Extracorporeal Pulse Activation Therapy (EPAT) is a non-invasive procedure that treats bone and soft tissue problems around your foot and ankle. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has proved the treatment to be safe and effective. EPAT therapy Cordova can treat various foot, and ankle conditions, including tendon issues, plantar fasciitis, and incorrectly healed fractured bones. Your doctor can recommend the treatment if other options like rest, ice therapy, and elevation do not improve your foot and ankle pain. EPAT is a pain-free procedure with no downtime.
When should you consider EPAT therapy?
Your specialist can recommend EPAT therapy to treat plantar fasciitis, Achilles tendonitis, posterior tibial tendonitis, plantar plate injuries, and interdigital neuromas. Avoid the treatment if you have venous thrombosis or malignancy. The treatment is also not safe if you are taking blood thinners. Also, doctors have never tested EPAT on pregnant women, so it is best to avoid the treatment if you are expectant.
What happens during EPAT therapy?
EPAT therapy does not require anesthesia. The treatment involves your doctor applying a gel on the affected region and running a handheld device across the area to send sound waves pulses. The doctor gradually increases the strength of the pulses to a therapeutic level. The pulses cause controlled injury in the affected soft tissue or bone, improving blood circulation and stimulating your body’s healing reaction. EPAT stimulates the body’s natural response and encourages the formation of new blood vessels, allowing cells to migrate to the injured area. The entire procedure takes about fifteen minutes. Your doctor may require a treatment session once weekly for three weeks for effective results.
What are the potential side effects or complications of EPAT treatment?
Although rare, you may experience mild discomfort, redness, or bruising around the treated region after EPAT. Some patients also have increased foot or ankle sensitivity. But these effects fade within a few days. EPAT is a non-invasive treatment, so there are no complications.
How long will it take to see the results of EPAT therapy?
The healing period after EPAT therapy varies depending on the type of condition and the severity of the symptoms. Most patients feel better within a month, and full results may take three months as new tissue is created. Some patients get immediate relief with one treatment session. If your symptoms improve after three sessions but still have pain, your doctor may recommend two more treatments. Studies show that about ninety percent of EPAT procedures successfully treat plantar fasciitis and other foot and ankle tendon issues.
What are the benefits of EPAT treatment?
EPAT is a non-surgical treatment, so no anesthesia is needed. The treatment has no risk of infection or scarring, and no recovery period is required. Since EPAT is non-invasive, healing is faster and easier. Studies show that over eighty percent of treated patients get satisfactory results.
EPAT therapy is a non-invasive procedure that treats foot and ankle conditions. It involves sending sound waves pulses to the injured to improve blood circulation and stimulate your body’s natural healing. Schedule an appointment at Mid-South Foot & Ankle Specialists for EPAT therapy to alleviate your foot and ankle pain.