You are in the right place. Dr. Tom Biernacki, DPM, FACFAS — board-certified foot & ankle surgeon with 3,000+ surgeries — explains exactly what EPAT shockwave therapy cost means and what actually works. Book online or call (810) 206-1402 for a same-day appointment at our Howell or Bloomfield Township office.
Quick answer: Epat Shockwave Therapy Cost Michigan affects roughly 1 in 4 adults in our practice. Effective treatment starts with a targeted diagnosis, conservative-first treatment, and escalation only when needed. We treat this regularly at our Howell and Bloomfield Township practices. Book online, or call (810) 206-1402.
Medically reviewed by Dr. Tom Biernacki, DPM · Board-Certified Podiatric Surgeon · Last reviewed: April 2026 · Editorial Policy
In This Article
The most important clinical decision with Epat Shockwave Therapy Cost Michigan isn’t which treatment to start with — it’s identifying the correct subtype. That changes everything. Book online or call (810) 206-1402.
Related Conditions
Quick Answer
EPAT Shockwave Therapy Cost in Michigan — Is It Worth relates to foot pain — typically caused by overuse, footwear, or biomechanics. Most patients improve in 6-12 weeks with conservative care. Same-week appointments in Howell + Bloomfield Township: (810) 206-1402.
EPAT Shockwave Therapy Cost in Michigan — Is It Worth It?
Shockwave Therapy Cost — Transparent Pricing From a Michigan Podiatrist
EPAT shockwave therapy pricing at Balance Foot & Ankle is transparent and competitive. Call (810) 206-1402 for our current session and package pricing.
Insurance Coverage
EPAT shockwave therapy for plantar fasciitis and Achilles tendonitis is covered by some Michigan insurance plans — coverage has been expanding as clinical evidence has grown. Blue Cross Blue Shield covers shockwave for chronic plantar fasciitis in many circumstances. Medicare and most Medicare Advantage plans do not yet cover it. Call us and we’ll check your specific coverage.
FSA and HSA Eligible
Shockwave therapy is eligible for payment with HSA and FSA funds — effectively reducing cost by your tax bracket (20-35% for most patients).
The Cost-Benefit Analysis
Compare shockwave therapy to the alternatives: ongoing physical therapy (co-pays add up over months), repeated cortisone injections (short-term relief with tissue risks), or plantar fascia release surgery (significant cost, 6-12 weeks recovery, time off work). For a condition with 80%+ success rates and zero recovery time, shockwave therapy typically represents the most cost-effective resolution of chronic plantar fasciitis. Book online or call (810) 206-1402.
EPAT Shockwave Therapy at Balance Foot & Ankle: Michigan’s Non-Surgical Plantar Fasciitis and Heel Pain Treatment
EPAT (Extracorporeal Pulse Activation Technology) shockwave therapy at Balance Foot & Ankle delivers high-energy acoustic pulses to the heel and plantar fascia, stimulating the body’s natural healing cascade and breaking up the chronic degenerative tissue changes that sustain plantar fasciitis beyond the acute inflammatory phase. Unlike cortisone injections, which reduce inflammation but do not address the underlying tendinopathic tissue degeneration, EPAT promotes actual tissue regeneration — neovascularization, collagen synthesis, and resolution of calcification. Clinical studies show 80–85% success rates for plantar fasciitis with EPAT, including in patients who have failed other conservative treatments.
Each EPAT session at Balance Foot & Ankle takes approximately 15 minutes, requires no anesthesia, and involves no downtime — patients may experience 24–48 hours of post-treatment soreness as the healing response is activated, but can typically maintain their normal activities throughout the treatment series. The standard treatment protocol is three sessions spaced one week apart. EPAT is available at both our Howell (4330 E Grand River) and Bloomfield Township (43494 Woodward Ave #208) locations. Michigan patients with recalcitrant plantar fasciitis, insertional Achilles tendinopathy, or other chronic tendon conditions who want a non-surgical treatment option can call Balance Foot & Ankle at (810) 206-1402 to discuss whether EPAT is appropriate for their specific situation.
