At Rebound Orthopedics & Neurosurgery, board certified Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation specialist Dr. John Kafrouni, MD, is challenging the conventional approach to pain and injury. With a passion for attacking diagnostic challenges head-on, providing long-term solutions, and empowering his patients, Dr. Kafrouni is pioneering the use of innovative, non-invasive technologies like Shockwave and EMTT to deliver remarkable results.
A Conscious Approach to Healing: Why Choose Shockwave and EMTT?
Dr. Kafrouni’s journey with Shockwave and EMTT began in 2018, at the recommendation of a colleague at the Cleveland Clinic, and as the years have gone by, his affinity for these technologies has only improved. “I love that Shockwave allows me to treat the way my conscience wants me to treat," he explains, using his deeply rooted philosophy in treating according to the “tensegrity model,” a holistic view of the body’s interconnectedness.
Dr. Kafrouni sees Shockwave as a highly effective initial treatment that, if in rare cases it doesn't fully resolve the issue, can then lead to orthobiologic approaches, such as Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP). He emphasizes the benefit of treating patients with these modalities prior to biologics, noting, "It’s changed a lot of how my colleagues and I now treat our patients,” and the results speak for themselves: "We’ve been cranking for 3 years and have not had a single complication," he states. The cash-pay upside for these treatments also eliminates the often inconvenient authorization process, allowing for immediate, tangible results. For patients, the ability to quickly address their pain without navigating a complex referral system is an incredible advantage.
A Multifaceted Approach to Musculoskeletal Care
Dr. Kafrouni’s approach to treatment is comprehensive. He typically starts with Radial Pressure Wave (EPAT®), set to the patient’s tolerance level, for between 2,000-3,000 pulses, then targets tendon/bone attachments with Focused Shockwave, and often incorporates Extracorporeal Magnetotransduction Therapy (EMTT®) to target any remaining inflammation a pain. A minimum of five sessions is recommended, and he frequently combines these treatments with orthobiologics, using EMTT right after procedures like Lipogems to enhance both growth factors and the healing process.
While Dr. Kafrouni's practice addresses common musculoskeletal issues like lateral hip pain, trochanteric pain syndrome, IT band syndrome, elbow tendons, plantar fasciitis, and Achilles tendonitis, he's also discovered "a variety of unexpected uses" for Shockwave and EMTT, largely driven by word-of-mouth referrals.
A Beacon of Hope for Breast Cancer Survivors
Perhaps one of the most impactful and "gratifying" areas of Dr. Kafrouni's expanded practice is his work with breast cancer survivors, often referred to him by breast cancer surgeons. These patients frequently suffer from debilitating radiation fibrosis and lymphedema following lymph node dissection, rendering their limbs painful and sometimes useless.
Dr. Kafrouni’s first patient, a woman with adhesive capsulitis, neuritic pain, and significant scapular pain due to constriction at the thoracic outlet, came to him with a guarded prognosis, but Dr. Kafrouni offered her a glimpse of hope. He elected to apply Radial Pressure Wave to her pectorals, axilla, chest wall, and both anterior and posterior area, and the results were remarkable.
After just the first session, her scapular pain decreased, and pain in the limb significantly reduced. Over 6-7 sessions, her scapular pain became negligible, neck pain reduced, and shoulder joint range of motion dramatically improved. With a total of 8 treatments, the patient experienced a profound transformation.
Transformative Results for Lymphedema and Fibrosis
Given his success with this patient, Dr. Kafrouni is now seeing more and more of these cases. One lymphedema patient, who had undergone a complete lymph node dissection and worked with lymphedema therapists for years with little progress, saw drastic improvements in her shoulder range of motion after just three treatments with Dr. Kafrouni. By the fourth treatment, her arm looked better visibly, and after 5-6 sessions, her lymphedema therapists were "giddy" with her progress.
For these patients, the combination of addressing radiation fibrosis, lymphedema, shoulder range of motion, and scapular pain with Shockwave and EMTT offers immense relief. "All of these patients are really happy just to have a risk-free option" Dr. Kafrouni emphasizes. This compassionate and effective approach provides a much-needed solution for individuals who often feel they have exhausted all other options.
A Smart Investment: Clinical Outcomes and ROI
From a practice standpoint, Dr. Kafrouni attests to the strong return on investment. "It’s what you make of it, and how hard you work at it," he says, adding, "It was a no-brainer. We paid for all 3 machines in the first 5 months of onboarding.” Dr. Kafrouni explains that the monthly revenue generated from Shockwave and EMTT is equivalent to a high-producing PA or a low-producing provider, and that it “makes financial sense for any practice model."
Dr. Kafrouni's advice to those on the fence about incorporating these technologies is clear: having all three modalities (radial pressure wave, focused Shockwave, and EMTT) offers a significant competitive advantage. He was driven by the desire to be the first in his area with this research-grade equipment, allowing him to treat a broader spectrum of patients effectively and ethically. "Steroids don't make the world a better place," he states, highlighting his preference for non-invasive solutions. "If I can treat a neck nerve without sticking a needle near the vertebral artery, that’s amazing."
EMTT, in particular, has become a paradigm shift for pain, offering a lower price point for patients, and proving to be effective in challenging spinal circumstances, such as nerve issues and disk herniations. He includes EMTT treatments after procedures like Lipogems, seeing it as a way to "enhance the spectrum of use and the number of people who can benefit from it."
Dr. John Kafrouni's dedication to innovative, patient-centered care, coupled with his strategic adoption of Shockwave and EMTT, is truly revolutionizing orthopedic and rehabilitation medicine, offering a path to recovery that is both effective and deeply compassionate.
Partner with CuraMedix to Achieve High Quality Patient Care
As the leading US provider of Radial Pressure Wave (EPAT), Extracorporeal Shockwave (ESWT), and Magnetotransduction (EMTT) devices, CuraMedix is your indispensable partner by offering unrivaled service, support, education, and training. With the right tools in your armamentarium, and training and guidance from CuraMedix, you can significantly expand your patient caseload, increase the number of positive patient outcomes, and cement your practice’s reputation at the forefront of regenerative medicine.
Ready to join Dr. Kafrouni, and offer your patients next-level care? 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.
