Advantages of Med-X Rehabilitation Methods

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Low back testing and rehabilitation must be specific to the lumbar extensors. During normal trunkextension the pelvis rotates about the heads of the femurs as the lumbar spine extends. In the measurement and rehabilitation of the low back this pelvic rotation must be prevented to allow for accurate quantification of lumbar extension strength. During rehabilitation an isolated environment is the only way to provide an overload stimulus. Without isolation the hips and hamstrings are primarily responsible for trunk extension and provide most of the muscular force during movement ant the lumbar extensors are not sufficiently stimulated.

MedX equipment is the only tool that truly isolates the lumbar extensors for testing and rehabilitation. Isolating a movement provides a safe and effective environment in which to apply basic principles of progression and overload to combat and reverse the deconditioning effects of chronic low back pain. Providing a secure isolated environment reduces patients anxiety and apprehension during the movement and musculature re-activation phase of a rehabilitation program. This type of environment helps the patient develop and re-establish confidence in using their low back musculature. The human body adapts to disuse. If an area of the body is painful the neuromuscular system will learn new patterns of contraction to produce movement, thus alienating the injured muscle. This injured muscle then further atrophies and weakens, predisposing an individual to greater risk and severity of re-injury. Effective rehabilitation must prevent alienation, or re-educate the neuromuscular system properly.

These benefits cannot be realized without specific isolated movement. General exercise and conditioning programs are encouraged but cannot effectively address the weak link and are therefore ineffective in specific low back rehabilitation.