Is EPAT Shockwave Therapy Right for You? Michigan Patient Selection Criteria
EPAT shockwave therapy produces the best outcomes in patients with chronic (greater than 3 months) plantar fasciitis, insertional Achilles tendinopathy, or calcific tendinopathy who have not achieved adequate relief from stretching, orthotic therapy, physical therapy, and corticosteroid injection. Patients with acute plantar fasciitis (less than 6 weeks duration) typically respond well to more conservative measures and may not need EPAT. Patients who have had repeated cortisone injections without lasting benefit are often excellent EPAT candidates — the shockwave addresses the tendinopathic tissue changes that steroids cannot reverse. Contraindications to EPAT include active local infection, coagulation disorders, and pregnancy. At Balance Foot & Ankle, we evaluate each patient to confirm EPAT is appropriate before initiating treatment. Michigan patients who have been told they may need surgery for their heel pain, or who have tried multiple conservative treatments without success, should ask about EPAT at their next visit — call (810) 206-1402 to schedule at our Howell or Bloomfield Township office and discuss whether EPAT is indicated for your specific condition.
Related Treatment Guides
- Plantar Fasciitis & Heel Pain Treatment
- Achilles Tendinopathy Treatment
- Custom 3D Orthotics
- Sports Foot & Ankle Injury Treatment
Michigan patients considering EPAT shockwave therapy at Balance Foot & Ankle should know that our practice has extensive experience with this technology and uses it as part of a thorough treatment approach — not as a standalone procedure without clinical context. Before initiating EPAT, we confirm the diagnosis with appropriate imaging (X-ray, ultrasound, or MRI as indicated), review the patient’s prior treatment history to ensure conservative measures have been appropriately trialed, and discuss realistic outcome expectations. After the treatment series, we schedule a follow-up to assess response and determine whether additional sessions or complementary treatments are warranted. This structured approach to EPAT — diagnosis-confirmed, appropriately sequenced, and followed up systematically — produces better outcomes than shockwave treatment without clinical oversight. Michigan patients seeking the most effective non-surgical heel pain and tendinopathy treatment available can call Balance Foot & Ankle at (810) 206-1402 to schedule a consultation at our Howell or Bloomfield Township office and discuss whether EPAT shockwave therapy is right for them.
Medical References & Sources
- American Podiatric Medical Association — Patient Education
- American Orthopaedic Foot & Ankle Society — Foot Conditions
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When conservative care isn’t enough, Dr. Tom Biernacki and the team at Balance Foot & Ankle offer advanced, same-day options — including EPAT Shockwave Therapy Michigan at our Howell and Bloomfield Township clinics.
Same-day appointments available. Call (810) 206-1402 or book online.
Pros & Cons of Conservative Care for foot care
Advantages
- ✓ Conservative care first
- ✓ Same-week appointments
- ✓ Multiple insurance accepted
Considerations
- ✗ Self-treatment can mask issues
- ✗ See a podiatrist if pain >2 weeks
Dr. Tom’s Recommended Products for foot care
Affiliate disclosure: As an Amazon Associate, Balance Foot & Ankle earns from qualifying purchases. We only recommend products we use with patients.
Footnanny Heel Cream Dr. Tom’s Pick
Best for: Daily moisturizer for cracked heels
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About Your Care Team at Balance Foot & Ankle
Dr. Tom Biernacki, DPM · Board-Certified Foot & Ankle Surgeon. Specializes in conservative-first care, minimally invasive bunion surgery, and complex reconstruction.
Dr. Carl Jay, DPM · Accepting new patients. Specializes in sports medicine, athletic injuries, and routine podiatric care.
Dr. Daria Gutkin, DPM, AACFAS · Accepting new patients. Specializes in surgical reconstruction and pediatric podiatry.
Locations: 4330 E Grand River Ave, Howell, MI 48843 · 43494 Woodward Ave Suite 208, Bloomfield Township, MI 48302
Hours: Mon–Fri 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM · (810) 206-1402
Visit Balance Foot & Ankle — Same-Day Appointments Available
Our podiatry team serves patients throughout Michigan including Howell, Brighton, and Bloomfield Township. If you’re dealing with heel pain, ingrown toenails, or a foot injury, we have same-day appointment availability.
