EPAT Therapy

If you have chronic foot or ankle pain, EPAT therapy can relieve uncomfortable symptoms, enhance mobility, and improve your quality of life. At Mid-South Foot & Ankle Specialists, with offices in Atoka, Cordova, and East Memphis, Tennessee, the highly skilled podiatrists use EPAT therapy to treat various problems, including plantar fasciitis, Achilles tendonitis, and peroneal tendon injuries. Call the nearest office today to learn more about EPAT therapy, or book online.

What is EPAT therapy?

EPAT stands for extracorporeal pulse activation technology.

EPAT therapy is a form of extracorporeal shockwave therapy (ESWT). It uses a handheld device that emits high-frequency soundwaves to increase blood flow to foot and ankle injuries, reducing inflammation and speeding up your body’s natural healing process.

What types of foot and ankle problems may benefit from EPAT therapy?

At Mid-South Foot & Ankle Specialists, the podiatrists use EPAT therapy to treat various foot and ankle problems, including:

• Plantar fasciitis
• Achilles tendonitis
• Posterior tibial tendonitis
• Anterior tibial tendonitis
• Plantar plate injuries
• Peroneal tendonitis
• Interdigital neuromas

You might also benefit from treatment if you run or play sports and tear one or more of the tendons in your feet or ankles.

Who can benefit from EPAT therapy?

Schedule an EPAT therapy consultation at Mid-South Foot & Ankle Specialists if you have foot or ankle pain that doesn’t improve with at-home treatments, like ice, rest, and elevation. That’s especially true if that pain affects your mobility or keeps you from activities like work.

What does EPAT therapy involve?

EPAT therapy is an outpatient procedure that takes between 10-15 minutes.

At the beginning of treatment, you remove your shoes and socks and lie face down on an exam table. Once you’re in position, your provider runs a handheld device across your heels and the soles of your feet. The device emits high-frequency sound waves that penetrate your skin, making contact with the soft tissues beneath. 

The soundwaves increase blood flow to the area, break up calcified tissue, and promote the natural healing process. Treatment is pain-free, so it doesn’t require any downtime or anesthesia.

How long does it take for EPAT therapy to work?

The time it takes for EPAT therapy to work depends on the injury treated and the severity of your symptoms. Some people experience immediate relief,* but it typically takes a series of treatments to achieve lasting results.

Mid-South Foot & Ankle Specialists often recommends starting with a series of three to five treatments each week. At each subsequent checkup, your provider monitors your progress and makes adjustments as necessary.

Is EPAT therapy safe?

EPAT therapy is safe and typically well-tolerated. It’s entirely noninvasive and pain-free. Some people experience increased heel or foot sensitivity for a day or two, but these symptoms should resolve quickly.

Call the nearest Mid-South Foot & Ankle Specialists office to explore the benefits of EPAT therapy today, or book online.