EPAT, also called Shockwave Therapy, was developed in Europe by the company CuraMedix, but is now being used by doctors world wide. EPAT is an FDA approved emerging technology that delivers non-invasive low frequency (8-11 Hz) acoustic sound waves into a localized area. The sound waves act as pressure, and penetrate deep through your soft tissue. The energy emitted causes the cells in your soft tissue to release certain biochemicals that intensify the body's natural healing process. These biochemicals allow for the building of an array of new microscopic blood vessels in your soft tissue. Overall, EPAT increases the nutrient flow to the chronically injured tissue, stimulating your cell metabolic rate, and giving hope for those who are considering surgery as their only option.

After trying other types of treatment (cortisone injections, stretching, anti-inflammatories, night splints, physical therapy, and orthotic devices), you might be disheartened to start considering surgery for your injury. However, consult Dr. Murray and Dr. Chang about EPAT, since it might be a viable option instead of invasive surgery. EPAT is a small machine with a trigger end that looks like an ultrasound. It is administered once a week for a series of three weeks (up to five weeks), each taking approximately fifteen minutes (depending on the area of injury). Dr. Murray and Dr. Chang will apply coupling gel and use the EPAT on the area, in essence, breaking the soft tissue down and providing an opportunity for your cell responses to quickly get rid of dead cells and regenerate new ones. In essence, this is the most rapid stimulation of cell generation, known to have the most rapid healing rate of any technology out there.

EPAT can be used for acute and chronic musculo-skeletal pain - even knots, dysfunction, plantar fasciitis, Achilles Tendonitis and tendonosis, chronic heel pain, tendonal insertional pain, acute and chronic muscle pain, myofascial trigger points, and the list goes on. There have been very few side effects reported - in few cases, skin bruising may occur, and patients may feel sore afterward, as though they have worked out. Patients who choose EPAT treatment should not take NSAIDs (including ibuprofen, Motrin, Advil, Naproxen, Aleve, and Aspirin) for two weeks prior to and one month after the administration of EPAT, as they interfere with the hormones that regenerate your cells.

So inquire with Dr. Murray and Dr. Chang to see if EPAT is the right treatment for you. Blue Ridge Foot and Ankle is excited to bring such an effective and preeminent technology to the office, in order to serve you with top quality and cutting edge medical care!

For more information, visit the Shockwave Therapy page on our Website!