Benefits of Extracorporeal Pulse Activation Technology (EPAT) Q&A

At Mullally Sports and Family Medicine, we offer Extracorporeal Pulse Activation Technology (EPAT), which is also known as shockwave therapy. This innovative, non-invasive treatment uses acoustic waves to alleviate pain in various musculoskeletal conditions, helping our patients improve their mobility and overall well-being.

The EPAT procedure involves applying a coupling gel to the targeted area to enhance the device’s effectiveness. The device then generates focused acoustic waves that penetrate deep into the tissue. These waves stimulate a biological response that promotes healing, including the release of substances that improve blood circulation and accelerate the healing process.

By stimulating the body’s natural healing process, EPAT increases cell permeability and promotes the production of growth factors, which stimulate the formation of new blood vessels and other connective tissue components. This process, known as neovascularization, improves nutrient and oxygen supply, promoting faster healing and providing significant pain relief.

EPAT can alleviate muscle tension by releasing trigger points, knots, and spasms, improving muscle flexibility and reducing pain. This contributes to increased mobility and overall well-being, fitting perfectly with our holistic approach to healthcare.

The entire EPAT procedure is performed outpatient, with each session typically taking between 5 to 10 minutes. Multiple sessions may be performed spaced over several weeks to achieve the desired results.

EPAT is a safe and effective treatment option for various pain syndromes, including plantar fasciitis, tennis elbow, golfer’s elbow, knee pain, shoulder pain, carpal tunnel syndrome, chronic back pain, Achilles tendonitis, and muscle strains and sprains.

EPAT is particularly beneficial for treating conditions such as tennis elbow, golfer’s elbow, Achilles tendinitis, patellar tendinitis, rotator cuff tendinitis, and plantar fasciitis, a common cause of heel pain. These are conditions that many of our patients, especially athletes, often face.

In addition to treating tendon and ligament injuries, EPAT is also highly effective in alleviating muscle pain and spasms. If you’re dealing with muscle strains, chronic neck pain, lower back pain, or conditions like fibromyalgia, EPAT can provide much-needed relief as well as speed up your recovery.

EPAT can also be utilized for bone-related conditions, including delayed bone healing, non-union fractures, and early stages of osteoarthritis. It’s also a viable treatment option for acute and chronic soft tissue wounds, as it stimulates blood circulation and accelerates the healing process. This makes it particularly useful for conditions like diabetic foot ulcers, Morton’s neuroma, stress fractures, and early stages of meniscal tears. EPAT can also provide relief for patients suffering from carpal tunnel syndrome, hamstring injuries, calf strains, shin splints, and even cellulite.

EPAT therapy works by employing high-energy acoustic waves to stimulate the body’s natural healing processes, which helps to make it an effective treatment option for a number of conditions including plantar fasciitis, Achilles tendinitis, tennis elbow, shoulder impingement, patellar tendinitis, and carpal tunnel syndrome. This treatment can significantly improve function and alleviate pain.

EPAT therapy is also effective in treating chronic wounds and ulcers, through stimulating the formation of new blood vessels and collagen production, accelerating wound healing and promoting tissue regeneration. This innovative treatment has shown significant improvements in wound size, healing time, and pain reduction.

At our practice, we understand the importance of convenience for our patients. EPAT therapy boasts a quick treatment time, usually completed in about 15 minutes, making it an ideal option for patients who may not have the necessary time to commit to longer treatment sessions.

The non-invasive nature of EPAT reduces the risks associated with treatment and recovery time. Most patients will be capable of returning to their regular activities shortly after treatment. Side effects are generally mild and temporary, making EPAT therapy suitable for individuals who may not be candidates for surgery or other invasive treatments.

With its high success rate, quick treatment times, and non-invasive nature, EPAT therapy is an excellent treatment option for various conditions.

The total quantity of sessions required for optimal results varies as influenced by the severity of the condition and the patient’s response to therapy. Each treatment session typically lasts 15 minutes and is spaced about a week apart, although this can be adjusted based on the patient’s progress.

Positive effects of EPAT are often felt about four weeks after the final session. However, many of our patients report experiencing a reduction in pain and improvement in symptoms after just one or two treatments. For optimal outcomes, we recommend that patients complete the full course of EPAT treatments, as the cumulative effect of multiple sessions stimulates tissue regeneration and promotes healing.

The effectiveness of EPAT can also depend on the patient’s overall health, the severity of their condition, and their adherence to post-treatment care instructions.

The cost of EPAT therapy can fluctuate based on several factors. These can possibly include the specific condition being treated, the number of sessions required, as well as whether or not the treatment is covered by health insurance. On average, one EPAT session can range from $200 to $500, but this is purely an estimate.

Most patients typically need more than one session to achieve the desired results. The total quantity of overall sessions required will be largely determined by the severity of your condition as well as your individual response to the treatment.

While the cost of EPAT therapy can be significant, the substantial improvements that our patients report post-treatment often justify the cost. Moreover, when compared to surgical treatments, EPAT therapy is often a more cost-effective solution for chronic musculoskeletal conditions.

At Mullally Sports and Family Medicine, our goal is to provide cutting-edge treatments like EPAT to help patients achieve faster recovery and lasting relief. With personalized care and a commitment to your well-being, we ensure that you receive the best possible outcomes, allowing you to return to an active, pain-free lifestyle. We serve clients from Crown Point IN, Winfield IN, Schererville IN, St. John IN, Cedar Lake IN, Munster IN, Lowell IN, DeMotte IN, as well as other Northwest Indiana locations.