Frequently Asked Questions About EPAT/Shockwave Therapy
Many patients have questions about EPAT/Shockwave Therapy, and we've got the answers.
This regenerative technology was originally developed in 1980 as a non-invasive method of breaking up and destroying kidney stones. Over time, it evolved into a successful treatment for a range of musculoskeletal disorders such as bone healing, skin lesions, ischemic heart disease and degenerative tendon disease.
At Total Body Chiropractic, we use an FDA-approved device, the Storz D-Actor 200 Ultra, made in Switzerland by global leader in pressure wave therapy, Storz Medical.
Acoustic pressure waves are emitted from the device to penetrate deep in the tissue and stimulate cells to heal. The acoustic pressure waves cause a biological response in the treated tissue that induces a healing response by the body. New blood vessels are formed, tissue and bone growth occur, and circulation is increased. Inflammation is controlled and pain Is reduced or eliminated.
The many benefits of using EPAT/Shockwave Therapy include:
- Fast, safe and effective
- Non-invasive technique, no chance of infection
- No scar tissue formation
- No change in biomechanics
- Treats root cause of injury
- Better diagnostic accuracy than traditional methods
- Long-term pain relief
- Cost-effective treatment
- Return to work/normal activities the same day
- More than 80% treatment success rate
EPAT/Shockwave Therapy can treat a wide range of musculoskeletal conditions and chronic soft tissue pain, including:
- Plantar Fasciitis
- Jumper’s Knee
- Back Pain
- Stress Fractures
- Shin Splints
- Foot Ulcer Pain
- Shoulder Pain
- Scar Tissue
- Osgood Schlatter’s in the Knee
- Hamstring Pain
- Elbow Pain
- Hallux Rigidus
- Achilles Tendinopathy
- Morton’s Neuroma
- Other Knee Pain
Patients with acute and chronic soft tissue pain, as identified by their chiropractor, are good candidates to receive EPAT/Shockwave Therapy.
Your chiropractor in Bend will pinpoint the local area of pain, apply a coupling gel that serves as a conductor for the acoustic pressure waves, and position and manipulate the treatment applicator against the affected area. Typically, 3,000 pulses per area at 15hz are administered in a session that lasts approximately 3 minutes per area, but multiple spots may be treated to address the main area of complaint.
Generally, no. Depending on the degree of pain prior to treatment, some patients could experience slight discomfort during the short session, and some can experience temporary soreness in the area two to four hours after the session for up to a couple of days. Most patients, however, find immediate pain relief following the treatment.
While the treatment plan for each individual will vary based on several factors, generally three to five treatments (one per week) are recommended, but chronic conditions may require more treatment sessions. For high-performing athletes, the frequency of treatment can be increased.