Spinal Decompression Therapy in Mississauga
** Coming November 2024 **
At The Ability Clinic, we believe that the best approach is a multi-faceted one. When patients, therapists, and doctors work together, we remain honest to ourselves and explore treatment options that make sense, are safe, and have desired results.
The ultimate goal is to reduce pain, improve spinal health, and avoid surgery. With guidance from your doctor, our therapists combine both spinal traction and physical therapy to get you back on your feet.
Whether surgical decompression may or may not eventually be needed, we offer evidence-based approaches as part of the spectrum and continuum of care, with your best interests at heart.
Non-invasive spinal decompression therapy is thought to work based on a combination of stretching spinal structures, to reduce intradiscal and joint pressure, enhancing nutrient flow to promote healing, and releasing muscle spasm
Frequently Asked Questions
Which conditions are eligible?
- Neck, mid-back, or low back pain
- Radiating arm or leg pain thought to be from a “pinched nerve”
Which conditions are not eligible?
- Body weight >350 lbs
- Advanced pregnancy
- Severe osteoporosis
- Spinal tumours
- Bilateral pars defects
- Grade 2 or more spondylolisthesis
- Spinal hardware from prior surgery
How does the machine work?
- Our spinal decompression is the latest and most advanced in the Chattanooga ® line of spinal decompression machines
- It is fully electronic and customizable. There are no pulleys or ropes, and it uses 6 separate motorized sections, with your choice of either cycling, intermittent, or static modes to match your desired traction level (cervical 0-39 lbs; lumbar 0-200 lbs)
- In terms of comfort, heated cushions are available, and getting on/off is easy, as the table can adjust from 19” to 37” high
Will this help my pain?
- Spinal decompression has its role as part of a multi-modal approach and is not recommended as stand-alone treatment
- It offers short-term relief, that can then become lasting with appropriate physical therapy and medical care
Will this increase my pain?
- This machine is typically very well tolerated and does not exacerbate pain
- Surface electrodes on the skin measure muscle tension, and the machine automatically responds and adjusts accordingly
- If you ever feel like it’s too much, with a simple click of a handheld button this machine stops immediately
How many sessions do I require?
- Most patient require 5-10 sessions
- However, individual needs do vary, and it isn’t uncommon for patients to require much more than this
- The duration of these benefits can also vary, with some studies showing that relief may diminish over time
How long are these sessions?
- Most sessions are 15-30 minutes, again depending on individual needs
- We strongly recommend that this be combined with physical therapy to achieve optimal results
What does this cost?
- Each session is $100
- This is typically covered under extended health benefits as part of either physiotherapy or chiropractic treatments