FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

What is Spinal Decompression Therapy?

Spinal decompression therapy is FDA cleared and has a high success rate for pain associated with herniated or bulging discs...even after failed surgery.   It is a non-surgical, traction based therapy for  the relief of back and leg pain or neck and arm pain.  During this procedure, by cycling through distraction  and relaxation phases and by proper positioning, a spinal disc can beisolated and placed under negative pressure, causing a vacuum effect within it.

How does this negative pressure affect an injured disc?

During spinal decompression therapy, a negative pressure is created within the disc.  Because of that negative pressure, disc material that has protruded or herniated can be pulled back within the normal confines of the disc, and permit healing to occur.

What system is used for this purpose?

After a significant amount of research,  the Penn. Chropractic and Rehab Center chose the ATX Decompression table seen above.   The ATX has brand new computerized control unit which is  the most sophisticated and technologically advanced unit in the world. No office has more "state of the art" spinal decompression systems.    We also selected the ATX systems due to their ability to  treat discs in both the neck and the low back.

How is Spinal Decompression Therapy different from regular traction?

The ATX computer is the key. It controls the variations in the traction pull allowing for spinal decompression and eliminating muscle guarding  that is typical in conventional traction devices. The preprogrammed patterns for ramping up and down the amount of axial distraction allows  for higher levels of spinal decompression and disc rehydration. How is Spinal Decompression Therapy different from regular traction? The ATX computer is the key. It controls the variations in the traction pull allowing for spinal decompression and eliminating muscle guarding that is typical in conventional traction devices. The preprogrammed patterns for ramping up and down the amount of axial distraction allows for higher levels of spinal decompression and disc rehydration. Who can benefit from Spinal Decompression Therapy?       Anyone who has back pain or neck pain caused in whole or in part by a damaged disc may be helped by spinal decompression therapy. These conditions include herniated,  protruding or bulging discs, spinal stenosis, sciatica or radiculopathy (pinched nerves). Are there medical studies that document the effectiveness of Spinal Decompression  Therapy? Yes!  One study documented by MRI up to 90% reduction of disc herniations in 10 of 14 cases and other studies reported that the majority of ruptured disc  patients achieved "good" to "excellent" results after spinal decompression therapy. Click here if you would like to review the studies yourself.         . The February 2007 issue of "To Your Health" Magazine features an article about spinal decompression therapy  authored by Dr. James Edwards.   In the article, Dr. Edwards discusses the safety and effectiveness of this non-surgical treatment for spinal disc herniations.   Are there conditions where Spinal Decompression Therapy is not indicated? Spinal decompression therapy is not recommended for pregnant women, patients who  have severe osteoporosis, severe obesity or severe nerve damage. Spinal surgery with instrumentation (screws, metal plates or “cages”) is also contraindicated.  However, spinal decompression therapy after bone fusion or non-fusion surgery, can be performed. Are the sessions painful, how many will be needed? In almost all cases, the treatments are completely painless.   In fact, some patients fall asleep during the spinal decompression session. The specific treatment plan will be determined by the doctor after your examination.  Based on current research  and our clinical experience, the best results have been  achieved utilizing 20 sessions over a 6-week period.   . . . . Do most patients receive therapy and rehabilitative exercises in addition to Spinal Decompression Therapy? To reduce inflammation and assist the healing process, supporting structures are treated with passive therapies (ice/heat/muscle stimulation/light therapy/ultrasound), chiropractic adjustments (as indicated) and/or active rehabilitation in order to strengthen the spinal musculature. Call 724-852-4222 to Schedule an Appointment! See Below for Treatment Protocols

TRIPHASIC TREATMENT PROTOCOLS FOR THE ATX 2...
Decompression therapy has rapidly grown into one of the most popular low back and cervical spine treatments in the nation.

As this therapy has grown, so have the methods, modes, and treatment protocols. This growth is necessary in order to obtain the best results for your patients.

Unfortunately, some companies still stress the notion, that decompression is the only treatment or modality they feel, that is needed. This could be related to the fact that decompression is the only mode of treatment available to them to sell ! If the only tool you have is a hammer, every problem is a nail!

Elite Electromedical is one of just a few international companies that is owned by a doctor who has practiced and treated tens of thousands of patients in his 25 year career. So instead of just a hammer, you may need a pair of pliers or screw driver, and that is where TRIPHASIC TREATMENT PROTOCOLS, offered exclusively, by Elite Electromedical, expands your tool chest to take you and your practice into the next dimension.

Triphasic Treatment Protocols, are three distinct and separate treatment methods that are greater as a whole, than as individual segments. Phase One:
Pre Decompression Treatment with Specialized Light Therapy

Light therapy has grown recently into an extremely useful and viable tool in treating muscular and spinal conditions. However, in order to help your patient, you must be sure that the light therapy in use falls into specific treatment protocols.

S.L.E.D, or "Superluminescent Light Emitting Diode therapy" is highly specialized and must be made specific to the conditions being treated. The intense S.L.E.D. light package that is included with the ATX 2 is just that.

When you receive your ATX 2, you will receive a fabulous light therapy module. It is extremely easy to use, just plug it into the module, and plug the power supply into the tag a long console. You can use the new light therapy module during decompression, before decompression, or on ANY of your patients! This light therapy module has a proven track record, and can be used anywhere in your clinic. NO ONE but E2m offers it.

Your S.L.E.D. therapy system comes complete with Four red S.L.E.D's, one in each corner. Red S.L.E.D. therapy in the 630 nm visible spectrum is excellent for increased blood flow and cellular rejuvination.

Also on the S.L.E.D. light pad are 32, near invisible, 880 nm infrared L.E.D.s. It is actually the infrared spectrum that is so beneficial. Infrared L.E.D. therapy has been tested and used on the Space Shuttle. Infrared L.E.D. light therapy produced improvement of greater than 40% in musculoskeletal training injuries in Navy Seal team members.

880nm infrared L.E.D. wavelength promotes the healing process on the cellular level, and is the wavelength just recently approved by the FDA for pain relief and healing.

The 32 high power 880nm L.E.D.'s penetrate approximately 3" and increases circulation and is an aid in the relief of symptoms of such conditions as arthritis, back pain, bursitis, and joint problems.
Phase Two:
Decompression Treatment on the ATX 2
The ATX allows the doctor or therapist to customize literally thousands of different treatment programs for their patients. The ATX manual contains easy to use, and fast to set up treatment outlines that cover nearly all of the spinal conditions that will be presented to you. One of the fabulous features of the ATX 2, is the quick learning curve. You will be using your ATX Decompression System in just minutes instead of hours or days as with most tables. Decompression therapy on the ATX 2 is one of the most modern and result producing treatments that you can give to your patients.

Phase Three:
Post Decompression Rehabilitation
While ATX Decompression is a wonderful treatment in itself, Triphasic Treatment Protocols, will give you that added edge in today's healthcare market. Phase three takes your patient's care to the final step. After approximately the tenth visit of decompression care, your patient should now be ready to start Phase Three, which is Post Decompression Rehabilitation.

Phase Three puts the finishing touches on your weeks of care through phases one and two. Strengthening muscles, the core, and supportive structures, will not only make the body strong, but will also keep prior debilitating conditions from coming back.