Extracorporeal Pulse Activation Technology (EPAT), or Shockwave Therapy, is a non-invasive technology that uses acoustic pressure waves to elicit a healing response in the body for faster recovery.

The technology dates back to the 1940s, but its first clinical application on humans occurred in the 1980s when it was used to break down kidney stones. Shockwave Therapy was approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration in 2000 for treating plantar fasciitis and was soon approved for other musculoskeletal conditions. The modality, which is available at the McArdle Chiropractic and Wellness Center, in Johnston, Rhode Island, has since become a go-to treatment in sports medicine for muscular, tendon and ligament injuries, offering a faster recovery compared to invasive techniques.

The science behind the technology involves radial pressure waves transmitted from a handheld applicator. These oscillating sound waves travel outward to the soft tissue, penetrating up to 50 millimeters (mm). Radial waves are most effective on superficial injuries, while focused shockwave technology can reach deeper structures, up to 200 mm into the bone. The body’s biochemical response includes tissue and nerve regeneration, angiogenesis, immunomodulation and analgesia. In simpler terms, EPAT promotes wound healing, blood vessel growth, an inflammatory response, production of growth factors and decreased pain sensation—localized to the area of dysfunction.

Common conditions that can be treated with Shockwave Therapy include plantar fasciitis, hip bursitis, adhesive capsulitis (frozen shoulder), IT band syndrome (strain in outside of knee), patellar tendinopathy (knee pain), calcific tendonitis, medial and lateral epicondylitis (tennis and golfer’s elbow) and trigger point pain.

According to a randomized controlled trial with results published by the American Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Society in 2010, chronic plantar fasciitis was effectively treated with just two sessions of radial shockwave therapy. Patients’ pain levels decreased from 8.5 to 1.1 on the visual analog pain scale after 12 weeks. Notably, the treatment’s effects continue and even peak about 10 weeks after the final session.

Many patients choose Shockwave Therapy because it’s fast, non-invasive and requires no anesthesia, scarring or downtime—making it easier to return to daily activities and sports.