At Buffalo Chiropractic Clinic, we are dedicated to offering our patients the latest and most advanced evidence-based treatment options for the musculoskeletal system. As part of this dedication, we proudly offer Extracorporeal Pulse Activation Technology (EPAT), an advanced noninvasive treatment option for a broad range of orthopaedic injuries and conditions.

Treatment method from Storz Medical supported by CuraMedix to provide relief for patients who are suffering from acute or chronic pain, soft tissue injuries, or another type of injury or condition of the musculoskeletal system, such as plantar fasciitis.

What Is Extracorporeal Pulse Activation Technology?

EPAT commonly referred to as Extracorporeal Shock wave Therapy is a non-invasive modern and highly effective treatment method: high-energy sound waves are introduced into the painful areas of the body. Pressure wave technology accelerates the healing process in the body by stimulating the metabolism and enhancing blood circulation to regenerate damaged tissue. Strong energy pulses are applied to the affected area. These pulses occur for short periods of time, creating micro-cavitation bubbles that expand and burst. The force created by these bubbles penetrates tissue and stimulates cells in the body that are responsible for bone and connective tissue healing.

What Is an EPAT Treatment Session Like?

EPAT is a quick, in-office treatment. Its treatment sessions usually only take 10 – 20 minutes. However, the length can vary depending on what injury or condition of the musculoskeletal system is being treated.

During the treatment process, the doctor will mark your body over the primary problem areas. Then one of our trained EPAT technicians will apply coupling gel to the skin of the area being treated. After the gel is applied, a handheld applicator will be used to release EPAT pressure waves over the area while it is moved in a circular motion. The pulses will slowly increase until the desired level is reached. EPAT does not require anesthesia and is generally well-tolerated.

After the session, patients are able to bear weight immediately as well as return to their normal activities within 24 – 48 hours.

Patients will typically have three to five treatment sessions on a weekly basis, depending on their injury or condition. The beneficial effects of EPAT are often experienced after three treatments. However, it can vary between patients. Some patients may experience immediate pain relief while others may take up to four weeks to begin to feel relief.

Who is a candidate for EPAT?

Most people are good candidates for EPAT treatment however patients who are pregnant, have a pacemaker or current cancer are not suitable for treatment with EPAT Technology.

Your doctor will provide you with information about conditions you may have that would affect your ability to undergo treatment.

What Are the Benefits of EPAT?

An alternative to traditional treatment methods, such as surgery or harmful corticosteroid injections, EPAT improves the regenerative potential instead of further damaging an area that has degenerated due to poor blood flow, weakness, or a tissue or overuse injury. EPAT has a proven success rate that is equal to or greater than that of the traditional treatment methods, but it doesn’t have the risks, complications, or lengthy recovery times that are associated with those methods.

EPAT provides patients experiencing acute or chronic musculoskeletal pain with a multitude of benefits.

In addition to providing pain relief or pain reduction, EPAT does the following:

  • Accelerates the healing process
  • Improves blood flow and circulation
  • Restores mobility
  • Stimulates the metabolism

Treats the source of the pain or injury

What conditions respond well?

EPAT is designed for a wide range of pain management uses. Patients who are suffering from acute or chronic pain or one of the following injuries or conditions generally experience relief with EPAT:

  • Shoulder pain, e.g. shoulder calcifications
  • Tennis and golfer‘s elbow
  • Patellar tendonitis aka: jumper‘s knee
  • Shin pain / tibial stress syndrome
  • Achilles tendon pain
  • Heel pain
  • Chronic neck, shoulder and back pain
  • Muscle tension
  • Muscular nodules (trigger points)
  • Knee osteoarthritis
  • Hamstring issues
  • Overuse injuries

Over 80% of patients treated with EPAT report to be pain-free or have significant pain reduction.

For more information about EPAT or to schedule an appointment with Dr. Kuzma at (763)682-1471 or email us at info@buffchiro.com