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

  1. Silver Spring, MD (Fenton)
    8630 Fenton Street Suite 324
    Silver Spring, MD 20910
    Phone: 301-587-5666
    Fax: 301-589-4479

  2. Washington, DC (1775 K Street)
    1775 K Street NW Suite 580
    Washington, DC 20006
    Phone: 202-331-9727
    Fax: 202-887-0741

  3. Frederick, MD (Thomas Johnson Drive)
    63 Thomas Johnson Dr Suite C
    Frederick, MD 21702
    Phone: 301-696-0818
    Fax: 301-696-8872

  4. Washington, DC (19th Street)
    1145 19th Street NW Suite 605
    Washington, DC 20036
    Phone: 202-833-9109
    Fax: 202-833-5762

  5. Palmetto Podiatry Group of Anderson
    2126B N Hwy 81
    Anderson, SC 29621
    Phone: (864) 231-6395
    Fax: (864) 231-6520

  6. Raleigh, NC (Wake Forest Rd)
    3801 Wake Forest Rd Suite 100
    Raleigh, NC 27609
    Phone: 919-850-9111
    Fax: 919-850-2499

  7. Holly Springs, NC
    1004 Werrington Drive, Ste. 300
    Holly Springs, NC 27540
    Phone: 919-850-9111
    Fax: 919-850-2499

  8. Charlottesville, VA (Rio East Ct)
    887 Rio East Ct. Suite A
    Charlottesville, VA 22901
    Phone: 434-979-8116
    Fax: 434-979-8880

  9. Fishersville, VA
    66 Parkway Lane Suite 102
    Fishersville, VA 22939
    Phone: 540-949-5150
    Fax: 540-932-8535

  10. Reston, VA (Hospital Campus)
    1860 Town Center Drive Suite 220
    Reston, VA 20190
    Phone: 703-391-0211
    Fax: 703-880-1192

  11. Alpine Podiatry – Rock Hill
    430 S. Herlong Avenue, Suite 105
    Rock Hill, SC 29732
    Phone: (803) 327-2217
    Fax: (803) 327-2272

  12. Cary, NC
    103 Parkway Office Court Suite 100
    Cary, NC 27518
    Phone: 919-481-3338
    Fax: 919-467-2436

  13. Dunn, NC
    700 Tilghman Drive Suite 722
    Dunn, NC 28334
    Phone: 910-892-3338
    Fax: 910-892-2706

  14. Kensington, MD
    10901 Connecticut Avenue Suite 200
    Kensington, MD 20895
    Phone: 301-949-2000
    Fax: 301-949-2002

  15. Chevy Chase, MD
    5530 Wisconsin Avenue Suite 945
    Chevy Chase, MD 20815
    Phone: 301-913-5225
    Fax: 301-913-9145

  16. Apex, NC
    1001 Pemberton Hill Road Suite 102
    Apex, NC 27502
    Phone: 919-363-3310
    Fax: 919-363-3370

  17. McLean, VA
    1313 Dolley Madison Blvd., Suite 403
    McLean, VA 22101
    Phone: (703) 556-8637
    Fax: (866) 453-6775

  18. Greencastle, PA
    50 Eastern Ave Suite 122
    Greencastle, PA 17225
    Phone: 717-643-0795
    Fax: 717-643-0833

  19. Hagerstown, MD
    11110 Medical Campus Road Suite 100
    Hagerstown, MD 21742
    Phone: 301-739-1575
    Fax: 301-739-1578

  20. Gettysburg, PA
    506 W. Middle Street
    Gettysburg, PA 17325
    Phone: 717-778-3338
    Fax: 717-778-3340

  21. Wake Foot & Ankle – Wake Forest
    833C Wake Forest Business Park
    Wake Forest, NC 27587
    Phone: 919-230-7233

  22. Matthews, NC
    534 West John St. Suite 100
    Matthews, NC 28105
    Phone: 704-847-9788

  23. Waxhaw, NC
    323 N. Broome St.
    Waxhaw, NC 28173
    Phone: 704-847-9788

  24. Lincolnton, NC
    626 Clark Dr.
    Lincolnton, NC 28092
    Phone: 704-847-9788

  25. Columbia, MD
    11055 Little Patuxent Pkwy Suite 204
    Columbia, MD 21044
    Phone: 410-730-2623
    Fax: 410-992-4779

  26. Annapolis, MD
    129 Lubrano Drive Suite 303
    Annapolis, MD 21401
    Phone: 410-266-7575
    Fax: 410-266-7366

  27. Richmond, VA
    1465 Johnston Willis Drive
    Richmond, VA 23235
    Phone: 804-320-3668
    Fax: 844-468-5770

  28. Clarksville, MD
    6100 Day Long Lane Suite 208
    Clarksville, MD 21029
    Phone: 443-535-8770
    Fax: 443-535-8775

  29. Alpine Podiatry – Fort Mill
    105 Ben Casey Drive, Suite 133
    Fort Mill, SC 29708
    Phone: (803) 396-8670
    Fax: (803) 396-8657

  30. Huntersville, NC
    16419 Northcross Dr Suite A
    Huntersville, NC 28078
    Phone: 704-987-9585

  31. Concord, NC
    492 Copperfield Blvd NE
    Concord, NC 28025
    Phone: 704-788-9797
    Fax: 704-788-6830

  32. University, NC
    8310 Medical Plaza Drive Suite E
    Charlotte, NC 28262
    Phone: 704-548-0222
    Fax: 704-548-1157

  33. Mountain Island, NC
    10310 Couloak Drive Suite 200
    Charlotte, NC 28216
    Phone: 704-971-4000
    Fax: 704-971-2379

  34. Silver Spring, MD (International Drive)
    3801 International Drive Suite 204
    Silver Spring, MD 20906
    Phone: 301-598-0130
    Fax: 301-598-5091