Used by medical professionals for decades, the McKenzie Method of Mechanical Diagnosis and Therapy (MDT) is an internationally known system for the assessment and treatment of back, neck and extremity pain. MDT emphasizes active patient involvement and education. The key feature of MDT is the initial assessment, use of repeated motions to assist in guiding your treatment, and emphasis of self-treatment to prevent recurrence.

Three steps to success

1. Assessment: through history and testing of provocative movements distinct patterns of pain responses that are reproducible, objective, reliable and reflect the characteristics of the underlying pain generator, leading to reliable mechanical diagnosis and treatment.

2. Treatment: Use patients’ own movements to abolish pain and restore function.

3. Prevention: Empower the patient with knowledge and tools to successfully treat future episodes.

The MedX™ Lumbar and Cervical Extension Machines provide lasting relief from chronic back and neck pain by reconditioning the spinal structures and supporting tissue through isolated strengthening exercise. With more than 75 published articles in peer-reviewed journals, these studies have consistently demonstrated the ability of MedX™ to alleviate chronic back/neck pain and enhance spinal health and stability. A strong spine provides a strong foundation that allows for healthy spaces between vertebrae, which helps prevent spinal compression. The exercise works to increase range of motion, bone density, and facilitates the normal pumping action to promote disc hydration and healing. MedX™ is the ONLY equipment that can effectively isolate and strengthen the muscles of the spine, and Pure HealthyBack is the ONLY fully equipped MedX™ facility in the state of Michigan.

REPEX™ is the only technology that specifically isolates and moves the lumbar spine repetitively through a safe range of motion. REPEX™ accomplishes this by passively moving the patient through cyclical motions providing important mechanical full range of motion and aiding disc nutrition. It is particularly helpful in those older patients who may not have sufficient upper body strength to perform press-ups or patients with shoulder problems.

Involves hands-on techniques performed by a trained therapist to diagnose, treat, and manage musculoskeletal pain and dysfunction. This can include joint mobilizations, soft tissue manipulation, and therapeutic massage to improve mobility, reduce pain, and enhance overall function.

Joint mobilization is a manual therapy technique used to gently move a patient’s joints through their natural range of motion. It aims to improve joint mobility, reduce pain, and enhance overall function. The hands-on approach involves skilled and controlled movements applied by a trained therapist to specific joints.

Dry Needling is a therapeutic technique where thin, solid needles are inserted into specific points in the muscles or soft tissues to stimulate trigger points or areas of muscle tightness. It aims to relieve pain, improve muscle function, and promote the body’s natural healing response. We have trained Dry Needling Physical Therapists at our Clinton Township and Novi locations.

Cupping is a traditional therapy that involves placing cups on the skin to create suction, which creates negative pressure underneath the cup. The negative pressure helps to decompress the area by lifting the skin, known as fascia, up into the cup. This temporary increase in space allows the underlying tissues to relax, which reduces pain and improves function. This suction can help promote blood flow, reduce muscle tension, and alleviate pain. The cups are typically left in place for a few minutes or moved around the skin in a gliding motion.

Vestibular therapy focuses on addressing issues related to the vestibular system, which contributes to balance and spatial orientation. It involves exercises and maneuvers designed to improve symptoms of dizziness, vertigo, and imbalance. Vestibular therapy aims to enhance the patient’s ability to control eye movements, stabilize posture, and reduce symptoms related to vestibular dysfunction.

Gait training refers to the process of helping individuals improve their ability to walk safely and efficiently. It involves exercises, techniques, and strategies aimed at enhancing balance, coordination, strength, and endurance required for walking. Gait training is tailored to address specific gait abnormalities or mobility impairments resulting from injuries, surgeries, neurological conditions, or other medical issues.

IASTM stands for Instrument-Assisted Soft Tissue Mobilization. It’s a technique that involves the use of specialized instruments, often made of metal or plastic, to massage and mobilize soft tissues. The instruments are applied to the skin to detect and treat fascial restrictions, scar tissue, or muscle tightness. IASTM is intended to promote healing, improve range of motion, and alleviate pain.

Kinesio taping is a technique that involves applying a special elastic tape to the skin to provide support to muscles and joints. It’s designed to facilitate the body’s natural healing process while allowing for range of motion. The tape is thin and breathable, mimicking the elasticity of the skin. It is used to manage pain, reduce inflammation and support injured or strained areas.

Mobility exercises are activities designed to enhance the range of motion and flexibility of joints and muscles. These exercises aim to improve functional movement, prevent stiffness, and reduce the risk of (re)injury.

Progressive resistance exercises involve gradually increasing load applied to muscles over time. This progression challenges the muscles, leading to strength gains and improved endurance. The gradual increase in resistance helps individuals adapt to the demands, promoting muscle growth and overall strength development.

Traction is a therapeutic technique used to apply a pulling force to a part of the body, typically the spine or an extremity, in order to decompress joints and relieve pressure on nerves and surrounding structures. It can help alleviate pain, improve mobility, and promote healing in conditions such as herniated discs, spinal stenosis, and joint stiffness. PHB utilizes manual traction techniques at all locations and has standardized and controlled spinal distraction tables at our Troy and Novi locations.