MAPS | Medical Pain Clinics

Combining patient education with specialized exercise and the selective use of spinal injection offers patients with refractory back pain the best chance for recovery. The MAPS MedX rehabilitation program coordinates these modalities into an intensive, multi-week rehabilitation plan designed for patients with persistent spinal pain. The MedX Program utilizes the most sophisticated computerized exercise equipment available, allowing for safe but vigorous exercise even for patients with severe spinal conditions.
Our specially trained physical therapists use MedX equipment to safely rehabilitate spinal musculature, even in patients with severe, chronic spinal conditions.

Components of MAPS MedX Program

The MAPS MedX Program includes the following:

1. Initial comprehensive medical evaluation. This is performed by a board certified pain specialist physician and includes:

• Comprehensive history and physical examination
• Review of medical records and previous diagnostic studies
• Psychological screening
• Formulation of working diagnosis
• Formal dictated report and communication with the referral source

2. Intensive, medically directed exercise. We use MedX computer-enhanced equipment for musculoskeletal analysis and scientific rehabilitation of spinal musculature over a period of weeks.
3. Therapeutic pool program.
4. Intensive patient education. Lectures, videotapes, demonstrations, and reading materials are designed to teach patients spinal injury prevention and home maintenance techniques.
5. Spinal injection. For patients with radicular pain who are unable to fully participate in the exercise program, we may perform up to three spinal injections at two-week intervals in order to reduce pain and facilitate rehabilitation. Injections are appropriate for selected patients, according to both treatment algorithms and patient acceptance.

6. Outcomes measurement. We use both the SF-36 computerized questionnaire and patient satisfaction surveys.

7. Structured AfterCare Program. This program is designed by our physical therapists and helps patients to reduce their dependence on the healthcare system.

Restoring Function
In many cases, exercise therapy coordinated with spinal injection will restore functional ability more quickly and effectively than either treatment alone. Our goals are to avoid surgical intervention, reduce pain, improve function, and decrease healthcare utilization. We hope to reduce repeated use of the healthcare system by fostering an attitude of self reliance and by giving patients the skills they need to survive and flourish with spinal conditions. We follow our intervention period with outcomes assessment and a structured aftercare program that takes place in our associated health club facility.

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