Full Thickness Supraspinatus Tear Clinically and Radiographically Improved with Extracorporeal Pulse Activation Therapy

Perry PA-CJ , Ferrelll JIII and Li X

Published on: 2025-02-15

Abstract

The use of operative and non-operative treatment modalities for Rotator Cuff Tears (RCT) has been well documented. The literature mentions the use of Extracorporeal Pulse Activation Therapy (EPAT) for various musculoskeletal and neurological indications including shoulder pathology. However, there are no records of significant improvements in pain, function, and MRI associated with a full thickness RCT, one of the most common shoulder ailments patient’s experiences, due to a series of EPAT treatments. This case report presents the potential resolution of full-thickness supraspinatus tear with radiographic evidence of healing and clinically meaningful improvements in pain and function after 3 rounds of weekly EPAT treatments. These findings suggest further investigation is warranted on the use of EPAT for treatment of RCTs in patients for whom conventional methods such as physical therapy have been unsuccessful, or for patients who are poor surgical candidates.