Our New Shuttle Recovery Machine...the history and how it helps Physical Therapists treat a large variety of patients!!

We have a new machine at Progressive Physical Therapy that will help make a significant difference in how we treat our patients and how our patients progress through their therapy!   Read on to learn more!......

In 1965, the US Air Force proposed the launching of a secret Space Station…

to be named the Manned Orbiting Lab (MOL). Of prime concern to Gary Graham and a team of other bioscientists was the effect on an astronaut’s cardiovascular system during the long exposure to the zero gravity environment of space.

The Bioastronautics team proposed subjecting the astronauts to intermittent positive and negative acceleration forces parallel to the long axis of the body as a way of taxing their cardiovascular system and maintaining their orthostatic tolerance. The team developed a prototype they named the Cardiovascular Conditioner.

The government eventually scrapped the MOL Project. But, twenty years later, with additional research and development, Gary patented a Horizontal Rebounding exercise device. The CMC (CardioMuscular Conditioner) Shuttle 2000 used the basic principles derived from the Boeing cardiovascular conditioner.

And Shuttle Systems was born…

	1965 – Manned Orbiting Lab Gary Graham and the team of bioscientists at Boeing developed the Cardiovascular Conditioner as a potential exercise system for the Manned Orbiting Lab (MOL). Research studies on the prototype were very promising, but the government canceled the MOL project in favor of the NASA lunar mission.
	1985 – CMC Shuttle 2000 Gary resurrects the MOL project exercise system concept for use as an earth-bound exercise machine. Additional research and development results in a patented Horizontal Rebounding exercise machine named the CMC (CardioMuscular Conditioner) Shuttle 2000.
	1990 – Shuttle 2000-1 Initially, the CMC Shuttle 2000 would be used primarily as a physical therapy tool. Further R & D generated a more advanced model, the Shuttle 2000-1. Today, the 2000-1 remains a flagship machine with its numerous accessories and expanded versatility designed to meet the specific needs identified by practicing therapists and trainers. Five models of the Shuttle 2000-1 are currently in production.
	1993 – Shuttle MVP Shortly after the appearance of the 2000-1 Series, trainers and athletes began using the machine for conditioning and athletic training. However, professional and world-class athletes were seeking a Shuttle with more resistance. Thus was born the Shuttle MVP. With three models and resistance loads up to 650 pounds, the MVP has become the preferred tool for developing explosive power in the elite athlete.

1997 – Shuttle MiniPress Bill Bollinger, a physical therapist, expressed the need for a small Shuttle that would be mobile and could be used in a patient’s bed, on a training table, on the playing field, or at home. The MiniClinic was introduced in 1997 and would later become the Shuttle MiniPress. Utilizing a variation of the Horizontal Rebounding Technology, the MiniPress weighs less than 15 lbs, provides resistance loads up to 100 pounds, and allows the therapist to “bring the press to the patient.”

2000 – Shuttle Balance In response to a growing need for equipment focusing specifically on balance – and in conjunction with Robert Crouch of Precision Fitness in Adelaide and several physical therapists in Washington state – the Shuttle Balance was created. We also want to thank Mick Lynch, MD and his sister, Teresa Schuemann, PT, DPT, SCS, ATC, CSCS, for their pioneering work on balancing devices. The Balance has been demonstrated to be a very effective tool for fall prevention, balance training, rehabilitation and athletic development.

2009 – Shuttle Recovery---Progressive's New Machine! With the shrinking square footage of the typical physical therapist/hospital treatment space and the challenging economic times the world is facing, we went back to the drawing board to develop a rehabilitation machine that provided a smaller footprint at a smaller price. The new Shuttle Recovery provides resistance as low as 12½ pounds all the way up to 200 pounds at full extension. PT's can treat kids to seniors, post-op patients to high school athletes. PT's can also change the elasticord load while the patient remains on the Recovery – we don’t have to get the patient off and on to progress their treatment.  To learn more about this machine and how Shuttle's can help with your recovery, visit: http://www.shuttlesystems.com/about/company-history Call today to schedule an appointment! 898-0443

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Click the link above and "Like" our new Facebook Page! The old page will be deleted soon and we would like you to continue following us on our new Business Page!

