FAQ Overview

All FAQ from the category Patients

•  How can this program help me with my headaches?

  Oftentimes, headaches begin as a result of a traumatic injury to the neck, such as a whiplash injury during a car accident. The body’s natural response is to lay down scar tissue around the affected joints in order to make them more stable. Headaches are also related to postural changes and poor postural habits, commonly seen in people who sit at a computer, or work in a bent (flexed) position for prolonged periods of time. Tightness and stiffness in the neck, shoulders or at the base of the skull may come on suddenly, or develop slowly over time. Headaches are oftentimes described as beginning at the base of the skull, traveling up the back of the head and finally, into the forehead. MedX rehab, along with deep tissue techniques as needed, has been shown to be very effective in breaking down this scar tissue, thus increasing range of motion and reducing headache pain. MedX rehab also serves to increase muscle strength and stability in these joints, which causes the remodeling of the muscles, therefore offering long term benefits.

•  I’ve been told I have fibromyalgia…Can this program help me?

  At PDR, we treat many patients with fibromyalgia, oftentimes with very good results. To maximize our effectiveness in treating these patients, our physicians have developed a specific fibromyalgia protocol with the following modifications:

  • Proper body mechanics, energy conservation techniques and regular cardiovascular exercise are emphasized.
  • Introduction of new exercises is limited to 3-5 per session to avoid a flare-up, or per the patient’s tolerance.
  • The MedX equipment allows us to administer calculated doses of exercise, which helps us to avoid overworking the muscles and developing muscle pain.
•  Is this type of rehab program safe during pregnancy?

  At PDR, we have been safely treating pregnant women using a modified protocol since opening our first clinic in 1994, with very good results. MedX equipment can be safely and effectively used during pregnancy with the following precautions:

  • No testing in the (MedX) back machines to avoid holding the breath while exercising, and to avoid an increase in intra-abdominal pressure
  • Limiting range of motion in flexion to avoid compression of the abdomen
  • Following patient’s obstetrician (OB/GYN doctor) recommendations regarding abdominal exercises, as well as heart rate maximum during exercise (<140 bpm)
  • Most patients report less low back pain and better labor and delivery experiences following MedX rehab as a result of having a stronger and more stable back.
•  I work all day at a computer. Why do I have neck/back pain when I’ve never even injured myself before?

  Postural dysfunction is becoming more prevalent with more and more people sitting all day at a computer. Most of us have fair sitting posture at best, even if we have an ergonomically designed chair, since our work station and computer heights are oftentimes too high or low. This leads to a significant increase in stress in the low back from sitting slouched, and in the neck from sitting with our heads too far forward. Over time, our postural muscles become weaker from under-use, while our ligaments become overstretched, causing permanent tissue damage.

  At PDR, an essential part of our program - which occurs within the first two weeks of therapy - is postural retraining and ergonomics education, especially for those patients with desk jobs. The key to reducing stress in our spine is restoration of its natural curves, which includes making sure our work station is optimally set up to facilitate good posture. In addition, mid back (scapular) stabilization and strengthening exercises are instructed as part of our exclusive PDR Swiss ball circuit training program to enable you to sit with proper posture for longer periods of time without fatigue or aggravation in the muscles of the spine (click on Swiss ball for more information about this program). Finally, MedX rehabilitation is used to significantly increase strength and stability of the specific muscles of the neck and low back, which also helps to maintain good posture.

•  I’ve been told I have a herniated disc. Is this program safe for me?

  When the necessary precautions are taken, absolutely. At PDR, approximately 60-70% of our patients present to us with one or more herniated discs, and go on to complete the program successfully with good results. With or without a herniated disc, our primary focus is on treating the de-conditioning syndrome, or the muscle weakness caused by months or years of inactivity due to pain. Hence, specific muscle strengthening using MedX exercise technologies allows you to work at a significantly greater intensity level without compromise to the disc or vertebra. Working at a higher intensity level causes the remodeling of the muscles, therefore offering long term benefits. The more severe a disc herniation, the more likely the body is to reabsorb it - a phenomenon which is well documented. The goal of MedX rehab is to strengthen and stabilize the spine, reducing pain and allowing the body time to repair itself. When this occurs, surgery can likely be avoided.

