Extracorporeal Pulse Activation Technology (EPAT®)

What is EPAT®?

Extracorporeal Pulse Activation Technology (EPAT®) is an FDA-approved non-invasive treatment option for many painful musculoskeletal disorders, including plantar fasciitis.

How does it work?

Using acoustic pressure waves, damaged tissue can be stimulated to enhance metabolism, blood and lymph circulation, induce vasodilation and neo-angiogenesis, and break down adhesions and scar tissue, thereby accelerating the healing process.  Damaged tissue gradually regenerates and heals.

Benefits of EPAT®

• Non-invasive
• No anesthesia
• No risk of infection
• No scarring
• No downtime
• Over 80% patient satisfaction
• Faster, easier healing

What are the expected results?

The beneficial effects of EPAT® are often experienced early on.  Some patients report immediate improvement after the treatment, although it can take up to 4 weeks for pain relief to begin. The full benefit of the treatment occurs over 12 weeks.  Because this treatment effects healing at the cellular level, complete regeneration doesn’t occur immediately.  Improvements are achieved in the medium to long-term.  After the full course of treatment, about 80% of patients treated report to be pain free and/or have significant improvement.

What conditions can be treated?

Generally, acute or chronic musculoskeletal pain and/or pain that significantly impairs mobility or quality of life including:

• Plantar Fasciitis                                       
• Achilles Pain
• Tendon and/or tendon insertion pain
• Chronic Heel Pain
• Morton's Neuroma
• Trigger Points

How is EPAT® performed?

Treatment is performed in the exam room, with no anesthesia required.  After determining the specific areas of pain, the provider will use a handpiece which transmits acoustic energy to perform a series of 3 different treatments of varying pressures over the affected area.  Based on your response, the treatment intensity will be gradually titrated up into the therapeutic range.

Duration of treatment

Treatment consists of a minimum of three sessions, 5-7 days apart. Your first session takes approximately 15 minutes, and subsequent sessions last approximately 10 minutes.  Over half of patients require a 4th and 5th treatment.  The longer a patient has been suffering from pain, the more treatments that may be needed.

How much will it cost?

Insurance typically does not cover the cost of EPAT®, however the treatment is an eligible expense under your Health Savings Account (HSA) or Flexible Spending Account (FSA).