Professional athletes risk injury every time they train, practice and compete. Given the often-demanding level of physical activity, it’s no surprise that they are often more susceptible to acute and chronic musculoskeletal pain.
Of course, downtime can be detrimental to the livelihood of professional athletes, as was the case with Josh Angulo. A pro windsurfer by trade, as well as a board builder (and dad!), Josh was experiencing intense pain in his elbow, then later in his foot and ankle. Josh reached a point where his injuries were significantly impacting multiple aspects of his life. Here’s the story of his challenges – and the treatment solution that helped him get back to the things he loves most.
[Modified Video Transcript]
Feeling the Pain, Personally and Professionally
JOSH: I’ve gotten to the stage where I can no longer comfortably try to perform… as well as just run after my kids, being in pain. I seek medical attention for stuff that’s been nagging me for years – and I’m having good results with [EPAT, or Extracorporeal Pulse Activation Technology, also known as shockwave].
The areas that I’m getting treated for that have been the most painful have been my elbow and my ankle. I had tried previously cortisone, acupuncture, massage, anti-inflammatories — but the shockwave treatment has really shown me strong, solid results.
First Elbow Pain, Then Ankle Pain
JOSH: The [ankle] pain goes in and out. Wearing sandals and just being on the beach definitely makes it worse.
FOOT & ANKLE PHYSICIAN: Shockwave has the potential to break up some of that scar tissue and promote healing.
JOSH: The results we’ve had on the elbow have made me a pretty firm believer that I would definitely love to give EPAT a try [for the ankle].
FOOT & ANKLE PHYSICIAN: Yes, it’s definitely a better alternative than cortisone injection and certainly surgery.
Giving It a “Bang”
JOSH: The sounds of the EPAT when the machine comes on and it’s pounding away on you – like tat-tat-tat-tat-tat – it’s like this fun little mini jackhammer.
But once [the doctor] rubs it into your muscles, it becomes almost a pleasurable type of thing. When it’s in a sensitive area, like the bone, you feel it … and you’re kind of wincing a bit, but nothing compared to other treatments I’ve had with other injuries.
Since using EPAT, my pain has gone away. I know I can train without discomfort coming back. My confidence level has shot through the roof because I know I’m not struggling with some nagging injury. My results have increased with my placings and my rankings across the board.
About EPAT
Extracorporeal Pulse Activation Technology (EPAT), also referred to as ESWT or shockwave, is evidence-based and clinically proven — it is today’s most advanced, non-invasive technology for treating pain. In as few as 3 weekly sessions, each 5-10 minutes long, patients are often able to return to their favorite sport or activity. No downtime, better patients outcomes — which means happier patients.
Have you considered integrating EPAT into your practice to improve patient outcomes? Take a deep dive into the science and physics behind this technology. Learn more when you download our white paper, The Art of Shockwave.