Same-day appointments available. (810) 206-1402
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What shockwave therapy costs per session
Shockwave therapy cost varies substantially with the device type, the number of sessions, and insurance coverage. Focused, high-energy ESWT typically runs $300–$600 per session with 1–3 sessions needed ($300–$1,800 total). Radial ESWT runs $100–$300 per session over 3–6 sessions, and EPAT pressure-wave treatment typically costs $150–$350 per session over a 3–5 session course — roughly $450–$1,750 for a complete series.
Coverage differs by device and indication. For chronic plantar fasciitis that has failed conservative care, focused ESWT is covered by Medicare subject to local coverage determination (LCD) requirements, and commercial insurance often covers it with prior authorization — insurers generally want six months of documented conservative treatment (stretching, orthotics, injections) before approving. Radial, non-focused devices are excluded by most local coverage determinations and are rarely covered by commercial plans, which is why radial treatment is usually self-pay regardless of indication. Achilles tendinopathy coverage is more variable and typically requires three to six months of documented conservative care.
If your plan denies coverage: appeals and peer-to-peer review
Commercial coverage varies plan by plan: certain BCBS, Aetna, and United Healthcare plans cover EPAT for plantar fasciitis when conservative treatments have failed and medical necessity is documented, while other plans classify shockwave as investigational and deny it regardless of clinical indication.
A denial is not the end of the road. Michigan patients denied coverage for shockwave therapy have the right to appeal and to request a peer-to-peer review — a conversation between the treating podiatrist and the insurance company’s medical reviewer — which frequently results in overturned denials when the clinical record demonstrates appropriate conservative-care failure and clear medical necessity. Our insurance team initiates appeals on behalf of patients whose shockwave coverage is denied.
No insurance? Our $250 flat first visit covers the exam, X-rays and same-day care, with $100 follow-ups — no surprise billing.
Dr. Tom Biernacki, DPM is a board-certified foot & ankle surgeon (ABFAS & ABPM) at Balance Foot & Ankle Specialists in Southeast Michigan. With over a decade of clinical experience, he specializes in heel pain, bunions, diabetic foot care, sports injuries, and minimally invasive surgery. Dr. Biernacki is a member of the APMA and ACFAS, and his patient education content on MichiganFootDoctors.com and YouTube has made him one of the most-followed foot & ankle educators on YouTube.
More questions patients ask
How much does EPAT shockwave therapy cost at Balance Foot & Ankle in Michigan?
Balance Foot & Ankle offers competitive shockwave therapy pricing for Michigan patients. Costs vary based on the area treated and number of sessions needed. We offer individual session pricing and package discounts for complete treatment series. Call (810) 206-1402 for current pricing at our Howell or Bloomfield Township locations.
Does insurance cover shockwave therapy costs at Balance Foot & Ankle in Michigan?
Some Michigan insurance plans cover EPAT shockwave for chronic plantar fasciitis when conservative treatment has failed for 3–6 months and specific documentation requirements are met. Balance Foot & Ankle verifies coverage and handles prior authorization. Call (810) 206-1402 for a coverage check before your shockwave appointment.
Is shockwave therapy at Balance Foot & Ankle worth the cost for Michigan plantar fasciitis patients?
Balance Foot & Ankle's EPAT shockwave delivers 70–80% success rates for chronic plantar fasciitis at a fraction of the cost of surgery — and with none of the recovery time. For Michigan patients spending months in pain and missing activities, the cost-effectiveness of shockwave therapy is excellent. Call (810) 206-1402 to discuss your options.
Can Michigan patients use FSA or HSA funds for shockwave therapy at Balance Foot & Ankle?
Yes, FSA and HSA funds can typically be used for EPAT shockwave therapy at Balance Foot & Ankle as a medically necessary podiatric treatment for Michigan patients. This makes shockwave more affordable for patients without insurance coverage. Call (810) 206-1402 to confirm FSA/HSA eligibility for your specific situation.
Does Balance Foot & Ankle offer payment plans for shockwave therapy in Michigan?
Balance Foot & Ankle accepts CareCredit for shockwave therapy, allowing Michigan patients to pay over time with flexible payment options. We also offer package pricing that reduces per-session cost for the full treatment series. Call (810) 206-1402 to discuss affordable shockwave therapy options in Howell or Bloomfield Township.
Still have a question about coverage or cost? Book online and we will check your benefits before your visit: Book in Howell · Book in Bloomfield Township. Prefer to talk it through first? Call (810) 206-1402.