New Treatment Reduces Pain, Improves Function
Physical Solutions has recently begun using Back Project’s Active Therapeutic Movement (ATM2) family of products. ATM2 enables personalized body repositioning for finding a unique, pain-free position for each user. Once this position is found, the systems stabilize the patient allowing specific neuromuscular training based on body movement isolation that aims to achieve and sustain an immediate pain reduction, increase in range of motion, and improved function.
How does the ATM2 work?
- Specific movement problems are normalized quickly and pain is reduced or eliminated by repositioning the particular joint that is causing problems.
- Using the ATM2, the therapist can simultaneously reposition (similar to Mulligan techniques) and compress particular areas of the body to normalize most movement limitations and pain in the first few treatment sessions. You will be in an upright, weight-bearing position that immediately and safely allows you to do fully resisted exercises in the direction and range of the previously impaired movement.
- According to the ATM concept, when we change a painful movement to become pain-free, the central nervous system transitions from a pathological muscle activation pattern to a normal muscle activation pattern. In other words, your muscles stop expecting pain and go back to their pain-free ways. Specific resisted movements, now pain-free, cause the nervous system to memorize this pain-free muscle activation pattern. Very soon, your new pattern is there even when you are moving outside of the treatment sessions.
See these sites for more information
Our Physical Therapists Know Backs and Back Pain
The physical therapists at Physical Solutions are well trained in all the proven, effective aspects of treatment of back pain. We will help alleviate lower-back pain with appropriate care. We can also help prevent the pain from returning by developing a targeted strength-training program. |
Question: What Can I Do about Back Pain?
I’ve tried lots of things. Can anything help me feel better now? What is available to help me permanently?
Answer: Try Physical Therapy First
You are not alone. About 80% of the population will suffer from back pain. Some people are lucky. Their pain is short lived and no medical attention is necessary. But many times the pain lasts a long time or comes back again and again. This is a sign that you need help.
But what kind of help and where?
When you are in pain and want effective help fast, you don’t want to wait weeks for appointments or to be sent from one place to another. You don't want to wonder whether the treatment you are getting has been researched well and is proven to be safe and effective.
An article on the front page of the Wall Street Journal's January 12, 2007, edition clearly acknowledges what the American Academy of Orthopedic Manual Physical Therapy (AAOMPT) has been saying for years: “Before trying expensive alternatives, get patients into physical therapy first. You'll save millions of dollars and actually help the patient,” said Dr. Timothy W. Flynn, physical therapist and President of the American Academy of Orthopaedic Manual Physical Therapists (AAOMPT).
“As doctors studied the course of treatment of dozens of patients at Virginia Mason's spine clinic, it was clear no standard procedures were being followed. In fact, Virginia Mason physicians had gotten into the habit of ordering an expensive MRI, though uncomplicated back pain rarely warrants one.
Many patients had to wait a month for appointments and often were bounced from specialist to specialist. Eventually some patients were directed to physical therapy, and often only then began to feel relief. Once the inefficiencies were mapped out on paper, the solution was clear to everyone: put the physical therapy in front.”
In another recent study, the Australian Physiotherapy Association reviewed the literature about physical-therapy treatments, analyzing the effectiveness of conservative treatment for low-back pain. Their extensive look at the research shows that joint mobilization/manipulation, encouraging early activity, education, and specific exercise programs supervised by physical therapists are integral components to a successful, evidence-based treatment program.
A third study, titled “Reoperation rates following lumbar spine surgery and the influence of spinal fusion procedures” from the University of Washington's Department of Medicine in Seattle was done to determine the cumulative incidence of reoperation following lumbar fusion. The study found a rate of nearly 20% reoperation. “In other words,” said Dr. Timothy Flynn, “one in five people who have their spines fused in surgery must suffer through additional surgery because it failed the first time.”
Patients should be informed that the likelihood of reoperation following a lumbar spine operation is substantial. The U of W study suggests considering alternatives to lumbar surgery proposed by the Association of Ethical Spine Surgeons, which understands that lumbar surgery is over-used in the U.S. The number one alternative to lumbar surgery, according to the surgeons themselves, is to first visit a physical therapist.
As further evidence for choosing physical therapy, according to a recently published article in the professional journal BMC-Medicine (Bio-Med Central Medicine), muscle strength and lower-back pain are directly related. The study says that when you experience lower-back pain, you need to see a physical therapist.
|
|
PROGRAMS AT PHYSICAL SOLUTIONS
At Physical Solutions, we have many years of experience working with athletic and active females. We have helped many who have not been successful with other approaches. We keep up with the latest research, but don’t abandon sound principles for the latest fad.
We offer a spectrum of treatments and services to assist individuals in being and becoming as active and successful as they can be.
Peak Performance Training – Improving overall fitness, functional strength, and power; reducing injury risk factors; and improving speed, quickness, and agility
Personal Strength Training – Improving personal strength, power, and flexibility
Physical Therapy – Providing evidence based, individualized treatment with an emphasis on biomechanical evaluation
Advanced Rehab – Restoring physical abilities in specific activities after injury or surgery |
|
Questions for next newsletter? Feedback?
We are interested in providing quality in all we do. Please let us know about questions you have and issues you wish to see addressed in future issues of the newsletter. Email questions or feedback to Cathy Busby: cathy@physicalsolutionsnc.com |
Contact Physical Solutions
email Cathy Busby: cathy@physicalsolutionsnc.com
phones: 919-389-7935 and 919-786-0008
address: 5623 Duraleigh Road, Suite 141, Raleigh, NC 27612
Back to Physical Solutions home page >> |
|
Physical Solutions Newsletter by Cathy Busby. Copyright 2007, all rights reserved. To manage your subscription, reply to this email with the words subscribe, unsubscribe, or change email in the subject line. If changing email addresses, please provide your old and new addresses. |
|
