McArdle Chiropractic and Wellness, in Johnson, Rhode Island, is now offering Extracorporeal Pulse Activation Therapy (EPAT), that uses acoustic pressure wave technology to treat musculoskeletal pain. Known as “shockwave therapy”, it’s a fast, effective and non-invasive way to treat inflammatory conditions by stimulating metabolism, enhancing blood circulation and accelerating the healing process to help with patellar tendonitis, plantar fasciitis, hip and shoulder bursitis, golfer’s and tennis elbow along with chronic muscular trigger points.

This U.S. Food and Drug Administration-cleared method is gaining momentum in the athletic community as an effective alternative to surgery. Athletes are using it to treat tendonitis and bursitis-type injuries plus other musculoskeletal injuries. Research has shown that some injuries heal about 80 percent quicker and can sometimes yield results in as few as three sessions. Pain centers and podiatrist offices are seeing dramatic results through its use. 

Most conditions take about four to six, seven-to-10-minute sessions, on a weekly basis, to improve. Benefits include quicker and easier recovery with no anesthesia, less chance of infection, no side effects and greater affordability compared to surgery. Although insurance doesn’t cover this treatment, it’s usually reimbursed with HSA and FSA.