EPAT is an acronym for Extracorporeal Pulse Activation Technology (extracorporeal means “outside the body”). It is a highly effective, non-invasive, in-office procedure that addresses many different pain syndromes. To make it easier to understand we just call it shock wave therapy. Here is how this treatment came about. The machine was originally used to break up kidney stones. The extracorporeal refers to outside the body, in case you were wondering. The same company decided that the technology could be adapted for soft tissue injuries.
The Back Pain Project uses EPAT to break up scar tissue in chronically overworked muscles that help cause lower back pain. Muscles that are overworked start to change shape in the fascial plane which is nerve-rich. The more nerves there the greater the level of pain that occurs in the low back muscles. When there are changes to the fascia adhesions occur. Adhesions are like micro scar tissue. By using the shock wave or EPAT we can dissolve painful adhesions eliminating your back pain. When you have bad lower back pain consider the care you will receive at The Back Pain Project. Call us today at 203-656-3638 and get help with your lower back pain.
EPAT or shock wave therapy uses varying frequencies to produce sound waves that are applied to affected body parts. Typically muscles and ligaments, not bones. When a muscle is overworked the covering of the muscle called fascia becomes irritated. The fascia is a nerve dense area and will start to shrink and shrivel up when more and more physical stress is placed on it. This produces what we call adhesions. The smooth covering develops potholes for illustration purposes. Think of a nice smooth road and then think of a road full of potholes. Then when the surrounding area rubs against the potholes you get more potholes. I know this sounds crazy but if you can understand that analogy, you can understand adhesions. The shockwave breaks up the adhesions which are then reabsorbed by the body and replaced with smooth fascial covering as God intended, relieving you from pain and restriction. It may be easier to just come to try this out and see for yourself. Call us 203-656-3636
Benefits of EPAT Shockwave Therapy for low back pain
- Non-invasive
- No anesthesia
- No risk of infection
- No scarring
- No downtime
- Over 80% patient satisfaction
- Faster, easier healing process
EPAT can be helpful for treating the following areas;
- Foot and Ankle
- Neck
- Shoulder
- Back and Chest
- Upper Extremity
- Lower Extremity
- Myofascial Trigger Points
ESWT works by creating microtrauma in the tissues, which stimulates the body’s natural healing processes. Unlike focal ESWT, which uses a high-intensity acoustic wave that is focused on a specific area of the body, RP-ESWT uses a lower-intensity acoustic wave that is spread out over a wider area. The shockwaves are delivered using a handheld device that is moved back and forth over the skin, rather than being focused on a specific area.
The shockwaves are thought to cause the release of growth factors and other healing agents, which can help to promote tissue regeneration and repair. RP-ESWT also helps to increase blood flow to the affected area, which can help to reduce inflammation and promote healing. The extracorporeal pulse activation therapy called EPAT is a quick way to speed the healing process for a bad lower back. EPAT helps promote healing through a process called angiogenesis. This is where blood flow is increased bringing more nutrients to the inflamed muscle tissue. Shockwave Therapy can break down increased deposits of hyaluronan in the deep and superficial fascia. This is yet an added problem for dysfunctional tissue.
