Shockwave Therapy (EPAT/ESWT/EMTT)

Extracorporeal Pulse Activation Technology® (EPAT/ESWT) and Extracorporal Magnetotransduction Therapy (EMTT®) are noninvasive, outpatient procedures designed to relieve pain and promote healing.

At Bluestone Podiatry, dual board-certified podiatrist and foot and ankle surgeon Kurt Relation, DPM, uses EPAT®  as well as EMTT® to treat various foot and ankle problems, including plantar fasciitis, Achilles tendinitis, heel pain, posterior tibial and peroneal tendonitis, shin splints, neuromas, neuropathy pain, capsulitis, degenerative arthritis, chronic pain, ligament injuries as well as general foot and ankle pain.

Call Bluestone Podiatry today to schedule a shockwave therapy consultation, or book your visit online.

How does shockwave therapy work?

Shockwave therapy (EPAT®/ESWT®) is a noninvasive alternative to foot or ankle surgery. It uses high-intensity sound waves to target injured or inflamed tissue in the foot and ankle. That boosts circulation to the targeted area, reduces inflammation, and encourages new, healthy tissue to form.

What types of foot problems can shockwave therapy treat?

At Bluestone Podiatry, Dr. Relation uses shockwave therapy to treat various foot problems, including:

• Plantar fasciitis
• Achilles tendinitis
• Achilles tendinosis
• Ankle sprains
• Traumatic ligament, muscle, and tendon injuries
• Degenerative arthritis pain
• Shin splints

If you’re an athlete, shockwave therapy can help your body recover after a race or competition. Dr. Relation might recommend making it part of your recovery protocol. 

What happens during shockwave therapy?

At Bluestone Podiatry, shockwave therapy is an outpatient procedure typically lasting 15-20 minutes.

During treatment, you sit or lie on an exam table and remove your shoes and socks. Then, Dr. Relation runs a hand-held device that looks similar to an ultrasound wand over the affected areas of your foot, for example, the bottom of your heel. 

The wand emits regular bursts of low- or high-frequency shockwaves. These waves penetrate your skin into the underlying soft tissue and bone if necessary. That triggers your body’s healing process by increasing blood flow to the area, stimulating new tissue growth, and relieving pain.

How many shockwave therapy treatments will I need?

The number of shockwave therapy treatments you need depends on various factors, including the severity of your symptoms and the underlying cause. 

Dr. Relation typically recommends a minimum of three to four treatments spaced over three weeks. At that point, he reevaluates your injury and determines if you’d benefit from additional sessions. 

What is recovery like after shockwave therapy?

Shockwave therapy is safe and usually well-tolerated. It’s normal to experience mild soreness and rarely some bruising after a treatment session. Follow Dr. Relation’s recovery instructions carefully and reduce strenuous activity.

You should also avoid taking over-the-counter anti-inflammatory medication and icing as it can interfere with your body’s healing process. 

What are the benefits of shockwave therapy?

Shockwave therapy offers various benefits compared to more invasive procedures, including:

• Reduced pain and inflammation
• Increased circulation
• Improved mobility
• No incisions
• Quick recovery
• Little downtime

What are contraindications of shockwave therapy?

Patient's should not undergo shockwave treatment if they are pregnant, have active cancer in the involved area, or have a pacemaker or defibrillator.

What about EMTT, what is it?

Extracorporal Magnetotransduction Therapy (EMTT®) is a non-invasive, evidence-based procedure developed specifically for the treatment of degenerative joint disorders, acute and chronic pain, and sports injuries.

EMTT® opens up new possibilities in regeneration and rehabilitation. EMTT® uses high-energy magnetic pulses transmitted to the affected areas of the body. Due to the high oscillation frequency, EMTT® enables a high penetration depth and covers a large range of indications.

What are the benefits of EMTT?

• Evidence-based
  
• Non-invasive
  
• Wide range of applications
  
• Outpatient procedure
  
• No need to remove clothing
  
• No side effects
  
• Easy to use
  
• High level of patient comfort
• Excellent complement to EPAT®/ESWT®

How many EMTT sessions will I need?

Treatment sessions take approximately 15-20 minutes depending on the disorder to be treated. Generally, a total of 6-8 treatment sessions, 1-2 times per week are necessary.  If performed in conjunction with EPAT/ESWT, sometimes as few as 3-4 sessions will be performed.

How is the treatment performed?

EMTT® is a very comfortable outpatient procedure that can be performed right in your medical professional’s office. The handpiece is positioned over the area of pain while you remain fully clothed – direct skin contact is not necessary.  

Is EMTT Safe?

Yes. This FDA cleared technology was developed in Europe and is currently used around the globe. A wealth of medical experience, state-of-the-art engineering, and optimal quality have been built into each EMTT® device; and extensive clinical studies and tests have confirmed its safety and efficacy.

If performed by a qualified caregiver, Extracorporal Magnetotransduction Therapy (EMTT®) has virtually no risks or side effects.

Call us today to schedule a shockwave therapy consultation, or book your visit online.

Download EPAT® Patient Brochure

Click here to learn more about Shockwave Therapy