Dr. Robert Monaco, MD, offers a forward-thinking approach when it comes to sports and family medicine. He dedicates his work at Atlantic Health to providing cutting-edge, non-invasive treatments, and focuses primarily on optimizing patient outcomes and minimizing downtime. As a board member of the American Academy of Orthopaedic Medicine (AAOM), Vice President for the American Society for Medical Shockwave Treatment (ASMST), and 20 years of experience as the Director of Sports Medicine at Rutgers University, Dr. Monaco is highly credentialed. He grows with the ever-changing field of patient care, and now has 7 years dedicated to regenerative medicine, ultrasound, and Shockwave technology - including his participation in a Delphi Study, making him an expert in this rapidly expanding field.
Global Insights Fueling a Paradigm Shift: Adopting Shockwave and EMTT in the U.S.
Dr. Monaco’s journey into advanced treatments like Extracorporeal Pulse Activation Technology (EPAT®), Extracorporeal Shockwave Technology (ESWT), and Extracorporeal Magnetotransduction Technology (EMTT®), was profoundly shaped by his international collaborations. Through mini-fellowships with international students, and collaborations with colleagues abroad, Dr. Monaco observed the widespread use of Shockwave technology, and its efficacy when used with a wide variety of pathologies. “They were way ahead of us,” he notes, underscoring the advanced integration of regenerative technologies in countries outside of the United States. One colleague in particular, an MD from Thailand with whom Dr. Monaco works closely to this day, opened the discourse for how Shockwave could benefit not only his patient outcomes, but his practice revenue. He first added Radial Pressure Wave and Focused Shockwave, then added EMTT a few years later.
On adding EMTT, Dr. Monaco reports it has significantly enhanced his practice’s capabilities. “It expands the repertoire of what we can provide,” he explains, allowing for the treatment of a wider range of pathologies more effectively. “EMTT complements ESWT, enhancing results from standard treatments and offering yet another alternative method to non-invasively address more conditions.”
Redefining Recovery: Unprecedented Outcomes Using Shockwave, EMTT, and Biologics
For Dr. Monaco, the incorporation of ESWT and EMTT has brought with it a significant improvement in patient outcomes. For those suffering from midsubstance achilles tendon pain, arthritis, myofascial pain, or even bone marrow edema and stress injuries, these technologies provide a non-invasive, less expensive treatment option with reduced downtime. Studies have shown that the results are often just as good as, if not better, than traditional, invasive methods such as surgery. Beyond acute injuries, these technologies are also innovative options for elite athletes in search of maintenance programs, such as long distance runners and triathletes. By offering regular “follow-up” treatment programs, Dr. Monaco helps them sustain their progress and perform at a high level.
He often uses these technologies in combination with other modalities, including biologics, like Platelet Rich Plasma (PRP). Dr. Monaco strategically uses Shockwave to “set the stage” for PRP, or uses it concurrently, especially for challenging cases with arthritis or tendon disorders. For athletes who operate on a strict, time-sensitive schedule, a typical treatment regimen involves 2-3 Shockwave sessions, followed by a PRP session, a 2-3 week recovery period, and then another 2-3 Shockwave sessions. Dr. Monaco has found that this combination not only accelerates recovery but also enhances the efficacy of the PRP itself, showcasing the synergistic relationship between the two.
High-Performance Solutions for Elite Figure Skaters
With over a decade of experience in the figure skating industry, including serving as one of the team physicians for Team USA, Dr. Monaco possesses unparalleled expertise when it comes to treating skaters across all disciplines - singles, pairs, and dance. In this high-stakes, physically demanding environment, Dr. Monaco often sees complex overuse and tendon injuries, alongside critical foot stress injuries. To encourage rapid, effective healing, he uses Focused Shockwave, Radial Pressure Wave, and EMTT to help his athletes get better, faster. By using this multi-model strategy, he can help these elite athletes get back to competing at a high level with minimal downtime.
The average age range for his figure skaters ranges from 10 to 25 years of age, and when it comes to treating his younger patients, Dr. Monaco stresses the importance of taking a well-informed approach, particularly regarding those with growth-plate problems. “With ultrasound guidance and a precise diagnosis, there is strong literature supporting the use of Shockwave therapy.” Recognizing the fact that these athletes have a limited window of time when it comes to competing, Dr. Monaco understands that these technologies are “a key component to getting them back to training in a safe, fast, and healthy way.” Furthermore, Dr. Monaco also emphasizes the importance of working as a team. Coaches, parents, physical therapists, and the patients themselves are all an integral part of creating an effective, closely monitored, and ultimately successful treatment plan.
The Future Is Now: Dr. Monaco’s Vision for the Field of Regenerative Medicine
Dr. Monaco advocates strongly for the burgeoning field of regenerative medicine, particularly the transformative impact of energy medicines within the industry, like Shockwave and EMTT:
“The field of energy medicine is expanding, and Shockwave is part of that. There’s going to be a movement for how energy medicine can be used to enhance patient outcomes, either as a standalone or as an adjunct. There will be tremendous growth in the next 10 years - and if practitioners want to be successful, they need to get involved in it, learn it, and understand it.”
“I encourage everyone to participate in one of the conferences hosted by the Institute for Tissue Regeneration and Repair, or attend the annual American Society for Medical Shockwave Treatment (ASMST) Conference, and consistently follow the literature as this field continues to expand. It’s important to note that these technologies are not simply a ‘trend’ in patient care - they are the future.”
Partner with CuraMedix to Achieve High Quality Patient Care
Ready to join Dr. Monaco, and offer next-level patient care for your own patients?
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.
Contact us today to connect with one of our experts and revolutionize your practice.
Important to Note: The treatments and use of EPAT(R), ESWT, and EMTT(R) described in this article reflect the personal clinical experience of the practitioner and are not intended as claims of efficacy.