Plantar fasciitis is a common and often debilitating condition that affects a significant portion of the population, particularly those who are active or overweight. This condition involves inflammation of the plantar fascia, a thick band of tissue that runs along the bottom of the foot, leading to severe heel pain that can impair daily activities. Various treatments have been developed to address plantar fasciitis, ranging from conservative approaches like physical therapy to more invasive procedures like surgery. Among these, Extracorporeal Pulse Activation Technology (EPAT) has emerged as a non-invasive alternative in podiatry that leverages shockwave technology to promote healing and reduce pain. We’ll explore EPAT for plantar fasciitis reviews, compare it with traditional treatment options, and introduce an advanced shockwave therapy alternative.
- What Is EPAT Therapy? How It Works and Indications
- Comparing EPAT Therapy to Traditional Treatments for Plantar Fasciitis
- Alternative Shockwave Therapies: Introducing SoftWave Therapy
- Choosing the Best Shockwave Therapy for Your Patients: EPAT vs. SoftWave
- Conclusion: Exploring SoftWave Therapy as the Next Step in Advanced Care
What Is EPAT Therapy? How It Works and Indications
EPAT is a form of low-energy radial-focused shockwave therapy designed to treat chronic musculoskeletal conditions, including plantar fasciitis, by delivering acoustic pressure waves to the affected area. These shockwaves are generated outside the body and transmitted through the skin to target the plantar fascia. The therapy is intended to stimulate the body’s natural healing processes, increase blood circulation, and reduce inflammation, ultimately alleviating pain.
The mechanism of EPAT therapy involves transforming kinetic energy into radial shockwaves, which penetrate the soft tissue and promote tissue regeneration. This method is particularly effective for patients with chronic plantar fasciitis who have not responded to conventional treatments. EPAT for plantar fasciitis reviews and studies found that EPAT was able to reduce pain more significantly than corticosteroid injections, as measured by the Visual Analog Scale (VAS) (Grady et al., 2017). The study concluded that EPAT therapy could be considered as effective, if not more so, than traditional injection therapies for recalcitrant plantar fasciitis.
Comparing EPAT Therapy to Traditional Treatments for Plantar Fasciitis
Physical Therapy
Physical therapy is a fundamental approach to treating plantar fasciitis, focusing primarily on stretching exercises for the plantar fascia and Achilles tendon. Regular stretching, particularly when combined with foam rolling, has been shown to significantly reduce discomfort and improve range of motion, especially when performed before the first steps of the day (Yadav et al., 2022). While effective, physical therapy requires consistent effort and time, and results can vary depending on patient compliance and the severity of the condition.
Orthotics
Orthotics, both prefabricated and custom-fitted, are widely used in managing plantar fasciitis. These devices help reduce pain by redistributing pressure away from the plantar fascia, improving function during daily activities. Studies have shown that prefabricated orthotics can be as effective as custom versions, providing a cost-effective solution for many patients (Lewis et al., 2015). Orthotics are generally well-tolerated and can be combined with other treatments, such as NSAIDs and stretching, for short-term pain relief.
Corticosteroid Injections
Corticosteroid injections are frequently employed for quick pain relief in plantar fasciitis patients who do not respond to conservative measures. These injections reduce inflammation and provide short-term relief; however, they carry risks such as potential plantar fascia rupture and fat pad atrophy (Grady et al., 2017). Although effective for immediate symptom management, the benefits of corticosteroid injections are typically temporary, and repeated use is not recommended due to the associated risks.
Surgery
Surgical intervention, including procedures like open and endoscopic plantar fasciotomy, gastrocnemius release, radiofrequency microtenotomy, and dry needling, is generally considered for plantar fasciitis cases that do not respond to non-operative treatments. According to a systematic review and network meta-analysis by Nayar et al. (2023), these surgical options have been shown to provide significant short- to medium-term symptomatic relief, with improvements in VAS and AOFAS scores and no major complications observed across various treatment modalities. However, surgery is typically reserved as a last resort due to its invasive nature, potential complications, and the need for postoperative rehabilitation.
