Introducing Shockwave Therapy!

Extracorporeal Pulse Activation Technology (EPAT), also known as Shockwave therapy, is the most advanced and highly effective non-invasive treatment method cleared by the FDA. This proprietary technology is based on a unique set of pressure waves that stimulate the metabolism, enhance blood circulation, and accelerate the healing process. 

Shock waves have been used with high intensity in medicine since the 1980s and are the “gold standard” for breaking up kidney stones. 

Technology has expanded and unique, lower intensity acoustic pressure waves (EPAT) are now being used in areas of orthopedics, traumatology, rheumatology, pain management, and rehabilitation with great success. 

The shockwave therapy available in our office is the most advanced non-invasive technology, and uses energy based on unique sets of acoustic pressure waves. 

The pressure waves improve the regenerative potential of the body, creating an environment in which tissues can heal. EPAT treatment stimulates a cellular expression and improves blood and lymph circulation that accelerates the healing response and tissue regeneration. 

In addition, increased blood flow and lymph circulation may also stimulate collagen production and fibrotic tissue in the treatment regions. 

Areas that have degenerated and are being further damaged because of poor blood flow, tissue injury, overuse, or weakness respond to Shockwave therapy in the following ways:

The type and frequency of pressure waves used in each of your sessions is uniquely tailored to you.

Shockwave therapy is delivered in a series of 6 treatment sessions, one week apart.

One of the things we love about Shockwave is that it addresses quickly and directly the spot that you are most guarded around or thickly stuck around. 

A whole body perspective is vital to long term healing. This requires a 3 part approach that includes therapist treatment sessions, Shockwave, and an at home treatment practice. 

MFR therapist sessions and at home treatment sessions are excellent at addressing the entirety of the body. They help resolve the overall troubles, distortions, and dysfunctions in your myofascial “suit” that have led to your trouble. 

Shockwave is excellent at addressing spot specific pain and stuckness that can keep the body from being able to soften and allow this whole body treatment. 

All 3 aspects are essential. 

Said differently, Shockwave therapy is the fastest way out of any given pain. Therapist sessions and at home practice resolve the cause and source and then help keep you out of pain.

Not all Shockwave treatments and therapists are created equal, and we can only speak to the service you will receive in this office. 

The intensity of treatment MUST NOT exceed your comfort limits. Otherwise, your body, muscles, and fascia may tense up in a protective response. In other words, there should be no pain with Shockwave therapy. 

That being said, you may experience discomfort in the treated area during and after your treatment. It is important to communicate this to your therapist. 

Some patients report immediate pain relief after the treatment, although it can take up to four weeks for pain relief to begin. The procedure creates an environment in which damaged tissue can begin to heal. This process can be speeded up when Shockwave therapy is combined with therapist treatment sessions and an at home myofascial practice. 

Over 80% of patients treated report to be pain free and/or have significant pain reduction.

Shockwave therapy is considered safe and it’s non-invasive. However, like any procedure, there may be potential risks and side effects in certain situations. Before we let you come in, you need to complete a call with our client success specialist. They will ask you all the pertinent questions so that you can be sure the treatment is right for you.

Patients with any of the following should not receive Shockwave therapy:

In addition, use of any NSAIDs should be discontinued before beginning a treatment series and for 4-6 weeks post treatment.

The non-invasive EPAT treatment has virtually no risks or side effects. In some cases, patients may experience some minor discomfort which may continue for a few days. Any swelling, reddening, discomfort from the treatment, petechia, or skin lesions (in the case of previous cortisone injections) usually subside within 5-10 days. These will need to resolve prior to your next treatment session.

It is also normal to have some residual pain after intense exercise or a full day of work. You should not participate in any stressful activity involving the affected area for 4 weeks after treatment. 

Ultrasound gel is applied to the area to be treated, and a therapist uses a handheld device to deliver pressure waves deep into the affected area. 

Each treatment is about 15-20 minutes (plan 30 minutes to allow for setup and assessment). And clients can weight bear (walk) immediately after, and return to work and normal activities within 24-48 hours. 

Yes, when used in the right circumstances. This is why it is important to talk with a myofascial specialist to determine if this therapy is right for you.