Frequently Asked Questions

 Spinal Decompression Therapy:

  • How is SDT performed? You are fully clothed for this procedure. You will be asked to lie face up on the computer-controlled table and a vest and belt are fastened. The program settings are customized to provide tailored decompression treatment to target your specific condition.

  • Is SDT painful? Treatments are usually painless, and many patients experience a reduction of pain within a few treatments.

  • Will I still need other types of therapy? SDT is recommended as part of an overall treatment plan. Other therapies may be recommended to enhance your treatment outcome.

  • Can anyone be treated with SDT? SDT is safe and effective for many patients. However, it is not recommended for pregnant persons, patients with severe osteoporosis, severe obesity or severe nerve damage. SDT is not recommended for persons who have undergone spinal surgery with fusion or instrumentation (screws, metal plates or cages).

  • How does SDT differ from traction? Regular traction stretches both the spine and muscles simultaneously. If traction is applied to the spine only, the body ‘braces’ and fights against the next stretch, potentially triggering painful muscle spasms. DST has the advantage of relaxation phases which keep muscles relaxed, enabling maximum ‘unloading’ and improving the effectiveness of the treatment. SDT also differs from traction in that SDT allows 3D targeted treatment. Traditional traction can only stretch the entire spine in one direction. Finally, SDT is completely customized to individual patients’ age, weight, and condition, and the treatment programs can be adjusted as treatment progresses.

Neuromechanical Impulse® Adjustments:

  • Are other adjustment options available instead of Impulse treatment? Yes! The McQuoids also provide manual and Activator-assisted adjustments. Please see the hands-on techniques page for more information.

  • What does treatment with the Impulse Instrument feel like? Patients can expect a light tapping sensation. While many patients will experience relief and improved mobility, chronic conditions, inflammation or muscle spasms may delay these effects.

  • How exactly does the Impulse instrument automatically adjust treatment? The Impulse iQ contains a motion sensor and micro-computer. The precise of amount of spinal motion and frequency of motion are accurately determined in real-time as the adjustment thrusts are delivered. As the spine rebounds from each thrust, this information is relayed to the micro-computer, which then enables auto-sense technology to set the frequency of subsequent thrusts tailored to the patient’s response. Similarly, the instrument can sense when the adjustment has been accomplished based on the rebound information, and automatically stops treatment.

Theralase:

  • Do Theralasers burn? No. Heat generating lasers cut through tissue and damage tissue are used in surgeries. Theralase, however, is a ‘cold’ laser that stimulates tissue repair, reduces inflammation and eliminates pain.

  • Are Theralase lasers harmful? No. They are class 3B lasers which are used only for tissue stimulation. They are not strong enough to damage cells, produce no heat and do not cut tissue.

  • Do Theralase lasers work? Yes. Theralase laser therapy is safe, effective and painless. Results are often immediate with no side effects.

  • How do Theralase lasers work? Laser light can interact with tissue, causing specific photochemical reactions to occur in the mitochondria and chondroplasts in each cell. This stimulates natural biological healing processes that the body already possesses.

  • How long does the therapy take? Treatment can vary widely from 2-20 minutes depending on the condition treated and its severity. As such, treatment plans are adjusted by to suit individual patients.

Radial Pulsed Wave Therapy:

  • How is RPWT different than a focused shockwave? Focused shockwaves have an intentional, controlled destructive effect on a specific site or point of impact, such as the dissolution of kidney stones without surgical intervention (98% of kidney stones are currently treated this way). Radial pulse waves do not exert a destructive force. A therapeutic, radial pulsed wave is nothing more than a controlled sonic pulse, and has been used to treat tendon related pain since the 1990s.

  • Can anyone receive radial pulsed wave therapy? Patients with relevant conditions may find RPWT helpful. However, it is not recommended for patients with coagulation disorders, children in growth spurts or during pregnancy. Also, RPWT cannot be used over cancerous regions or tumors. For these reasons, careful assessment of your medial history and condition are considered before initiating this therapy.

  • How long does RPWT take? Treatments are usually 5 minutes per area being treated, during which time 2000 pulses are delivered. Many chronic conditions require multiple treatments spread over several weeks to allow the body time to naturally heal between sessions.

  • How does RPWT work? Within the device, a small metal ball is accelerated via electro-magnetic propulsion until it impacts on the stop plate. This collision creates a mechanical pressure wave, which is transferred to the applicator head and subsequently into the treatment area. Different sized heads on the hand-piece applicator allow for differing intensities of force to be applied depending on the treatment area and underlying condition. This process is often loud, but safe.

  • Does RPWT hurt? Discomfort during RPWT depends on several factors. Treatment over fleshy areas are rarely uncomfortable, but bony regions may be more sensitive. First treatments may be uncomfortable but is usually tolerable. As the treated area begins to heal, successive treatments become easier and more comfortable. The PRWT machine can be adjusted to decrease discomfort.