At the dawn of this millennium, a new treatment came onto the scene aimed at helping people with musculoskeletal (MSK) pain. By applying shockwaves to injured soft tissues, researchers found that they could help ease discomfort and support healing.
Fast forward 25 years, and evidence has amassed to show the effectiveness of this treatment. In discussing shockwaves, a recent review of nearly 100 published scientific articles concluded, “There is solid evidence that supports their use to improve pain in many MSK pathologies.”
At Integrated Pain Solutions in Stamford, Connecticut, Dr. Halina Snowball utilizes a specialized form of shockwave therapy known as extracorporeal pulse activation technology (EPAT®). If you’ve been living with chronic pain, this could be the surgery-free solution you need.
With any kind of shockwave therapy, including EPAT, a specialized device rapidly sends sound waves through your skin into the affected soft tissue, creating the shockwaves that trigger a change in your treated tissue.
If Dr. Snowball uses EPAT to treat plantar fasciitis, for example, she applies the device to the bottom of your foot. This sends the shockwaves directly into the affected tissue.
Those shockwaves have multiple effects. Researchers think they work to soothe pain by:
Because it functions on a cellular level, EPAT can work for virtually any soft tissue where Dr. Snowball applies it. She uses this leading-edge treatment to help with everything from hip pain to plantar fasciitis.
EPAT is a completely noninvasive treatment. You won’t need any injections, incisions, or a topical anesthetic.
During treatment, Dr. Snowball moves the EPAT applicator in circular motions over the affected tissue. She might use a specialized gel to help the shockwaves move through your skin into the target area.
You may feel a pulsing sensation or some warmth as the EPAT applicator goes to work. The total treatment usually lasts about 10 minutes. That said, larger treatment areas might require more time. Dr. Snowball can let you know what to expect before she gets started.
For some patients, shockwave treatment delivers immediate relief. It can take up to four weeks for your body to fully incorporate treatment, though. Your pain should ease over time as the cellular changes triggered by EPAT take effect.
For optimal results, Dr. Snowball tailors a treatment regimen to you. Chronic pain usually needs at least three weekly EPAT sessions to improve.
If you’ve been looking for a noninvasive way to ease your pain, don’t hesitate to ask Dr. Snowball about EPAT. Call our team at 203-293-0549 to request an appointment or book one online today.
