These frequently asked questions are specific to the AFSS Spine Strength Therapy program. Please contact us directly with any questions regarding our treatment of other orthopedic conditions.
Can AFSS Spine Strength Therapy help me?
Research has shown that our treatment methods produce excellent and lasting results with a wide range of back and neck conditions. See "Are You A Candidate?" for more details. (back to top)
What is MedX technology?
AFSS uses computerized MedX® technology to recondition the low back (lumbar) and neck (cervical) musculature with a unique system of stabilization. MedX® is non-invasive medical equipment that accurately measures strength, endurance and range of motion and then provides a safe and effective reconditioning stimulus like nothing else can.
Chronic spine pain can stem from a variety of sources, but research suggests that a primary contributor is significant weakness in the spinal musculature. Most people with chronic pain learn to compensate with abnormal postures and by recruiting other muscles, which compounds the problem over time. MedX® specifically isolates the deconditioned spinal musculature, improves strength, endurance and range of motion, and ultimately improves function and quality of life. (back to top)
Why is MedX so Effective?
Most spine pain can be treated successfully if the deconditioned muscles of the spine are isolated and strengthened. The MedX® Medical Lumbar Extension prevents pelvic rotation during treatment, thus ensuring that the lumbar muscles are effectively exercised. As the strength and flexibility of the back muscles increase, function improves and pain decreases. Unless strength is restored to problem areas most alternative treatments will fail to yield lasting results.
Only MedX® completely immobilizes the pelvis during strengthening treatment.
If the pelvis is not immobilized during exercise the hips, gluteals and thighs extend the spine instead of the back muscles. This causes the spinal muscles to remain relatively inactive, weak and vulnerable to painful episodes and loss of function.
(Graphics courtesy of The Back Clinic, London)
Without pelvic immobilization, exercise is non-specific and most of the work is done by the hip extensors. When the pelvis is immobilized, strengthening is focused on the lumbar extensors.
Effective isolation and exercise stimulation is also possible with the MedX® Medical Cervical Extension, yielding excellent treatment outcomes for neck specific conditions related to spinal deconditioning. (back to top)
What problems can MedX® identify?
One of the leading factors in the development of pain and injuries is insufficient strength. Recent research has identified that deconditioned spinal muscles contribute to the development of chronic low back and neck pain. Additional research has also shown that after only one episode of low back pain the primary stabilization muscle of the low back (multifidus) deteriorates and does not spontaneously recover.
One problem with traditional rehabilitation methods is that deconditioned spinal muscles are not specifically isolated and trained intensively. Only MedX® machines are able to accurately and objectively measure the strength, endurance, and flexibility in lumbar and cervical spine and then recondition these areas, which has been proven to produce positive spinal changes in the discs, muscles, ligaments and even bone. (back to top)
Can MedX® promote disc health?
Recent scientific studies suggest that chemical changes in the intervertebral discs may be a source of spine pain. These chemical changes are usually the result of not moving the spine normally. Limited movement causes chemical build up in the discs where they can even move into the surrounding tissues thus aggravating nerves, muscles and ligaments. Intervertebral discs remain hydrated, chemically balanced, and receive nutrition through full range of motion (ROM) movements, which is the last thing chronic spine patients want to do. Unfortunately, the inactivity causes the problem to become worse eventually leading to muscle atrophy and further deterioration of the joints in the spine. MedX® technology gives patients the best opportunity to improve spinal strength, range of motion, and disc health. (back to top)
What if I have a herniated disc?
MedX® medical machines are specifically designed to isolate the low back and neck thus helping the patient move in a safe manner and restore normal function to the spine and discs. Even if a disc has a bulge or herniation it still responds to correct movement, which is essential to restoring disc health. (back to top)
What if I've had back surgery?