Vertigo and Physical Therapy

Vestibular Rehabilitation

“Dizziness”, or Vertigo, is the 3^rd most common reason for seeking medical care in individuals over the age of 65 and it is the number one reason for those over the age of 70.

Vertigo is not an inner ear infection as many people believe, and cannot be treated with medication.  It comes on suddenly with changes in the position of the head--lying down, turning to the side or looking up to a cupboard shelf for example.  The attacks can be brief but disrupting. 

Half of the people over the age of 65 will develop a condition known as BPPV (medically known as Benign Positional Paroxysmal Vertigo).  This is a common and sometimes a disabling cause of dizziness that is readily diagnosed and treated.  BPPV may be suspected by careful history and confirmed by appropriate physical examination. Pharmacologic therapy is of little benefit and exercise therapy is curative in over 90% of patients!

BPPV is caused by crystals that are normally found in one part of the inner ear migrating to another part.  Moving the head activates the displaced crystals and they send a message to the brain that brings dizziness.  The inner ear is not only for hearing; it's also for balance.  The crystals can be brought back to their original site through a series of movements called the Epley repositioning maneuvers. 

Other common causes of Vertigo also include Meneire’s, Perilymphatic Fistula, and Migraine Headaches among others.

Most patients experience similar symptoms regardless of the cause of their Vertigo.  These can include: imbalance, unsteady gait, head movement sensitivity, visual  motion sensitivity, disequilibrium in the dark or on uneven surfaces just to name a few. 

Physical Therapy can greatly improve (and in over 90% of patients actually cure!) Vertigo symptoms through the use of “Vestibular Rehabilitation”.  Techniques that Physical Therapists use in this form of rehab include exercises such as ankle sways and focus head turns.  Physical Therapists also use different maneuvers to treat Vertigo such as: the Epley Maneuver (as mentioned above), the Brandt-Daroff Treatment, and the Semont Liberatory Maneuver. 

The type of treatment the Physical Therapist chooses depends upon the underlying cause of the Vertigo, which is determined after careful examination of the patient by the Therapist.  A treatment plan is then devised and acted upon in the same visit.  Our Therapists have found great success with the use of the Epley Maneuver and are well trained in it’s technique.

If you or someone you know is suffering from Vertigo, give us a call today!  You will be very surprised how effective Physical Therapy can be with this problem!

For more information on Vertigo and the Epley Maneuver, click the links below:

http://www2.wsls.com/lifestyles/2008/jun/25/physical_therapy_often_best_treatment_for_vertigo-ar-397642/

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Epley_maneuver

http://www.cyberpt.com/cyberptbppv.asp

Ultrasound as a Modality used in Spine Rehabilitation

Physical Therapists have many different treatment modalities to choose from when treating back pain or as part of a Spine Rehab program.  One such modality is the use of Ultrasound.  Ultrasound is a modality with many treatment uses.  Today we will discuss how Ultrasound works and why it is such a useful tool in Spine Rehabilitation.

Ultrasound machines are a treatment modality used by physical therapists that utilize high or low frequency sound waves (those that are out of the range in which we hear). These sound waves are transmitted to the surrounding tissue and vasculature. They penetrate the muscles to cause deep tissue/muscle warming and this warming effect causes vessel vasodilatation and increased circulation to the area that assists in healing. This promotes tissue relaxation and therefore is useful in treating muscle tightness and spasms and is used to minimize muscle pain and movement dysfunction. 
 
The physical therapist can also adjust the frequency on the machine to use waves that will decrease inflammation. The treatments help reduce stiffness, swelling, and pain and also increase circulation, and promote pain-free movement.