  At PDR, we have developed a modified protocol for patients with disc herniations to ensure maximum safety in the MedX equipment. When appropriate, our physicians may also recommend using “McKenzie” techniques to further reduce a disc herniation and hence decrease pain. All of our therapists have been instructed in this proven-effective treatment technique, which is a part of every new patient’s physical therapy evaluation. MedX strengthening, along with education in proper body mechanics and lifting techniques, will also help to avoid advancement of the disc herniation and decrease the risk of future re-injury.

•  My doctor says I have degeneration (arthritis) in my spine. How can this program help?

  After the age of 30, most of us will have some degree of degeneration in our spine. Regardless of the extent of degeneration, our primary focus is on treating the de-conditioning syndrome, or muscle weakness caused by months or years of inactivity, which is the result of the pain caused by disc degeneration. This syndrome, like the pain cycle, is a normal response to tissue damage. To break this cycle and reverse the de-conditioning syndrome, it is important to gradually return to activity. Prolonged rest will promote even more stiffness and pain.

  Exercise breaks the pain cycle by increasing blood flow and providing nutrition to the joints so they may heal. At PDR, we have developed a safe and effective rehabilitation program to reverse the de-conditioning syndrome, break the pain cycle, and return you to your normal daily activities with increased strength and mobility. Additionally, we have developed a modified program especially for seniors and de-conditioned patients as appropriate, consisting of lower intensity exercises performed at a slower progression.

•  I’ve been recommended for neck/back surgery, but I’d like to avoid it if at all possible…Can this program improve my chances?

  Yes: A research study published in January, 1999 in Archives of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation showed that 35 of 38 patients recommended for spinal surgery were able to forego surgery after MedX rehabilitation. Most orthopedic surgeons recommend trying all conservative treatments before undergoing spinal surgery, and some won’t even consider surgery until their patients have exhausted all conservative care.

  Regardless of your injury or condition, our primary focus at PDR is on treating the de-conditioning syndrome, or muscle weakness caused by months or years of inactivity, which is a normal response to tissue damage. To break the pain cycle and reverse the de-conditioning syndrome, it is important to gradually return to activity. Prolonged rest will promote even more stiffness and pain. Exercise breaks the pain cycle by increasing blood flow and providing nutrition to the joints so they may heal. Our program aims to reverse the de-conditioning syndrome, break the pain cycle, and return you to your normal daily activities with increased strength and stability.

•  I’ve had neck/back surgery, but I still have pain. Am I still a good candidate for rehab?

  With the right precautions, absolutely. Oftentimes, pain after surgery is the result of scar tissue, inactivity and weak muscles vs. the surgical site itself. This is where our MedX rehab program comes in. Increasing range of motion (breaking down scar tissue), increasing spinal strength in an isolated manner, and increasing your over-all activity level are what our MedX program does best!

  Due to an increase in the number of post-surgical patients being referred to us, our physicians have developed a post-surgical protocol to ensure optimal safety with these patients. These modified protocols break down your therapy program into three distinct phases, depending on the type of surgery you had and how long ago. Your PDR physician will determine which phase is right for you. Each phase has specific precautions and exercise recommendations that are closely adhered to during your rehab program. At PDR, we’ve had several years of experience using this specific protocol, and have found it to be both a safe and effective treatment plan for our post-surgical patients.

•  Do I need a referral from my primary care physician?

  Not necessarily...This depends on your insurance plan. If your insurance plan requires a referral from your primary clinic for specialty services, then you'll probably need one to come to PDR. However, all new patients that are entering our MedX rehab program are initially seen by one of our doctors, regardless of whether or not the primary care physician was seen first. It is a good idea to check with your insurance plan to be certain, or ask a PDR patient representative who would be happy to help you!

•  I’ve already had physical therapy, chiropractic treatments and an injection. How is PDR different from all of those?

  At PDR, we specialize only in the treatment of chronic neck and back pain; hence, it’s been our #1 focus since opening our first clinic in 1994. We differ from other programs and therapies as follows:

