Extracorporeal Pulse Activation Technology (EPAT) Treatment

by | Oct 30, 2019 | Treatments

Shockwave Therapy

What is EPAT?

Extracorporeal Pulse Activation Technology (EPAT) or EPAT treatment is an advanced non-invasive procedure that uses acoustic pressure waves for healing musculoskeletal pain.  EPAT improves the regenerative potential in an area that has degenerated because of poor blood flow, tissue injury, overuse or weakness. It uses a unique set of acoustic pressure waves to stimulate metabolism, speed the healing process, and improve blood circulation. By improving blood flow to the injured tissue, EPAT can decrease pain, improve mobility and restore function. Your body’s own regeneration potential is harnessed to allow you to move freely again.

 

Previous names for this technology include:

  • Shock wave therapy
  • Extracorporeal Shock Wave Treatment (ESWT)
  • Acoustic Wave Therapy (AWT)
  • Radial Shockwave Treatment (RSWT)

While the parent technology for EPAT has been used effectively for many decades, recent advances now allow us to apply it to musculoskeletal issues in a simple office setting.

What is it used for?

EPAT therapy can be used for many acute or chronic musculoskeletal issues. It is especially helpful for:

Because EPAT is non-invasive, there are minimal side effects or risk of infection.  There is no downtime, allowing you to return to your active lifestyle immediately after treatment.  We offer safe and reliable EPAT treatment in the Bay Area, administered by qualified medical professionals.

What happens during the treatment?

The procedure takes place in the regular office setting during a clinic visit, after assessing that it is an appropriate option for your issue.

Treatment sessions take approximately 5-10 minutes, depending on the issue and body part being treated. Coupling gel is applied to the treatment area to enhance effectiveness. Next, EPAT pressure waves are released as the applicator is moved over the area of interest in a circular motion

Generally, 3-5 treatment sessions are necessary at weekly intervals

 

What happens next?

Some patients experience immediate pain relief after the treatment. However, it can take up to 4 weeks for pain relief to begin.

Patients can walk and return to normal daily activities immediately after the treatment. Within 24-48 hours, patients can resume therapeutic exercises. Strenuous activity can resume after 4 weeks.

 

What are the benefits of EPAT?

  • Evidence based
  • Non-invasive
  • No anesthesia
  • No risk of infection
  • No scarring
  • No downtime

Shockwave Treatment in San Francisco

EPAT, previously known as shockwave therapy, has been around since the 1980s. It was first used to break up gallstones and kidney stones. Avid Sports Medicine offers shockwave therapy in the Bay Area either alone or in combination with other regenerative medicine techniques, including platelet rich plasma (PRP). We see these treatments work best when combined with therapeutic exercises for lasting results.  Because shockwave sessions are brief and often provide immediate pain relief, they can be combined with exercise rehabilitation sessions.  For shockwave treatment in the Bay Area, schedule an appointment or a free consult call to learn if this treatment is right for you.

 

How to find out if you’re a candidate?

Book an appointment with Dr. Jow, our sports medicine physician, to evaluate your individual issue and discuss the potential for EPAT treatment.  Alternatively, schedule a free consult call to determine if Avid is the best fit for you before coming in.