With back pain and injuries inflammation sets in and causes stiffness, pain and restriction of movement which further worsens the pain and stiffness.  The heat that ultrasound waves produce cause the vessels in that region to dilate and increase blood flow to the area, which helps to decrease inflammation and promote healing of the injured tissues.

Ultrasound therapy is a painless procedure, and many people find it relaxing.

Our staff is very experienced in the use of Ultrasound as a treatment modality to treat Spinal injuries.  Call us today to schedule an appointment if you or someone you know is suffering from back/spine pain and needs an expert who specializes in Spine Rehab! 386-898-0443

What is the Graston Technique® and how can it help with Spine Rehab/Back Pain?

In our last blog we discussed our specialty in Spine Rehabilitation and mentioned we would further explore some of the modalities we use to treat Back Pain.  In this issue we discuss the use of the Graston Technique® as one option in treating Back Pain.  Read more to learn what the Graston Technique® is, how it works, what a patient can expect prior to, during and after treatment.

Graston Technique®

There are many treatment options available for back pain caused by soft tissue problems, such as a back muscle strain. One method of treatment is soft tissue instrument assisted mobilization, also known as the  Graston Technique®. 

Graston Technique® is an innovative, patented form of instrument-assisted soft tissue mobilization that enables clinicians to effectively break down scar tissue and fascial restrictions. The Technique utilizes specially designed stainless steel instruments to specifically detect and effectively treat areas exhibiting soft tissue fibrosis or chronic inflammation.

The Graston Technique®, originally developed by athletes, is changing the way clinicians — including athletic trainers, chiropractors, physical therapists, occupational therapists — and patients view treatment of acute and chronic soft tissue injuries.

The majority of practitioners specializing in this technique are osteopathic physicians, athletic trainers, physical therapists and occupational therapists, and it is also available to medical doctors and registered nurses.

Fairly extensive training is required in order to use the technique and we are trained and experienced in using the Graston Technique® for many conditions including back pain.

Soft Tissue Injuries and Back Pain

Most of the back is comprised of muscles, ligaments and tendons, and injuries to these soft tissues play a significant role in the pain and dysfunction associated with back problems. While it may not sound like a serious injury, a simple muscle strain or torn ligament in the back can cause excruciating pain and difficulty with movement.

When an injury within the soft tissue occurs, the tissue repairs itself in a haphazard pattern, forming scar tissue. While the scar tissue itself is not painful, it does tend to limit range of motion, and the ongoing stiffness may contribute to back pain or neck pain on an ongoing basis.

How the Graston Technique® Works

This form of manual therapy comprises soft tissue mobilization and incorporates the use of stainless-steel instruments. The goal of the therapy is to separate and break down the scar tissue, as well as stretch connective tissue and muscle fibers. There also appears to be a neurologic component to treating patients with the Graston Technique Instruments.

The Graston Technique® uses the instruments with a specialized form of massage that is designed to help the practitioner identify areas of restriction and break up the scar tissue. The concave and convex stainless steel instruments are used to comb over and catch on injured fibrotic tissue.

Using a cross-friction massage, which involves brushing or rubbing against the grain of the scar tissue, the practitioner re-introduces small amounts of trauma to the affected area. This temporarily causes inflammation in the area, which in turn increases the rate and amount of blood flow in and around the area. The theory is that this process helps initiate and promote the healing process of the affected soft tissues.

Treatment is rendered along the kinetic chain and thus a patient presenting with back pain might also receive treatment to the hip flexors, abdomen, hamstrings and other regions of the body.

