Physical Therapy Services

What is Northwest Spine Management? NW Spine Management is a multidisciplinary facility that provides a unique rehabilitative experience. The comfortable, friendly environment is decidedly non-clinical and possesses a combination of a technologically advanced and motivational atmosphere. Our licensed physical therapists offer comprehensive exams to diagnose a wide variety of spine disorders. A comprehensive exam may include testing of muscular strength, joint function, posture, balance, coordination, and sensation. When appropriate, it may include computerized assessment of muscle function (strength and endurance) and flexibility. From the examination findings and frequently in conjunction with the referring physician, we determine the appropriate therapeutic plan of care.

What is the philosophy underlying the treatment approach?
 Authoritative organizations and expert panels world-wide promote an active, as opposed to passive, approach to rehabilitation. General physical training (e.g., aerobic and resistance exercise) combined with specific physiotherapeutic interventions (e.g., postural awareness, modalities, manual therapy) can provide synergistic results. Therefore, we provide patients with the opportunity and knowledge to transition to a self-managed program at discharge. This may be continued at our facility or any facility of their choice.

Why is NW Spine Management unique?
NW Spine Management places a high priority on a quality rehabilitative experience for each individual, not on the volume of patients it sees. Patients receive substantially more one-on-one attention by qualified staff and are not left to exercise unsupervised where improper technique may jeopardize progress or compromise outcomes. Patient routines are thorough and are based on the most current scientific evidence. We place great emphasis on objective, quantifiable goals and results en route to functional outcomes. One means of quantifying dysfunction and progress is through the use of our advanced MedX Medical Machines. NW Spine Management is the only clinic in Oregon to possess the full line of MedX Medical Machines: Lumbar Extension, Rotary Torso, Cervical Extension, Rotary Neck, and Knee.

What is MedX technology?
MedX Medical Machines were specifically designed for the rehabilitation of injured populations ("MedX" = "medical" + "exercise"). The hallmark of the machines is their ability to specifically isolate, assess, and strengthen the spine or knee through multi-angular isometric dynamometry and dynamic variable resistive exercise. The patented MedX stabilization systems provide reliable test results and ensure patient safety while using the equipment. The assessment results allow for graphic comparison to uninjured people of similar age and gender. All MedX Medical Machines possess range-of-motion limiters to restrict and progress range-of-motion in a pain-free arc while gradually progressing resistance in small increments to improve muscular strength. The machines are FDA approved and have been utilized in dozens of scientific studies, the results of which have been published in top medical and physical therapy journals. MedX is more than a series of machines; the amount of published research using MedX Medical Machines is staggering compared to other exercise equipment, and the equipment is accompanied by scientifically derived rehabilitation protocols that essentially provide a recipe for success. Treatment is extremely efficient, objective and cost effective.
Pre-, post- and non-surgical candidates with chronic pain and dysfunction benefit from strengthening the spinal musculature, and research reveals many surgical candidates avoid surgery altogether. The MedX spine machines are versatile and helpful for various diagnoses; good or excellent results have been achieved with patients suffering from mechanical strains and sprains, HNP, degenerative disc disease, spondylolisthesis, spondylolysis and stenosis. The MedX Knee Medical Machine can be used to assess motor impairment in the lower extremities of back patients with nerve root involvement (e.g., sciatica) as well as knee-specific orthopedic dysfunction such as that following knee surgery or knee immobilization.

What kind of clinical outcomes can be expected?
The same research-based MedX protocols we employ were shown in studies to result in successful outcomes for 80% of patients with chronic neck or low back dysfunction who completed the prescribed protocols. Pain relief is achieved concurrent with or following restoration of normal function.

What kind of patients can NW Spine Management help?
NW Spine Management has made a name for itself through its Spinal Rehabilitation Program and welcomes people with a wide variety of acute and chronic spine disorders as well as post surgical patients.

Acute/Chronic spine dysfunction - research supports prompt physical therapy intervention in acute back injury; abundant studies support the efficacy of MedX in the rehabilitation of chronic cervical and lumbar spine dysfunction, which is complemented by general physical conditioning and cervical traction when indicated.
Headaches- tension and cervicogenic headaches can improve significantly with proper physical therapy; even patients misdiagnosed with migraine headaches often find relief from gentle exercise, postural awareness training, cervical traction, and manual therapy.
Scoliosis- since 2000, two medical studies and one case report have demonstrated significant improvements in curvature using the same tools available at NW Spine Management--without bracing or surgery.  Only 25 clinics in the United States have the rotary medical exercise equipment proven to effectively treat the muscular imbalance and spinal curvature that characterizes individuals with scoliosis.
Decreased bone mineral density (BMD) - two studies conducted using the same lumbar spinal rehab equipment we employ (MedX) have demonstrated preservation and/or increases of vertebral BMD in elderly patients and in patients using high doses of corticosteroids. The remainder of our aerobic and resistance exercise equipment provides for whole-body activity to promote healthy bones, as indicated in a third study using our very same resistance exercise machines.
Fibromyalgia - gentle, progressive aerobic and resistance exercise combined with stretching and manual therapy in a very supportive environment sets the stage for symptom resolution.
Osteoarthritis (OA) - it is well documented that as surrounding muscle strength increases, pain and dysfunction related to OA decrease at the corresponding joint; individuals whose OA is complicated by obesity will benefit from the weight loss enjoyed by many patients as a result of our fitness-oriented approach.
Overuse syndromes- a variety of overuse conditions such as tendonitis/bursitis at the knee, elbow, or shoulder, as well as joint irritation such as patellofemoral syndrome benefit from modalities such as iontophoresis with the gradual reintroduction of activity following strengthening and stretching programs.
Postural dysfunction - selective strengthening and stretching combined with postural awareness training will correct postural abnormalities that lend themselves to disorders such as back and neck pain, TMJ dysfunction, and headaches.
Pre/Post-operative orthopedic conditions - increasing patient conditioning prior to surgery (e.g., knee) better prepares patients for recovery; post-operative care optimizes outcomes by closely monitoring and treating common post-surgical complications such as swelling, stiffness, muscle atrophy, and general de-conditioning.
Acute/Chronic sprains and strains - prompt treatment of acute trauma is imperative to decrease pain and swelling—and consequently dysfunction—associated with injury; chronic sprains and strains benefit from proprioceptive training and muscle strengthening, which provides the body with the means to better protect itself.

SPECIFIC REHABILITATION PROGRAMS
The Lumbar, Cervical, and Knee Rehabilitation Programs:

Program description:
One-on-one session with a physical therapist and exercise specialist comprised of the following:

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Program recommendation:
 60-90 minute session, 2 times per week for 8-12 weeks
The Extremity Rehabilitation Programs:
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One-on-one session with a physical therapist and exercise specialist comprised of the following:

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The Advanced Training Program:
The Advanced Training Program is available exclusively to individuals who have been discharged from an NW Spine Management physical therapy program. The Advanced Training Program is a self-managed program so that individuals may continue to utilize the skills and knowledge they acquired during formal physical therapy while still having the availability of the medical testing/strengthening equipment at no extra fee. Program participants, though independent, are still under the watchful eye of NW Spine Management staff.
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