Post-surgical rehabilitation is of the utmost importance. The inactivity and discomfort that typically precedes, as well as follows surgery, often results in joint deterioration and significant muscle atrophy. Scientific evidence shows that many of the injured muscles will not recover on their own even with normal activities. AFSS Spine Strength Therapy is a very safe and effective way to gently start the rehabilitation process and gradually build the injured area back to normal strength levels. (back to top)
How soon after surgery can I be treated?
The recommended time period depends upon the surgical intervention, but in general, the MedX® protocol requires a six-week period after surgery before active MedX® treatment can begin. However, We can treat you with manual therapy and/or passive modalities during this period, if required. (back to top)
What if I'm seeing a chiropractor?
A recent study demonstrated that the combination of chiropractic care in conjunction with isolated strengthening using MedX® technology is an excellent way to eliminate chronic neck and back problems. However, chiropractic alone may not yield lasting results, due to its inability to effectively restore spinal strength. We will consult your chiropractor to coordinate the best possible care or refer you to a well-qualified chiropractor, if necessary. (back to top)
How long is the Spine Strength Therapy program?
A 12-week program is recommended, which consists of an initial evaluation followed by 16 treatment sessions using MedX® technology. The first month typically consists of twice-weekly treatments, followed by once a week treatments until program completion.
If you are in acute pain, we will treat you with manual therapy and if necessary, passive modality until your therapist determines that you are ready for active and intensive rehabilitation. The number of MedX® sessions has been determined by surgeons and medical researchers to be optimal for obtaining the best results. Patients may recover more quickly and occasionally may take a little longer, but most will derive optimal benefit over the course of 16 treatment sessions. (back to top)
How long does it take to notice results?
This is a difficult question to answer, but most of our patients will notice improvements within the first three or four treatments. Strength Restoration Therapy is not designed to simply treat the symptom, but rather the underlying cause (deconditioning). It takes time and effort to produce lasting results. Even those patients that do not notice changes in their symptoms initially usually experience measurable increases in strength and range of motion, which is an important first step in the recovery of function and elimination of pain. The vast majority of patients who complete a 12-week program feel significantly better at the end and, perhaps more importantly, stay that way.
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What will happen to my spine strength after the program ends?
By the end of your program, your spinal muscles will be reconditioned and "trained" to maintain posture and support the spine during movement. Research has shown that patients retain most of the benefits of the treatment 16 months and more after completion. However, many of our patients choose to have one “maintenance” session using MedX® technology each month in order to maintain maximum strength in their spine and minimize the possibility of any new episodes of pain. (back to top)
Has there been any medical research to support the use of MedX® technology?
Numerous studies have been published in scientific and medical journals on the effectiveness of the MedX® treatment in treating patients with back and neck pain. 20 years of research has resulted in studies that have been published in the following "peer reviewed" medical journals:
- The Spine
- Archives of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation
- Medicine and Science in Sports and Exercise
- Journal of Musculoskeletal Medicine
- Journal of Occupational Rehabilitation
- American Journal of Sports Medicine
- Journal of Spinal Disorders
- Physical Therapy
Please go to the Research and Resources page for more information.
Will my medical insurance cover the cost?
Several major insurance plans including Medicare cover AFSS Spine Strength Therapy. We will be happy to verify all insurance benefits for you and make your therapy experience as pleasant and productive as possible. For the uninsured, we offer pay-for-service options for your convenience. (back to top)
Do I need a doctor's referral?
You will need a physician’s referral to participate in our Spine Strength Therapy program. As a patient, you can request a referral to AFSS from your physician and if interested in learning more about our unique and highly effective method of treatment before consulting your physician, please schedule an appointment to tour our facility. (back to top)
How can the use of MedX® medical machines benefit employers?
Pre-employment screening utilizing MedX® is a valuable tool for potential employers. MedX® technology provides an objective, accurate measurement of the strength, endurance, and range of motion of a prospective employee's lumbar or cervical muscles. This can help prevent an injury before it occurs or help with job placement. (back to top)
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