Shock Wave Therapy

EPAT, also called Shockwave Therapy, was developed in Europe by the company CuraMedix, but is now being used by doctors world wide. EPAT is an FDA approved emerging technology that delivers non-invasive low frequency (8-11 Hz) acoustic sound waves into a localized area. The sound waves act as pressure, and penetrate deep through your soft tissue. The energy emitted causes the cells in your soft tissue to release certain biochemicals that intensify the body’s natural healing process. These biochemicals allow for the building of an array of new microscopic blood vessels in your soft tissue. Overall, EPAT increases the nutrient flow to the chronically injured tissue, stimulating your cell metabolic rate, and giving hope for those who are considering surgery as their only option.

After trying other types of treatment (cortisone injections, stretching, anti-inflammatories, night splints, physical therapy, and orthotic devices), you might be disheartened to start considering surgery for your injury. However, consult Dr. Kent about EPAT, since it might be a viable option instead of invasive surgery. EPAT is a small machine with a trigger end that looks like an ultrasound. It is administered once a week for a series of three weeks (up to five weeks), each taking approximately fifteen minutes (depending on the area of injury). Dr. Kent will apply coupling gel and use the EPAT on the area, in essence, breaking the soft tissue down and providing an opportunity for your cell responses to quickly get rid of dead cells and regenerate new ones. In essence, this is the most rapid stimulation of cell generation, known to have the most rapid healing rate of any technology out there.

EPAT can be used for acute and chronic musculo-skeletal pain – even knots, dysfunction, plantar fasciitis, Achilles Tendonitis and tendonosis, chronic heel pain, tendonal insertional pain, acute and chronic muscle pain, myofascial trigger points, and the list goes on. There have been very few side effects reported – in few cases, skin bruising may occur, and patients may feel sore afterward, as though they have worked out. Patients who choose EPAT treatment should not take NSAIDs (including ibuprofen, Motrin, Advil, Naproxen, Aleve, and Aspirin) for two weeks prior to and one month after the administration of EPAT, as they interfere with the hormones that regenerate your cells.

EPAT is available for a wide range of patients. Research suggests to postpone EPAT treatment for pregnant women, for deep venous thrombosis or malignancy cases, or if you are taking blood thinners. These studies suggest that women should wait until four months after pregnancy to receive EPAT treatment, waiting for regular swelling in the feet to go down, and for the hormones that act as muscle relaxants during pregnancy to level out.

While the initial fees for EPAT are expensive, you can rest assured that they are cost-effective in the long run. EPAT is not covered by insurance. This treatment involves 3 visits to our office. You can expect to pay $100 or less plus your insurance copay per visit. Inquire with your qualified health savings account or your employer’s flexible payment medical savings account, as these can usually be used to pay for the treatment. Despite these initial costs, remember that surgery is much pricier, and that EPAT is proven to be much more effective than other treatments. Additionally, patients treated with EPAT are immediately fully weight bearing, have no incision, no risk of infection or scar tissue, experience very few (if any) side effects, and do not need to be put under anesthesia. Overall, EPAT is sure to save money and time, and to accelerate your road back to having healthy feet!

CALL TYLER FOOT CLINIC TODAY AT (903)-939-3668 (FOOT)

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