Alternative Shockwave Therapies: Introducing SoftWave Therapy
While EPAT therapy has proven effective for many patients, advancements in shockwave technology have led to the development of alternative treatments that may offer even greater benefits. SoftWave therapy, a cutting-edge alternative to EPAT, utilizes advanced electrohydraulic shockwave technology to deliver broad-focused, low-intensity parallel shockwaves across a broader treatment area. The SoftWave TRT patented design features a parabolic reflector applicator, which enables the distribution of energy over a large area of both superficial and deep tissue, ensuring comprehensive coverage of the affected region. This technology is particularly advantageous in treating plantar fasciitis, where diffuse pain may extend beyond a single focal point.
SoftWave therapy, specifically with the OrthoGold device, offers several clinical advantages:
- OrthoGold device: Designed to optimize patient outcomes by modulating inflammation, increasing blood flow, promoting angiogenesis, and stimulating the release of growth factors. The result is enhanced tissue regeneration and a reduction in both acute and chronic pain.
- Wide and deep tissue coverage: The 7cm x 12cm treatment area allows for more extensive treatment, addressing both the plantar fascia and adjacent tissues.
- Non-invasive and well-tolerated: SoftWave therapy is non-analgesic and does not require sedation, making it suitable for a broad patient population.
- Short treatment times and quick recovery: Average treatment sessions last less than 10 minutes, with minimal downtime, enabling clinicians to treat more patients efficiently.
- High patient satisfaction and safety profile: The therapy is associated with high levels of patient comfort and satisfaction, with minimal adverse effects.
Read more SoftWave resources and studies
Choosing the Best Shockwave Therapy for Your Patients: EPAT vs. SoftWave
When deciding between EPAT and SoftWave therapy for treating plantar fasciitis, clinicians must consider several factors, including treatment coverage, patient comfort, and the potential for enhanced clinical outcomes. The table below provides a direct comparison of the two therapies:
| Criteria | EPAT Therapy | SoftWave Therapy (OrthoGold) |
| Shockwave Type | Radial-focused | Electrohydraulic, broad-focused, parallel |
| Tissue Coverage | Limited, focal | Extensive, 7cm x 12cm |
| Treatment Time | Moderate (10-15 minutes). | Short (5-15 minutes) |
| Patient Comfort | Moderate discomfort during treatment | High comfort, non-analgesic |
| Recovery Time | Quick | Very quick, minimal downtime |
| Indications | Effective for localized plantar fasciitis | Effective for both localized and diffuse plantar fasciitis |
| Cost-Effectiveness | Lower upfront cost, but less comprehensive | Higher initial investment, better long-term ROI |
SoftWave therapy, with its broader treatment coverage and advanced technology, presents a compelling case for clinics seeking to enhance their therapeutic offerings. The investment in SoftWave devices, such as the OrthoGold, can yield significant returns through increased patient throughput, higher treatment efficacy, and enhanced patient satisfaction.
Clinics can benefit from the versatility of SoftWave technology, which is applicable to a wide range of musculoskeletal conditions beyond plantar fasciitis.
Exploring SoftWave Therapy as the Next Step in Advanced Care
Both EPAT and SoftWave therapies offer effective solutions for managing plantar fasciitis, yet the advanced capabilities of SoftWave devices may provide additional clinical advantages. The comprehensive tissue coverage, non-invasive nature, and quick recovery times associated with SoftWave therapy make it a superior choice for clinicians aiming to deliver cutting-edge care.
Clinicians are encouraged to explore SoftWave therapy devices, such as the OrthoGold, as a next-generation treatment option. Integrating SoftWave therapy into your practice offers patients a scientifically backed, highly effective treatment for plantar fasciitis and other musculoskeletal conditions.
Contact us today and become a SoftWave provider. Talk to us to learn how they can be integrated into your clinical practice and explore the potential to enhance patient outcomes through advanced shockwave technology.
