Advanced Spinal Mobilization Instrument
Spinal MobilizationThe earliest practice of manual therapy dates back to Hippocrates in 460 B.C.. Spinal mobilization as a physical therapy technique became widely accepted in the early 1950's. One of the most eminent manual therapists at that time was Geoffrey Maitland, PT. As taught by Maitland, spinal mobilization, not to be confused with manipulation, is a passive movement through the range of motion of the spinal or vertebral articulation. Today his and other manual therapists' techniques have become an important part of the curriculum in most schools of physical therapy.
The Advanced Spinal Mobilization Instrument
Traditionally, physical therapists, using their hands, apply manual spinal vertebral mobilization techniques. The speed and strength required to effectively apply these techniques, however, is often difficult for the therapist and uncomfortable for the patient. In order to address this difficulty, the Advanced Spinal Mobilization Instrument was developed. The Advanced Spinal Mobilization Instrument is currently cleared by the United States Food and Drug Administration for adjustment, mobilization, or manipulation of the musculoskeletal joints of the spine by a licensed health care professional. The Advanced Spinal Mobilization Instrument was designed to act as an extension of the hand, combining precise mobilization with infinitely variable control. Unlike the hand, however, the instrument was developed to deliver treatment for a longer period of time, more powerfully and at much quicker speeds than an individual therapist could ever hope to achieve manually.
Available in the United Kingdom, Canada, Australia, New Zealand and The Republic of Ireland for over five years, spinal mobilization treatment by physical therapists is delivered through the specialized handset and console. The handset incorporates four pads powered by variably controllable electro-pneumatics. These pads operate in opposing pairs and are spaced so as to align with the vertebrae. The treatment is delivered in three modes, an introductory mode, a rest or recovery mode and the mobilization mode. Each mode is used to varying degrees depending on the patientÂ’s condition as determined by the therapist.
As represented in the illustration to the left, the Advanced Spinal Mobilization Instrument is used to apply pressure to the diagonally opposite transverse processes of neighboring vertebrae. The condition of the joint determines the response to the applied effort. Initially the joint may be fixed or move imperceptibly. The goal of the treatment is to restore mobility to the joint.
A Unique Treatment
Treatments are performed with patients lying prone or face down on a specially designed treatment table. An Introductory mode always begins and ends a treatment, relaxing the patient and acclimating them prior to the beginning of the treatment.
In the Recovery or Reflex mode the alternating pads provide short taps to the paravertebral muscles. These muscles run parallel to the spine from the base of the skull to the tailbone, and support the spine at rest and during movement. The Reflex mode stimulates the cervical, thoracic, and lumbosacral paravertebral muscles and stimulates the reflexes that may have been shut off due to injury, poor posture, or inactivity.
The third and therapeutic phase of the treatment is the Mobilization mode. Gentle force is applied by the handset applicators that push against the transverse processes of adjacent vertebrae. (See AB diagram) This produces a movement of each vertebral pair and spinal mobilization. Skilled Physical Therapists will recognize resistance of stiff or immobile joints and will focus on returning mobility and flexibility to these joints throughout the use of this mode. Treatment sessions last 30-40 minutes, alternating between the Reflex and Mobilization modes, and finish with the Introductory Mode.
Advanced Spinal Technologies, Inc. holds the United States and Worldwide rights (excluding the United Kingdom) to market the patented Advanced Spinal Mobilization Instrument.