In an effort to keep with our vision of becoming the “industry’s best provider of treatment for chronic neck and back pain”, we have implemented a “PDR quality assurance program” to ensure excellence. As a result, our patients are treated only by physical and occupational therapists, not technicians or rehabilitation aides. Also, every one of our therapists must complete our internal PDR MedX certification program, which includes demonstrating proficiency in the use of MedX equipment for spinal rehabilitation. Our certification program was modeled after the program developed by the University of California, San Diego, Department of Orthopedic School of Medicine.

Our intensive, 3-day MedX certification course begins with an independent study, followed by 2 days of lecture on various spinal topics including anatomy, common disorders and conditions, research, strengthening and treatment principles, and MedX precautions and contraindications. Next is a 4 hour lab with hands-on practice; following by testing, both written and practical, on the last day. All therapists must pass both tests with at least 80% accuracy before using MedX to treat patients.

Dr. Ginkel, the founder of PDR, has chosen to make a large investment in the training and development of every one of our therapists in our ongoing quest for excellence. Whether a therapist has one or ten years of experience prior to joining the PDR team, all new therapists must undergo an intensive two week training program before working independently with patients. Then, during their 90-day review, all new therapists must pass quality assurance tests by demonstrating proficiency in all of the following areas:

• Functional and orthopedic evaluations
• Spinal stretching program
• Cardiovascular testing, goals and benefits
• Back protection education, including:
• Postural retraining
• Ergonomics principles
• Proper body mechanics
• Safe lifting techniques
• Abdominal stabilization exercises
• Swiss ball spinal mobility and stability programs
• Cervical isometric exercises
• PDR Swiss ball circuit training program
• Free-weight scapular stabilization and midback exercises
• Traction (cervical and lumbar)
• Modalities (Ultrasound, E-stim, etc.)
• Active Release Technique (see below)

In addition to our initial training and MedX certification programs, all of our therapists are trained (lecture and hands-on) in various manual therapy techniques, including active release technique (ART). Approximately 9 years ago, Dr. Ginkel and one of our therapists each attended a week-long certification course on this treatment technique. They have subsequently taught ART to all of our therapists with hours of hands-on practice. We have found ART to be very effective in breaking down the scar tissue and soft-tissue adhesions which commonly develop following a trauma (e.g. auto accident), surgery or years of poor posture. As a result, our patients perform better in the MedX program since they have less pain and greater range of motion. The presence of “trigger points” (areas of the body very tender to the touch), along with decreased mobility of the spine are indications for ART. When paired with our MedX strengthening program, this technique has also proven helpful for treating headaches.