What is EPAT®?

EPAT® stands for Extracorporeal Pulse Activation Treatment. EPAT® is an FDA approved technology proven to increase the rate of healing for soft tissue injuries and for the relief of painful conditions of the foot and ankle, specifically; plantar fasciitis and Achilles tendonitis. It is the most advanced non-invasive and highly effective treatment method that enhances blood circulation, accelerates the healing process causing damaged tissue to gradually regenerate and heal.

What conditions can be treated with EPAT®?

• Plantar Fasciitis
• Achilles Tendonitis
• Insertional Achilles Tendonitis
• Achilles Tendonosis
• Tendonosis of the Foot and Ankle
• Chronic Heel Pain
• Acute and Chronic Muscle Pain

How does EPAT® work?

EPAT® stands for extracorporeal pulse activation treatment. It has been developed in Europe by the Storz Medical and represented in the USA by CuraMedix. EPAT® is an FDA approved treatment modality that delivers non-invasive low frequency (8-12 Hz) acoustic sound waves into an injured or painful area. The sound waves act as pressure, and penetrate deep through your soft tissue. The energy emitted causes the cells in the soft tissue to release certain biochemicals that intensify the body's natural healing process. These biochemicals allow for the building of an array of new microscopic blood vessels in the soft tissue. Overall, EPAT® increases the nutrient flow to the chronically injured tissue. This treatment is highly effective for conditions such as Achilles tendonitis, Plantar Fasciitis, Posterior Tibial Tendonitis, and other tendon and soft tissue disorders in the foot.

What do studies show?

EPAT® studies show that, with EPAT® treatments you will be able to continue normal activities during treatment. Secondly, there is no down time associated with the treatment. More than 80% of patients who have failed to respond to any other treatment are relieved of their pain after being treated with EPAT®. EPAT® therapy studies have seen resounding success in EPAT® effectiveness to cure soft tissue problems (Saxena 2011; Gerdesmeyer, L. 2008; Ibrahim, I. M. in press; Rompe, J.D. 2009; Rompe, J. D. 2008; Rompe, J. D. 2007; Rompe, J. D. 2009; Rompe, J. D. 2009; Furia, J. P. 2009). These studies, with high standards of wellness and success rates, show between 75% - 95% success with EPAT®.

How is EPAT® performed?

EPAT® is a small machine with a trigger end that looks like an ultrasound. It is administered once a week for a series of 3 to 6 treatments a week apart. Each treatment takes approximately 10 to 15 minutes depending on the size and number of areas treated.

All treatments are performed by Dr. Bakatsas. The doctor applies a coupling-gel to the affected area and administers the pressure waves via the applicator by moving over the affected area in a circular motion. During the treatment there may be some minor discomfort and pain. Painful areas are helpful in isolating the truly injured areas.

Why consider Non-Invasive EPAT®?

Epat® has a proven success rate that is equal to or greater than that of traditional treatment methods, including surgery, without the risks, complications, and lengthy recovery periods. There are no incisions and no risk of infection, or scar tissue, like surgery. There is no need for anesthesia to be administered during the treatment. Patients treated with EPAT® may bear weight on the foot immediately and resume normal activities within a few days. Many patients find a significant and immediate reduction in their pain. For some patients the pain relief may take up to 4 weeks to begin. Patients are followed up at after completing the treatments.

What are the possible side effects?

There have been very few side effects reported. In rare cases, skin bruising may occur, and patients may feel soreness to the area for a day or two afterwards, similar to a strenuous workout.

What are the contraindications of EPAT® treatment?

Patients who choose EPAT® treatment should not take NSAIDs (including ibuprofen, Motrin, Advil, Naproxen, Aleve, and Aspirin) for two weeks prior to and one month after the administration of EPAT®, as they interfere with the hormones that regenerate your cells.

EPAT® treatment is contraindicated in the following cases:

• Pregnancy
• History of deep venous thrombosis (DVT)
• History of malignancy
• Currently using blood thinners

Pregnant women should wait approximately 4 months after pregnancy to receive EPAT® treatment.

How to set up an appointment?

Please call the office to set up an initial consultation. It is during this visit that Dr. Bakatsas will determine the nature of your condition through a proper history and physical exam. Tests such as an X-ray and MRI may be ordered if necessary. If you have already been evaluated or treated by another doctor please bring a copy of any MRIs, CT scans or X-ray reports and films, and a summary of any previous treatments.

Is EPAT® covered by insurance?

EPAT® IS NOT CURRENTLY COVERED BY INSURANCE.

The initial consultation and exam may be covered by your primary insurance or Medicare. We participate in-network with a variety of the major private insurance companies. EPAT® may be covered by a Flexible Spending Account( FSA), or Health Savings Account.