Patients undergoing therapy with the Graston Technique can expect the following:

Prior to Treatment

• Prior to an appointment with your physical therapist, patients are advised to complete five minutes of cardiovascular activity, such as riding a stationary bike or walking on a treadmill
• At the office of the physical therapy clinic, ultrasound or heat treatment may first be applied to the injured area to warm up the soft tissue

During Treatment

• The practitioner will utilize the appropriate Graston Technique® instruments to scan, then treat, the affected area of the back
• Treatment generally consists of the clinician rubbing the affected area(s) with the handheld stainless steel Graston Technique® instruments, using very specific, calculated massage techniques
• Treatment time is usually 30 to 60 seconds per area treated

After Treatment

• The patient is advised to stretch the areas treated
• Following stretching, the patient may begin low load, high repetitions of exercises using an elastic band.
• It is common for patients to experience some discomfort during the procedure and possibly some bruising. Ice application for 15 to 20 minutes following the treatment may ease the discomfort.
• Patients are advised they may be sore, bruise or exhibit small red dots over the area treated called petechiae.

It is recommended that an exercise, stretching and strengthening program be used in conjunction with this technique to rehabilitate the back and help the injured tissues heal.

The typical course of treatment generally range from 6 to 10 visits. No medications are required in conjunction with this specific treatment.

Contraindications

Not all candidates with pain related to soft tissue injury are candidates for Graston Technique® therapy. Patients any with the following are not good candidates for the treatment:

• Open wounds
• High blood pressure
• Cancer (depending on the type and location)
• Pregnancy (pregnant women should avoid having the therapy done over the spine, pelvis, abdomen or along certain acupuncture points)
• Unhealed, complicated fractures

For a full list of both absolute and relative contraindications to the use of this therapy, please consult a trained Graston Technique® clinician by calling us today!

(web sources for this article include: http://www.spine-health.com and http://www.ssprehab.com/services/graston-technique)

Spine Rehabilitation

Did you know that Progressive Physical Therapy specializes in Spine Rehabilitation?

Your recovery from spine pain or injury can be improved by learning new ways to strengthen your spine and prevent future problems. Our physical therapists can teach you ways to help reduce your pain now and form new habits to keep your spine healthy in the future without becoming dependent upon weekly or monthly interventions for years.

At your first physical therapy visit, our physical therapist (PT) will gather information about your spine condition. You may be asked questions about when it started, where you hurt, and how your symptoms affect your day-to-day activities. This helps your PT to begin zeroing in on the source of your problem and to know what will be needed to help relieve it.

Your therapist will evaluate your answers and your exam results to determine the best way to help you. He/she will then write a plan of care, which lists the treatments to be used and the goals that you and your therapist decide on to do your daily activities safely and with the least amount of discomfort. The plan also includes a prognosis, which is your therapist's idea of how well the treatments will work and how long you'll need therapy in order to get the most benefit.

The main goal of therapy is to make sure you have ways to take care of future spine pain or problems. You'll be shown ways to help control pain or symptoms if they don't go completely away and if they return in the future. Because you've experienced spine pain, there is a possibility you may have soreness in the future. You may be encouraged to continue with some of the exercises to help keep your spine healthy over time.

Treatment to control pain and symptoms includes a variety of options that your physical therapist will choose based upon your individualized care plan that he/she developed based upon his/her exam of your spine.  They may include rest, positioning, ice, heat, ultrasound, electrical stimulation, soft tissue mobilization/massage, manual therapy, joint mobilization, traction and the Graston technique.

The next step in your therapy course would be the introduction of therapeutic exercise which is individually designed to help you to work on flexibility, stabilization, coordination and fitness conditioning.

This step is then followed by functional training which helps you with doing specific activities with greater ease and safety. Examples include posture, body mechanics, and ergonomics.

Once your pain is controlled, your range of motion has improved, and your strength is returning, you will be progressed to a final home program. Your therapist will review some of the ideas listed above to help take care of any soreness at home. You'll be given some ways to keep working on your range of motion and strength. Before you are done with therapy, more measurements may be taken to see how well you're doing now compared to when you first started in therapy.
We will be exploring some of the treatments and modalities discussed above in more detail with future blogs. 

We hope you found this overview of Spine Rehabilitation helpful and will keep Progressive Physical Therapy, Inc. in mind for all of your or your family and friends' Rehabilitation needs!

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(source referenced for this blog: allaboutbackpain.com)