Clinician Information  

               

The Protonics Therapy Program is appropriate for patients in which some, or all, of the pain in their lower back, SI joint, hip and/or knee is related to improper neuromuscular activation that influences pelvic asymmetry and instability.

A patient typically appropriate for Protonics Therapy may have indications of either spinal or low back pain around L4 and L5, SI joint pain, hip bursitis, sciatica and/or knee pain.  These patients usually display increased hip flexors and quadriceps activity which substitutes for the hamstrings and other muscles during functional movements.  This improper neuromuscular activity then influences an anterior tilt of the pelvis and inward rotation of the femur (usually on the left side), which results in increased spinal and joint contact pressures that can contribute to the patient’s pain.  Unless treated, compensation (usually on the right side) along with an improper gait pattern can develop and further complicate the patient’s condition.

Protonics Pre-Adjustment Therapy

To help influence proper neuromuscular activation prior to therapeutic adjustment or manipulation, place the Protonics Neuromuscular System on the left side on the patient.  Have the patient perform Protonics Neuromuscular Repositioning and Therapeutic Exercises and remove the Protonics Neuromuscular System.  Then perform therapeutic adjustment or manipulation as normal and note patient’s response.

Protonics Therapy Program

Clinicians will review test results from the Protonics Evaluation Session to see if the patient is appropriate for a Protonics Therapy Program, including Neuromuscular Repositioning, Gait Training and Therapeutic Exercise. Patients responding appropriately to the Protonics Evaluation Session will likely notice a change of gait, reduction in tightness of muscles associated with the lower back, SI joint, hips or knees, in addition to a possible reduction in pain.  The Assessment Tests should also indicate a change.  If no change in tests, or no reduction in tightness is noted, either the Protonics Neuromuscular System needs to be replaced on the opposite extremity, or the patient is not a candidate for Protonics Therapy.

Contra-indications

Patients with the following contra-indications should avoid Protonics Therapy.