EPAT (Extracorporeal Pulse Activation Technology)
What is EPAT®?
EPAT® stands for Extracorporeal Pulse Activation Technology. EPAT® is a form of ESWT (Extracorporeal Shock Wave Therapy) which is an evidence-based, emerging, proven treatment option for patients suffering from both acute and chronic musculoskeletal injuries. This technology was developed in Europe and is considered a standard of care in most of the world for treating chronic musculoskeletal conditions. If you are tired of being in pain and not able to participate in activities you love, EPAT could be right for you.
How does EPAT® work?
EPAT® uses acoustic pressure waves to safely increase metabolism and blood flow, stimulating or enhancing healing of the injury. The microtrauma induced, triggers a cascade of inflammatory factors such as cytokines and chemokines that help regenerate the damaged tissue. These inflammatory factors are essential for healing and are present at high levels in acute injuries, but diminish or cease to exist over time in chronic injuries. Think of EPAT® as a way of pushing the reset button on healing.
Examples of conditions treated with EPAT®:
- Plantar Fasciitis
- Achilles Tendonitis
- Posterior Tibial Tendonitis
- Anterior Tibial Tendonitis
- Plantar Plate Injuries
- Peroneal Tendonitis
- Interdigital Neuromas
Who is a candidate for EPAT® technology?
We recommend EPAT® for acute injuries as part of first line therapy, since it will allow for a faster recovery, so that you can return to the activities you love. It is also recommended for patients coming to us with chronic injuries who have failed to respond to other therapies. EPAT® allows our patients to avoid major downtime during treatment.
How do I prepare for a EPAT® procedure?
We recommend patients discontinue all anti inflammatories at least 1 week prior to the procedure. This includes Ibuprofen (Advil), Aleve and all prescription anti inflammatories. Since EPAT® produces an inflammatory response, it is important to taking avoid anti-inflammatory medications, since they will inhibit this inflammatory response. Tylenol is allowed since it is not an anti inflammatory.
What should I expect from EPAT®?
Treatment is performed in the office and usually consists of 3 sessions on a weekly basis. Patients with more chronic injuries may require a 4th or 5th treatment. EPAT is usually well tolerated and does not usually require the uses of any use of anesthesia or nerve block. A hand held applicator along with coupling gel is applied to the skin over each of the injured areas. Patients will then be exposed to a series of pulses, which will slowly be increased as tolerated to a therapeutic level during the session. Expect each session lasts 10-15 minutes. Most patients will leave the office with a temporary reduction in pain. Patients are able to walk out of the office and resume normal weight bearing activities.
Are there any risks to EPAT®?
EPAT® is FDA cleared for the treatment of acute and chronic musculoskeletal pain and connective tissue disorders; there are no known risks or complications.
When will I see improvement from EPAT®?
Patients may begin to see improvement 4 weeks after their last treatment. More significant improvement often occurs 8-12 weeks after the last treatment.
What are the success rates of EPAT®?
Over 80% of patients see significant or complete resolution of symptoms.
Are there any contraindications with EPAT®?
EPAT® is not recommended for patients on blood thinners, those with malignancies and those who are pregnant.
Is EPAT® covered by insurance?
EPAT® is an elective pay modality and is not covered by insurance.
To learn more about EPAT® and if this treatment could help you address your pain, please see our list of doctors below who offer this service.
