Extracorporeal Pulse Activation Treatment

What is EPAT?

Extracorporeal Pulse Activation Technology is a non-invasive (FDA approved), high intensity ultra sound. EPAT’s proprietary technology is based on a unique set of pressure waves that stimulate the metabolism, enhance blood circulation and accelerate the healing process. Chronic injuries treated by EPAT include but are not limited to Achilles tendonitis, heel pain, plantar fasciitis, and Morton’s neuroma.

How does EPAT work?

Recent research has demonstrated that when a chronic injury persists, the body's normal inflammatory response has diminished to a point where blood flow is decreased to the injured site. Without adequate blood flow to any injured tissue; one's normal repair mechanisms are compromised. EPAT causes a micro trauma to the affected, painful area. This microtrauma initiates a healing response by the body to the targeted area. This healing response causes blood vessel formation and increased delivery of nutrients to the affected area. The microtrauma stimulates the healing process and relieves the painful symptoms. After the healing process has been stimulated, it is common for patients to expect to see improvements up to 12 weeks after their last treatment.

Why consider EPAT?

Following our treatment protocol (3-4 consecutive visits at weekly intervals), EPAT has over 80% successful outcomes [Curamedix Published Data – Long-term pain relief]for a multitude of presenting conditions (Plantar fasciitis, heel pain, Morton’s neuroma, Achilles tendonitis, etc.).

Extracorporeal means “outside of the body” and because EPAT is a non-invasive procedure, patient’s benefits can include many of the following:

-    Patients are immediately weight-bearing

-    Bilateral patients can be                  

-    No incision, no risk for infection 

-    No Scar tissue formation

-    Cost effective                                

-    Future treatment options aren’t limited

-    Reduce cost from lost work             

-    Able to resume strenuous activity within 4 weeks

-    Fast, safe and effective                  

-    Often same day results

-    Only takes 15 minutes                     

-    Only complication/side effect is minor discomfort

-    More cost effective and less time consuming

     than physical therapy

Extracorporeal Pulse Activation Treatment (EPAT) is used to treat chronic heel pain (plantar fasciitis). "Extracorporeal" means "outside of the body." During this noninvasive procedure, sonic waves are directed at the area of pain using a device similar to that currently used in nonsurgical treatment of kidney stones.

The brief procedure lasts about 15 minutes and is performed under local anesthesia and/or "twilight" anesthesia. Strong sound waves are directed at and penetrate the heel area to stimulate a healing response by the body. EPAT is performed on an outpatient basis. Although there are no bandages, someone will need to drive the patient home.

People who are not candidates for EPAT include pregnant women and individuals with neurological foot disease, vascular foot disease, pacemakers, or people taking medications that interfere with blood clotting (such as Coumadin).

This therapy is a safe and effective alternative treatment for heel pain and only requires a short recovery time. Clinical studies show a 80 percent success rate for treatment of plantar fasciitis using Extracorporeal Pulse Activation Treatment.