Also known as Extracorporeal Pulse Activation Technology, EPAT is a non-invasive way to treat plantar fasciitis using pulsed pressure waves to breakdown scar tissue and swelling, reduce pain, and increases the circulation of blood and growth factors to stimulate the growth of new plantar fascia. Here at Gotham Footcare in Manhattan Shockwave Therapy involves 4 to 6 in-office sessions approximately 10 minutes each week once a week.
There is no downtime needed; no incisions, no anesthesia, and it is over 80% effective. Shockwave therapy is an advanced and highly effective non-invasive treatment cleared by the FDA that delivers high-energy sound waves into the painful areas of the body to breakdown scar tissue and enhance blood circulation to improve the regenerative potential of damaged tissue.
Typically, after receiving shockwave therapy Manhattan, NY patients begin to experience beneficial effects after only 1 or 2 treatments, and include no downtime. This non-surgical therapy for pain not only eliminates pain but also helps restore mobility, thus quickly improving your quality of life if you suffer from tendonitis or plantar fasciitis.
To understand why EPAT works, it helps to understand chronic injury.
When you have a condition like long-term Plantar Fasciitis or Achilles Tendonitis, the tissue has often entered a state of degeneration. Essentially, the body has "given up" on acute inflammation and stopped sending the necessary blood flow to repair the damage.
Shockwave therapy uses pressure waves—acoustic energy—to target that dormant tissue. These waves penetrate deep into the affected area to stimulate metabolism and enhance blood circulation. This process creates a response called neovascularization, or the formation of new blood vessels.
Think of it as a loud wake-up call to your immune system. The treatment tells your body, "We still have work to do here," triggering a fresh healing cycle that regenerates damaged tissue and breaks down scar tissue.
Most patients we see for Shockwave Therapy in our Manhattan offices fall into a specific category: they have tried everything else.
This treatment is ideal for patients who have dealt with pain for months (or years) and haven't seen long-term results from traditional methods like icing, taping, orthotics, or cortisone injections.
We commonly recommend EPAT for:
Many patients ask us how Shockwave Therapy compares to the other options they’ve been offered, specifically cortisone injections or surgery. Here is how they stack up:
New technology can be intimidating, especially when it involves "shockwaves." However, the reality of the appointment is quite simple and fast. There are no incisions, no anesthesia, and no long recovery periods.
A typical session lasts only about 10 to 15 minutes. You will sit or lie comfortably while your doctor applies a coupling gel to the injured area—much like an ultrasound. We then use a handheld applicator to deliver pressure waves in a circular motion over the pain point.
Patients often ask, “Does it hurt?” It is not painful in the traditional sense, but it can be intense. You will feel a rapid tapping sensation. As we treat the area, it may feel uncomfortable or tender, similar to a deep tissue massage on a sore muscle. The good news is that we can adjust the intensity level to match your tolerance, and the treatment is over very quickly.
You can walk out of our office immediately. In fact, many patients experience immediate pain relief due to the analgesic (pain-numbing) effect of the waves.
Because EPAT works differently from most treatments, the recovery rules are a little different, too. Here is how to get the best results from your sessions:
In a city like New York, you have options. But treating chronic foot pain requires more than just access to the machine—it requires a doctor who understands the biomechanics behind the injury.
At Gotham Footcare, we don’t just "zap" the pain. We look at the whole picture. We combine EPAT technology with a comprehensive analysis of how you walk, your footwear, and your lifestyle. Our goal isn't just to get you through the next week; it’s to ensure you stay active and pain-free for the long haul.
While every injury is unique, most patients require a series of 3 to 5 sessions, spaced one week apart. Consistency is key to letting the biological changes take hold.
Zero. This is one of the biggest advantages of EPAT compared to surgery. You can return to work and normal daily activities immediately. We usually recommend avoiding high-impact running or jumping for 24 hours after a session, but walking is perfectly fine.
Some patients feel better after just one treatment. For others, the relief builds cumulatively over the few weeks of the course. Since the treatment works by stimulating tissue regeneration, the healing continues even after your sessions are finished. Maximum recovery is typically seen 8 to 12 weeks after the final treatment.
EPAT is FDA-cleared, but most insurance companies currently classify it as an elective procedure. However, the cost is often eligible for Flexible Spending Accounts (FSA) or Health Savings Accounts (HSA). During your consultation, our team will provide a clear breakdown of the costs so there are no surprises.
At Gotham Footcare in NYC, we strive at recognizing your individual needs and desired outcomes while formulating an effective and personalized treatment plan with the highest quality care available.
What sets Gotham Footcare apart from other podiatry offices is our dedication to providing you with the education you need to make well-informed decisions regarding your care. Regardless of what your foot and ankle trouble may be, at Gotham Footcare our team will work tirelessly to help you feel better. At Gotham Footcare, we help you put your best foot forward.
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