Dr. Brice Blatz, MD, of Maple Medical, isn't just a sports medicine physician, he's a pioneer in the integration of orthobiologics and cutting-edge energy-based treatments. With a unique perspective, shaped by being a lifelong athlete, and the son of an orthopedic surgeon, Dr. Blatz brings firsthand experience and innovation to musculoskeletal health.
His journey, from developing the diagnostic ultrasound program at Stanford School of Medicine to co-founding the American Society of Medical Shockwave Treatment (ASMST), reveals a determined pursuit to offer patients the most effective, non-surgical solutions. This quest led him to make Radial Pressure Wave (EPAT®) Focused Shockwave (ESWT) and Magnetotransduction (EMTT®) core components of his practice, a decision that has fundamentally reshaped patient outcomes and his approach to care.
The Genesis of Energy-Based Treatments
For Dr. Blatz, the investment in Shockwave technology wasn't due to a business calculation, it was the result of a personal discovery. After trialing EPAT for a nagging ankle injury, he experienced complete, lasting pain relief within just six weeks. This spurred a deep dive into the research, leading him to purchase his first Radial Pressure Wave device in 2015.
Initially, he applied Shockwave as a rehab tool for simple pathologies—for example, post-rotator cuff surgery patients who weren't succeeding with physical therapy alone. The results were astounding. Patients who were "miserable" began to find relief, and referring physical therapists were calling to ask what he was doing to spur such a drastic improvement in their patients. From there, Shockwave quickly became a first-line treatment for common issues like tennis elbow and plantar fasciitis.
Synergizing Energy-Based Treatments with Orthobiologics
Dr. Blatz's real innovation lies in combining these energy-based therapies with his orthobiologics practice, including, but not limited to PRP, microfragmented fat, and bone marrow aspirate. He learned with his patients that musculoskeletal pain is often a symptom of muscle dysfunction—a manifestation of a larger, more involved issue which requires a holistic, "kinetic chain" approach, and not just an isolated injection or two.
For complex cases, like severe knee osteoarthritis or hip and pelvis issues, he uses a powerful trifecta:
- Orthobiologics: To target tissue repair (e.g., PRP for soft tissue, bone marrow for bone).
- Shockwave: To address bone lesions and improve musculoskeletal function, which assists in the regenerative properties of the soft tissue.
- EMTT: To treat acute injuries, fractures, and even aid in post-procedure recovery. Added three years ago, EMTT has become an essential complement to ESWT/EPAT for Dr. Blatz. He uses the combination frequently, often multiple times per week.
Case Study: Restoring a Lifelong Passion
Mike D., a 68-year-old professional session guitarist and luthier, came to Dr. Blatz after a previous PRP injection failed to resolve his chronic wrist pain (TFCC injury and ulnar-sided tendinopathy). For a musician whose livelihood and hobbies depend on the dexterity of his wrists and hands, he needed a solution, not just a band-aid.
Dr. Blatz opted for a comprehensive approach: PRP, microfragmented fat (lipoaspirate), 6 weekly sessions of EPAT, ESWT, and EMTT, along with PT. Within two months, Mike was back to paid studio gigs and performing in the Portland Metro club scene pain-free. The results were so transformative that when Mike began experiencing shoulder issues a year later, he returned to Dr. Blatz specifically to repeat the same "gold standard" protocol on both of his shoulders.
For Dr. Blatz, this 'it’s not an or, it’s an and' philosophy has been the key to successfully treating some of his most complex, difficult patients who were previously told nothing could be done.
Redefining Value in a Cash-Based World
Moving from a hybrid practice to a fully cash-based model at Dr. Blatz’s own clinic presented an initial challenge: convincing patients to pay out-of-pocket for non-covered options. Dr. Blatz overcame this by sharpening his communication skills and focusing on patient-centered results.
His unique, in-depth approach involves:
- Longer, Educational Appointments: A 1-hour initial evaluation and conversation, with 45 minutes of face-to-face time with Dr. Blatz.
- A "Kinetic Chain" Narrative: Explaining why patients have their specific problem, the options for treatment, and where Shockwave and EMTT inevitably become a major part of the solution.
- Immediate Experience: Patients receive a 15-20 minute session with a Shockwave specialist before they leave, allowing them to "experience it before they leave" and better understand the value.
This transparency with patients has led Dr. Blatz to one of the highest conversion rates to cash-pay elements, resulting in a thriving practice where the investment in equipment "pays for itself 10 times over."
On defining success, Dr. Blatz lets the patient establish their own baseline. “Have we done something that utilized your own body’s ability to repair and maintain itself?” He asks. “Have we gotten you to a functional status, where most of the time you can say, ‘I forgot I even had this problem?’ If so, then I know I’ve done my job well for you specifically.”
The STORZ Medical "Gold Standard"
Dr. Blatz's decision to partner with CuraMedix and utilize STORZ Medical devices was not a conventional one. He came into it "backwards," initially focusing on the clinical results.
His deep dive into the research revealed a crucial pattern: "The vast majority of research is done with devices designed and manufactured by STORZ Medical." STORZ Medical, with its long history of innovation, precision, and extensive scientific backing, including several White Papers and Level One studies, is widely considered the "gold standard" in this industry. For a regenerative medicine professional like Dr. Blatz, who is data-driven, choosing the devices with the most robust body of evidence is essential for clinical confidence and repeatable, positive patient outcomes.
A Call to the Future of Medicine
Dr. Blatz's commitment extends beyond his practice. Through his role with the ASMST, he’s dedicated to raising the standard of energy-based treatments in the U.S. to match the more sophisticated European model. His enthusiasm is contagious, extending to potential neurological applications for conditions like dementia—a personal and profound motivation that stems from the use of the Neurolith in Europe.
For physicians on the fence about adding these tools, Dr. Blatz offers clear advice: using Radial Pressure Wave and Focused Shockwave together is better than using either on its own, but adding EMTT to both is the gold standard.
Dr. Blatz and Maple Medical stand as a powerful example of how embracing innovation, specifically EPAT, ESWT and EMTT from CuraMedix and STORZ Medical, can lead to extraordinary patient outcomes, a strong cash-based practice, and a commitment to advancing the future of regenerative medicine.
The CuraMedix Partnership
Dr. Blatz’s relationship with CuraMedix began years ago with an initial meeting, and a conversation that was "unlike anything he’d ever heard." This led to a groundbreaking 2019 Institute for Tissue Regeneration and Repair conference that set the tone for all future meetings, and established the current Key Opinion Leader (KOL) group.
The partnership provided Dr. Blatz with:
A Door to the Future: Hearing European experts (such as Prof. Dr. Ludger Gerdesmeyer, Paul Hobrough, and Prof. Dr. Karsten Knobloch) speak about their extensive experience with energy-based treatments opened a door Dr. Blatz never knew existed. He realized this technology "had to be part of the future of regenerative medicine."
The Right Support: CuraMedix is the leading U.S. distributor partner for STORZ Medical, offering full-service support, technical assistance, and educational resources.
A Platform for Education: This partnership helped establish a "robust circuit of CuraMedix" lectures and webinars, allowing Dr. Blatz to mentor the next generation of physicians and contribute to this field through education.
Ultimately, both organizations were aligned with his mission to provide the highest-level, evidence-based regenerative care.
Ready to join Dr. Blatz, and offer next-level patient care for your own patients? Contact us today to connect with one of our experts and revolutionize your practice.
Important to Note: The treatments and use of EPAT®, ESWT, and EMTT® described in this article reflect the personal clinical experience of the practitioner and are not intended as claims of efficacy.