  • Over 10 years of experience using MedX medical exercise technology for neck and low back rehabilitation. MedX equipment allows our therapists to effectively increase strength and mobility of the specific muscles of the spine in an isolated manner, thus offering superior results.
  • On-site team of medical doctors with special interests and postgraduate training in the management of spinal conditions.
  • Specific protocols for treating complex medical cases, such as post-surgical and disc herniations, which have been exclusively developed and implemented by PDR physicians.
  • Rather than a temporary “fix”, MedX rehabilitation offers long term changes and benefits by allowing you to safely work at higher intensity levels, resulting in the remodeling of muscle tissue.
  • PDR’s exclusive Swiss ball circuit training program.
  • Hands-on instruction in the most important part of any good spinal rehab program: Postural retraining, proper body mechanics & lifting techniques, and ergonomics training as applicable. Our therapists ensure your thorough understanding of these techniques with multiple sessions of practice. We don’t expect you to learn these critical techniques on your own with only books and videos.
  • Evening (until 7:00 pm) and weekend hours (8:00 – noon on Saturdays).
  • More intensive, 3-day per week Return to Work program to enable injured workers to safely and successfully return to full duty work, oftentimes sooner than the standard protocol can.
•  My doctor told me I have a “spondylolesthesis”…Is this program right for me?

  Yes. Our physicians have developed a specific protocol for patients with a spondylolesthesis, one that restricts the motion that could possibly cause advancement of the condition. In many cases, we have found that the spondylolesthesis is not the actual source of the pain. Many patients complete our program with a markedly decreased pain level despite no changes in the spondylolesthesis itself. Our primary focus is on treating the de-conditioning syndrome, or muscle weakness caused by months or years of inactivity, which is a normal response to tissue damage. To break the pain cycle and reverse the de-conditioning syndrome, it is important to gradually return to activity. Prolonged rest will promote even more stiffness and pain.

  Exercise breaks the pain cycle by increasing blood flow and providing nutrition to the joints so they may heal. At PDR, we have developed a safe and effective rehabilitation program for patients with a spondylolesthesis; one which reverses the de-conditioning syndrome, breaks the pain cycle, and returns you to your normal daily activities with increased strength and stability.

•  I’ve been in pain for over 10 years. Could this program still help me?

  Our patients’ average chronicity is 365 days, or one year since injury or onset of pain. However, a high percentage of our patients have been dealing with pain for at least 2 years, and many even longer. Your chances of success do not decrease the longer you’ve had neck or back pain. MedX rehab can be just as effective for people with many years of pain as for those with only weeks or months of pain. In fact, MedX equipment was designed specifically for people with recurrent, long-term (chronic) neck and/or back pain.

•  Is this program covered by my insurance?

  More than likely, yes. PDR has insurance contracts with the majority of medical health plans, including Blue Cross/Blue Shield, Health Partners and Medica, among many others. Our services are also covered by auto insurance and workers compensation plans. For questions regarding billing &/or insurance, call 952-908-2700, and we would be happy to check your benefits for you!

•  What happens after I’m done with the MedX program? What can I do to stay strong and keep the pain away?

  At PDR, our ultimate goal is for you to achieve independence with your back care program, and to be in control of your symptoms. Achieving these goals is precisely what we had in mind when we developed our exclusive Swiss ball circuit training program. This 30-minute exercise program is intended to be your life long maintenance program, which can be performed in the privacy of your own home with minimal equipment (click on Swiss ball for more information about this program).

  We also offer a monthly MedX maintenance program for those patients who wish to continue with the machines after finishing rehab. Research has shown that exercising 1x every 3 - 4 weeks utilizing the MedX equipment can effectively maintain everything you gained throughout your rehab program* at a cost of $25 - $45 per visit, depending on the number of machines you wish to continue using.

  *Tucci, et al. Effect of Reduced Frequency of Training and Detraining on Lumbar Extension Strength. Spine. Vol 17, no.12, 1992.

•  What is "spinal decompression", and how does it differ from MedX rehabilitation?

  Spinal decompression is another term for traction, i.e. the use of a pulling force to increase space between the vertebrae in order to decrease nerve compression. This tends to offer temporary relief to only certain patients, and does nothing to increase strength and mobility of the joints and muscles of the spine. MedX equipment, on the other hand, does just that. By isolating the muscles of the neck and low back, patients enjoy significant increases in strength, range of motion, and function of their spine after undergoing rehabilitation utilizing specialized MedX equipment.

  At PDR, we offer both. For most patients with a history of chronic neck &/or back pain, our MedX rehabilitation program usually offers more functional gains than most all other therapy options. As a result, most of our patients are able to resume the activities that they need and want to be doing; such as returning to work, lifting their children, or playing a round of golf! At PDR, we also offer cervical and lumbar traction (i.e. “spinal decompression”) to those patients that are deemed appropriate. For example, when spinal pain is accompanied by radiating pain down the leg(s) or arm(s), our physician or physical therapist may recommend adding traction to your rehabilitation program.