FASMA Doctors Performing This Specialty / Service
Locations
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Silver Spring, MD (Fenton)
8630 Fenton Street Suite 324
Silver Spring, MD 20910
Phone: 301-587-5666
Fax: 301-589-4479
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Washington, DC (1775 K Street)
1775 K Street NW Suite 580
Washington, DC 20006
Phone: 202-331-9727
Fax: 202-887-0741
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Frederick, MD (Thomas Johnson Drive)
63 Thomas Johnson Dr Suite C
Frederick, MD 21702
Phone: 301-696-0818
Fax: 301-696-8872
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Washington, DC (19th Street)
1145 19th Street NW Suite 605
Washington, DC 20036
Phone: 202-833-9109
Fax: 202-833-5762
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Palmetto Podiatry Group of Anderson
2126B N Hwy 81
Anderson, SC 29621
Phone: (864) 231-6395
Fax: (864) 231-6520
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Raleigh, NC (Wake Forest Rd)
3801 Wake Forest Rd Suite 100
Raleigh, NC 27609
Phone: 919-850-9111
Fax: 919-850-2499
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Holly Springs, NC
1004 Werrington Drive, Ste. 300
Holly Springs, NC 27540
Phone: 919-850-9111
Fax: 919-850-2499
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Charlottesville, VA (Rio East Ct)
887 Rio East Ct. Suite A
Charlottesville, VA 22901
Phone: 434-979-8116
Fax: 434-979-8880
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Fishersville, VA
66 Parkway Lane Suite 102
Fishersville, VA 22939
Phone: 540-949-5150
Fax: 540-932-8535
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Reston, VA (Hospital Campus)
1860 Town Center Drive Suite 220
Reston, VA 20190
Phone: 703-391-0211
Fax: 703-880-1192
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Alpine Podiatry – Rock Hill
430 S. Herlong Avenue, Suite 105
Rock Hill, SC 29732
Phone: (803) 327-2217
Fax: (803) 327-2272
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Cary, NC
103 Parkway Office Court Suite 100
Cary, NC 27518
Phone: 919-481-3338
Fax: 919-467-2436
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Dunn, NC
700 Tilghman Drive Suite 722
Dunn, NC 28334
Phone: 910-892-3338
Fax: 910-892-2706
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Kensington, MD
10901 Connecticut Avenue Suite 200
Kensington, MD 20895
Phone: 301-949-2000
Fax: 301-949-2002
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Chevy Chase, MD
5530 Wisconsin Avenue Suite 945
Chevy Chase, MD 20815
Phone: 301-913-5225
Fax: 301-913-9145
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Apex, NC
1001 Pemberton Hill Road Suite 102
Apex, NC 27502
Phone: 919-363-3310
Fax: 919-363-3370
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McLean, VA
1313 Dolley Madison Blvd., Suite 403
McLean, VA 22101
Phone: (703) 556-8637
Fax: (866) 453-6775
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Greencastle, PA
50 Eastern Ave Suite 122
Greencastle, PA 17225
Phone: 717-643-0795
Fax: 717-643-0833
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Hagerstown, MD
11110 Medical Campus Road Suite 100
Hagerstown, MD 21742
Phone: 301-739-1575
Fax: 301-739-1578
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Gettysburg, PA
506 W. Middle Street
Gettysburg, PA 17325
Phone: 717-778-3338
Fax: 717-778-3340
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Wake Foot & Ankle – Wake Forest
833C Wake Forest Business Park
Wake Forest, NC 27587
Phone: 919-230-7233
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Matthews, NC
534 West John St. Suite 100
Matthews, NC 28105
Phone: 704-847-9788
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Waxhaw, NC
323 N. Broome St.
Waxhaw, NC 28173
Phone: 704-847-9788
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Lincolnton, NC
626 Clark Dr.
Lincolnton, NC 28092
Phone: 704-847-9788
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Columbia, MD
11055 Little Patuxent Pkwy Suite 204
Columbia, MD 21044
Phone: 410-730-2623
Fax: 410-992-4779
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Annapolis, MD
129 Lubrano Drive Suite 303
Annapolis, MD 21401
Phone: 410-266-7575
Fax: 410-266-7366
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Richmond, VA
1465 Johnston Willis Drive
Richmond, VA 23235
Phone: 804-320-3668
Fax: 844-468-5770
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Clarksville, MD
6100 Day Long Lane Suite 208
Clarksville, MD 21029
Phone: 443-535-8770
Fax: 443-535-8775
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Alpine Podiatry – Fort Mill
105 Ben Casey Drive, Suite 133
Fort Mill, SC 29708
Phone: (803) 396-8670
Fax: (803) 396-8657
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Huntersville, NC
16419 Northcross Dr Suite A
Huntersville, NC 28078
Phone: 704-987-9585
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Concord, NC
492 Copperfield Blvd NE
Concord, NC 28025
Phone: 704-788-9797
Fax: 704-788-6830
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University, NC
8310 Medical Plaza Drive Suite E
Charlotte, NC 28262
Phone: 704-548-0222
Fax: 704-548-1157
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Mountain Island, NC
10310 Couloak Drive Suite 200
Charlotte, NC 28216
Phone: 704-971-4000
Fax: 704-971-2379
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Silver Spring, MD (International Drive)
3801 International Drive Suite 204
Silver Spring, MD 20906
Phone: 301-598-0130
Fax: 301-598-5091