Lakeland Spine Center Intros New ATM System for Back Pain

June 11, 2009 (PRLEAP.COM) Health News
Lakeland Spine Center in Lakeland, Florida, is bringing the first Active Therapeutic Movement machine to the area in June 2009 and now offers this revolutionary rehab technology to treat neuromuscular pain and improve patients' range of movement. Nationwide patient testimonials, and now clinical studies, herald the ATM machine and theory as an effective new method for managing joint pain and improving flexibility and performance.

Active therapeutic movements are "short, full-strength movements against an isometric resistance in the direction of a previously painful movement," according to Clare Lewis, an associate professor of physical therapy at California State University, Sacramento. In essence, the targeted, repeated movements retrain the brain and the muscle group to do the problem movement in the right way. After several sessions, the neuromuscular system adjusts to the new, pain-free version of the exercise, using it in place of the previous, incorrect movement that caused the patient pain. Since back pain alone affects four out of five Americans and is the second leading reason people visit their doctors, this new and effective method of pain management has a lot of people excited.

Gerry James, World Long Drive Golfing Champion, is one of those excited people. According to BackProject.com, James experienced an "immediate 25° increase in his rotational range of motion," which improved his ability to drive the ball with power and control. The two-time world champion said, "For a person that trains six days a week and is at the peak of his performance, this is truly amazing."

Chiropractor Dr. Dane Parker, D.C., founder of the Lakeland Spine Center, sees this move as consistent with the vision he's always had for the center. While some practitioners may prefer to stick with the therapies and procedures they have always done, Dr. Parker and his associates believe the better path is to continually grow with new technology, taking advantage of the medical breakthroughs that can bring their patients real pain relief and an improved quality of life.

Dr. Parker sees the ATM therapy as an important new addition to complement the chiropractic care, massage therapy, and other physical therapy and exercise procedures the clinic offers. He says, "I believe this ATM machine will let us bring more relief to more people than ever before, but I'm also excited to see its potential for sports therapy and training."

In addition to back pain, the ATM system can target neck, shoulder, hip, and knee pain. After documenting a patient's history and specific pain complaint, the therapist finds the optimal position in the machine for that patient's neuromuscular problem. Once carefully strapped in by the therapist, the patient performs a specific regimen of precise exercises against light resistance. Patients normally feel immediate results, but they must complete a series of sessions to ensure long-term improvement.

For more information about active therapeutic movement therapy, contact Lakeland Spine Center through its website, http://www.lakelandspinecenter.com/, or call (863) 644-0880 during LSC's hours of operation. (MWF 8-12 and 2-6:30), Tuesdays (9-12 and 2-5), Thursdays (9-12)