EPAT Treatment

Shockwave Therapy/EPAT in Dallas, Athens and Gun Barrel City, TX

EPAT (Extracorporeal Pulse Activation Technology) therapy is a highly effective technology that has been used to accelerate the body’s natural healing process. The treatment itself is painless and non-invasive. It works by using pressure waves to treat and heal internal pain due to injuries that might be slow to heal. EPAT therapy has been FDA approved and hasn’t been found to have any major side effects, other than minor discomfort that may be experienced while receiving the treatment. Some injuries that the EPAT therapy works well with are: plantar fasciitis, stress fractures, tendonitis, and stress reactions.

Heel Pain is the term commonly used to refer to heel and arch pain traced to an inflammation on the bottom of the foot. More specifically, plantar fasciitis is an inflammation of the connective tissue, called plantar fascia, that stretches from the base of the toes, across the arch of the foot, to the point at which it inserts into the heel bone. Overpronation is the most common cause of plantar fasciitis. As the foot rolls inward excessively when walking, it flattens the foot, lengthens the arch, and puts added tension on the plantar fascia. Over time, this causes inflammation.

Also known as heel spur syndrome, the condition is often successfully treated with conservative measures, such as the use of anti-inflammatory medications, ice packs, stretching exercises, orthotic devices, and physical therapy. Note: Please consult your physician before taking any medications.

EPAT works by the use of shock waves; they are essentially sound waves that operate at a high speed and pressure. Prior to the use of the treatment, a gel is applied to the area that is to be treated. This gel helps the shock waves from the applicator reach maximum efficiency. When the actual treatment takes place, the applicator is moved over the affected area while the waves are simultaneously being released. When the therapy session is complete, the gel is wiped off, and the patient is able to be mobile immediately afterward. Each session lasts approximately 5-10 minutes and usually 3-4 treatment sessions are necessary at weekly intervals.

Non-invasive Foot Treatment

There are many benefits that come along with choosing EPAT therapy as your form of treatment; one of them being that there are no incisions necessary. The fact that this treatment is completely non-invasive eliminates any possible complications that may occur as a result of surgery. Over 80% of people who opt for this therapy have experienced a successful outcome. Furthermore, this method is safe and cost-effective. While some patients report their pain goes away after the first treatment, it may take up to four weeks for pain relief to begin.