulse activation therapy, more commonly known by the acronym EPAT. Developed in Europe, EPAT is effective for heel pain—over 80 percent of patients report improvement in their symptoms.

How long after EPAT can I take Tylenol?

It is generally recommended that patients refrain from using over-the-counter anti-inflammatory medication and ice two weeks prior to the EPAT procedure, and for four weeks afterward. Tylenol is acceptable, however.

Is EPAT good for plantar fasciitis?

EPAT is more effective for chronic plantar fasciitis. You should not have EPAT for heel pain if you are taking blood-thinning medication, or if you have deep vein thrombosis or peripheral vascular disease.

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