Treatments
Spinal decompression
Spinal decompression therapy is a modern, non-surgical traction procedure that effectively treats neck and low back pain and pain radiating down legs & arms. Traction is successful in relieving pain associated with spinal disc herniation, degenerative disc disease, and facet joint syndromes. Integral spinal decompression traction utilizes traction, distraction and body positioning to relieve pressure on spinal discs and facet joints. Through spinal decompression, Edmonton men and women are getting back to doing what they love, with less pain and improved mobility.
Research has indicated that spinal disc injury is responsible for a significant number of lumbar/leg pain and neck/arm pain syndromes. Excessive compression forces from daily activities such as prolonged computer use increase internal spinal disc pressure, which can lead to disc bulges. At our downtown Edmonton clinic, we use spinal decompression therapy in conjunction with other physical therapy treatments provided in our clinics can effectively relieve the pain and disability resulting from disc injuries. The treatment helps with the healing of damaged discs and relieves pressure off spinal nerves.
Adam and his team consistently provide an excellent service to help you on your path to recovery and optimal performance. Their positive attitude and engagement is only the cherry on top of the quality of treatment I receive. This is absolutely the place to go to get you back into your groove. I send my Mom, my friends, and anyone else who asks, here. Highly recommended.
Mitchell Lapensee
What are the treatments like?
After lying on the relaxing Integral spinal decompression table, you will be fitted in a support system. The support system helps to stabilize your body. The advanced computer-controlled system automatically adjusts to the proper angle of pull, allowing us to target the specific spinal discs that are causing your pain and symptoms. The distractive forces are controlled by the therapist to avoid reflex responses that cause muscle spasm. The split table design is designed to decrease friction and allow decompression of the spinal disc. Clients typically describe the treatment as a gentle, painless and intermittent pulling sensation.
How long are treatments and how many do you need?
Depending on the severity of the injury, patients usually undergo anywhere from 5 to 20 treatment sessions and the treatment sessions will include additional physical therapy interventions. A complete session usually lasts between 45 to 60 minutes; however, treatment time will vary depending upon a client’s condition. It is important to note that many Integral clients get substantial, immediate relief after just a few physical therapy treatments.
How long will my treatment program be?
Depending on the complexity of the injury and extent of physical therapy required, we typically treat patients in our downtown Edmonton clinic 2-3 times per week for approximately 1 month and then the patient is transition to an active home based treatment program. Spinal decompression therapy treatments may be increased or reduced in frequency based on the client’s response. At Integral, the physical therapy phase is usually coupled with therapeutic exercise focusing on a McKenzie approach, stretching, IMS, and manual therapy. Most clients discontinue spinal decompression therapy after 4 to 6 weeks.
Why the need for therapeutic exercise and other therapies?
At Integral, we usually start your therapeutic exercise program utilizing the McKenzie Approach. With the McKenzie approach, a set of exercises are used to extend the spine to help “centralize” your pain by moving it away from the extremities to the back. Back pain is usually better tolerated than leg pain or arm pain and the theory of the approach is that centralizing the pain allows the source of the pain to be treatment rather than the symptoms.
In addition, it is important to condition the supporting spinal muscles. At Integral, we are experts at activating those dormant core muscles. Moist heat, electrical stimulation, ultrasound therapy, intramuscular stimulation, active release technique and joint mobilizations can offer additional benefits for reduction of inflammation and muscle spasm.
What conditions can spinal decompression therapy resolve?
- Bulging or herniated disks
- Degenerative disc disease
- Low back pain
- Neck pain
- Sciatica
- Work spinal joints
- Injured or diseased spinal nerve roots
How we can help
Now’s the time to discover how our therapists can help you get back to an optimal state of well-being. Call Integral Physiotherapy & Sports Clinic today to schedule an appointment: 587-401-2371.