Dr. Wendell Perry, Medical Director of NuPhase Health Solutions, has seen impressive results for his patients after using the innovative technology of Extracorporeal Pulse Activation Technology (EPAT) to treat both chronic and acute musculoskeletal pain. One particularly nagging and lingering condition that has responded very well to EPAT is plantar fasciitis.
EPAT was originally developed to disintegrate kidney stones four decades ago. Since then, there has been remarkable progress in the understanding of its biological and therapeutic effects.
Its mechanism of action is based on acoustic mechanical waves that act at the molecular, cellular, and tissue levels to generate a biological response. Increasing evidence suggests that EPAT is safe and effective for treating several musculoskeletal disorders.
Some physicians have now awakened to the possibilities that this innovative technology can have for patients who suffer from painful musculoskeletal disorders such as plantar fasciitis. Dr. Perry has also had particularly good results in using EPAT to treat plantar fasciitis.
Plantar fasciitis is a very uncomfortable and persistent degenerative musculoskeletal disorder. “It’s a very painful and common condition that affects the heel, and sometimes the instep – often noticed while walking, running or with that first step right after getting up in the morning,” said Perry. “The pain is caused by inflammation resulting from micro-tears in the plantar fascia.”
People with tight Achilles tendons and calf muscles are especially susceptible, as are those with a hyper-pronated foot. Prolonged walking on a hard surface or injuries such as jumping down from a few feet and landing on a hard surface can provoke symptoms.
Standard treatments in the past have included calf stretches, massage, anti-inflammatory drugs, heel inserts, and cold applications. These modalities have been notably inconsistent in producing pain relief. More invasive treatments have included steroid injections and surgery.
“EPAT therapy is proven to relieve this condition without surgery, anti-inflammatory medications, or steroid injections,” Dr. Perry said.
Several studies, with a high level of evidence, have favorably compared the efficacy of EPAT with surgery for plantar fasciitis patients. These studies support the use of shockwave treatment because of its effectiveness and because patients can quickly resume full activities and athletes can continue sports participation with minimal interruption.
Since 2010, the American College of Foot and Ankle Surgeons has recommended EPAT as a treatment of choice for plantar fasciitis when nonoperative treatment has failed. The treatment involves application of a probe to the plantar surface of the foot so that the generated acoustic waves penetrate into the deeper tissue of the foot to produce a physical and biochemical effect which increases circulation, facilitates growth factors and promotes tissue turnover. Most patients tolerate the treatment quite well, and notice results after only a few treatments.
“Our results at NuPhase are consistent with the encouraging outcomes reported in the studies. Podiatrists who use the EPAT technology tell me it’s the most effective tool in their arsenal when treating plantar fasciitis,” Dr. Perry said.
For more information, please visit www.NuPhase.com or call for a free consultation at 620-231-6688. NuPhase Health Solutions is located at 2420 Vista Way, Oceanside.
Top: Extracorporeal Pulse Activation Therapy (EPAT) is proven to relieve plantar fasciitis n without surgery, anti-inflammatory medications, or steroid injections. Courtesy photo
