EPAT Shockwave Therapy for Tennis Elbow: What You Need to Know
Tennis elbow is a condition that causes pain and swelling on the outside of the elbow. It is caused by repetitive arm motions and can be extremely uncomfortable. If you have tennis elbow, you might be wondering if shockwave therapy is a viable treatment choice for you.
This article will explain what shockwave treatment is, what tennis elbow is, and how shockwave therapy can cure tennis elbow so that you may make an informed decision about whether or not to pursue it.
What is Tennis Elbow?
Tennis elbow, also known as lateral epicondylitis, is a condition that develops when the elbow tendons become weak. This occurs when certain maneuvers that exert tension on the elbow are performed repeatedly. Tennis elbow is a sort of overuse ailment (RSI). It is more common in adults aged 40-60, particularly tennis sports participants. It can, however, arise in persons who do not participate in sports.
Tennis elbow symptoms include pain while twisting the wrist, pain when extending the arm, discomfort when touching the outside of the elbow, forearm muscular weakness, and a burning sensation in the arm. Tennis elbow is typically treated with rest, ice, and over-the-counter pain medication. It is also treatable with EPAT shockwave therapy.
What is EPAT Shockwave Therapy?
EPAT is an acronym for Extracorporeal Pulse Activation Technology. In layman's terms, this involves treating various ailments and disorders with sound waves. EPAT is a relatively recent non-invasive therapy approach that is useful for a wide range of conditions.
The treatment involves delivering high-energy pulses to the afflicted area. These pulses encourage tissue regeneration and stimulate the body's natural healing process. EPAT has been proven to be highly beneficial in treating tennis elbow and other chronic pain disorders.
The procedure is painless and usually only takes a few treatments to produce the desired results. As a result, EPAT Shockwave Therapy is becoming a more popular therapy choice for people seeking an alternative to traditional medical methods.
How Does Shockwave Therapy Treat Tennis Elbow?
A specific device is used to send shock waves through the skin to the affected area during this process. The high-energy acoustic waves encourage soft tissue regeneration and repair, initiating tissue healing, boosting microvascular growth, and thereby alleviating tennis elbow symptoms. The medical practitioner may utilize ultrasonography to confirm that the device is placed correctly on the elbow.
Shockwave therapy can be administered in single or multiple sessions. Because high-energy shock waves can be uncomfortable, they may be performed under local anesthetic. However, local anesthetic may have an impact on the outcome.
Is EPAT Shockwave Therapy Effective for Tennis Elbow?
Several studies have been conducted to assess the effectiveness of shockwave therapy in the treatment of tennis elbow. EPAT Shockwave therapy is useful in lowering pain in persons with tennis elbow, as evidenced by substantial reductions in pain levels in studies. However, when compared to other conventional methods of treating tennis elbow, it appears to be more successful and has a longer therapeutic impact. Significant improvement occurs between 3 and 12 weeks following therapy and is maintained at a 1-year follow-up.
Is EPAT Therapy Safe for Tennis Elbow Treatment?
Shock wave therapy is used to enhance movement and alleviate discomfort. According to the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE), shock wave therapy is safe, albeit it might cause minor adverse effects such as bruising and reddening of the skin in the treated area. Although there is evidence that this surgery is safe, there are still questions about its effectiveness. According to research, shock wave therapy can help relieve the pain of the tennis elbow in some cases.
However, it may not be applicable in all circumstances, and more research is required. If a doctor decides to utilize shockwave therapy for tennis elbow, they should take special precautions to emphasize the procedure's uncertainty as well as the potential risks. This should occur before the patient agrees (or not agreeing) to the procedure.
What can you expect from your doctor's visit?
When you arrive for your first appointment, you will be invited to have an informal conversation with your doctor or any member of the Team. This will help them comprehend your condition and overall health.
You will also be asked to complete a neurological and orthopedic evaluation during your first session to assist decide the best course of treatment for your symptoms.
Following your assessment, you will be given the option of shockwave therapy or alternative therapies. You choose shockwave treatment after discussing the treatment options.
Conclusion
EPAT Shockwave Therapy is effective in the treatment of tennis elbow. It is a safe and painless procedure that can offer long-term relief from the symptoms of tennis elbow. If you are considering this treatment option, be sure to discuss it with your doctor to see if it is right for you.
You can learn more about this therapy by reading some articles here.