Extracorporeal Pulse Activation Technology (EPAT) is a prominent form of shockwave therapy that leverages radial waves for therapeutic purposes. This non-invasive treatment modality promotes blood circulation and accelerates healing processes. However, like all medical interventions, EPAT therapy comes with its share of side effects and contraindications. This blog aims to shed light on these aspects, while also introducing SoftWave Therapy as a viable alternative with notable advantages.
- Understanding EPAT Therapy
- Common Side Effects of EPAT Therapy
- Contraindications of EPAT Therapy
- Comparing EPAT with SoftWave Therapy (Li-ESWT)
- Benefits of SoftWave Therapy for Clinicians and Patients
- Become a SoftWave Provider Today!
Understanding EPAT Therapy
EPAT therapy utilizes acoustic pneumatic pulses, delivering them into the affected areas to stimulate of microcirculation and modulates pain. This technique is differentiated from other shockwave therapies through its utilization of a pneumatic system where compressed air accelerates a projectile. This acceleration is followed by a sudden deceleration by a transmitter applied directly to the treatment area. The resultant kinetic energy is then transferred to the tissue, dispersing aspherical radial waves outward. The area in direct contact with the transmitter experiences the highest pressure and energy density, making it particularly effective for treating superficial musculoskeletal conditions. The efficacy of EPAT therapy is primarily noted in the management of conditions such as plantar fasciitis, Achilles tendinopathy, lateral epicondylitis (tennis elbow), shoulder tendinitis, patellar tendinopathy (jumper’s knee), and myofascial trigger points associated with chronic muscular pain. However, it’s important to note that the intensity of the pressure waves diminishes with deeper tissue penetration.
Despite its benefits, EPAT may need numbing creams during the treatment, contrasting with SoftWave Therapy’s non-invasive approach that typically foregoes anesthesia and achieves deeper tissue penetration.
Common Side Effects of EPAT Therapy
EPAT therapy’s side effects largely stem from its use of radial shockwaves, which are not true shockwaves but pneumatically generated pressure waves. These side effects can include:
- Pain and discomfort during and after treatment
- Hematomas or bruising in the treated area
- Swelling and redness
- Temporary numbness
The occurrence of these side effects is attributed to the mechanical stress exerted by the pressure waves on tissues. Practitioners ned to carefully tune down the intensity of radial pressure and consider the risk-benefit ratio of EPAT therapy for each patient.
Contraindications of EPAT Therapy
EPAT therapy is not suitable for all patients, with contraindications including:
- Pregnancy
- Use of anticoagulant drugs
- Use over malignancies
- Pacemaker
- Bleeding disorders
- Epilepsy
The medical rationale for these contraindications lies in the potential for EPAT to exacerbate existing conditions or to pose risks to vulnerable patients.
Comparing EPAT with SoftWave Therapy (Li-ESWT)
SoftWave Therapy, stands out as a non-invasive and more efficacious alternative to EPAT, particularly due to its utilization of low-intensity unfocused shockwave technology. This advanced approach enables a broader and deeper therapeutic impact, a notable advantage facilitated by its patented parabolic reflector applicator, which ensures a consistent treatment area of 7cm x 12cm. This technology has received FDA 510(k) clearance for activation of connective tissue, treatment of chronic diabetic foot ulcers, management of acute second-degree burns, pain reduction, and enhancement of blood supply along with other indications. These clearances reflect the therapy’s versatility and efficacy across a range of conditions, further underscoring its superior therapeutic value over traditional EPAT methods.
The device’s patented technology not only enables a greater biological response, including angiogenesis and the modulation of inflammation but also stimulates and recruits mesenchymal stem cells, enhancing tissue repair, remodeling, and healing. It ensures that patients receive more effective and tolerable treatments, necessitating shorter treatment durations while also enhancing clinic profitability through improved patient outcomes and reduced need for repeat sessions.
Benefits of SoftWave Therapy for Clinicians and Patients
SoftWave Therapy presents a suite of benefits that streamline treatment processes for clinicians while significantly enhancing patient experiences. Key highlights include:
- Enhanced Patient Comfort: Non-invasive and pain-free treatments improve patient compliance and satisfaction.
- Quicker Recovery: Accelerated healing processes lead to shorter recovery times.
- Efficient Treatments: A larger treatment area reduces the need for multiple sessions, optimizing treatment efficiency.
- Operational Efficiency: Fewer sessions and high patient satisfaction contribute to greater clinic productivity and profitability.
These advantages make SoftWave Therapy a compelling choice for medical professionals looking to incorporate cutting-edge, patient-centered treatments into their practice.
Become a SoftWave Provider Today!
As healthcare professionals continuously seek to improve patient care, the choice of treatment modalities becomes crucial. EPAT therapy, with its specific applications for musculoskeletal conditions, has its place but requires a discerning approach due to potential side effects and contraindications. Here, SoftWave Therapy emerges as a distinguished option, offering a blend of safety, comfort, and effectiveness for both acute and chronic conditions without the drawbacks associated with EPAT.
SoftWave therapy not only promises to enhance the spectrum of care but also to refine patient outcomes through a state-of-the-art, non-invasive method. SoftWave Therapy stands out by addressing the limitations of traditional treatments and paving the way for more efficient patient management and satisfaction.