always evolving august 2018 - connectxsyndrome. tmj is a disorder of the temporomandibular joint...
TRANSCRIPT
www.connectxtherapy.com
August 2018
Always Evolving
Always Improving
1
The Use of ConnecTX in the Treatment of Common Conditions
ConnecTX Therapy has been used with much success for a variety of condition-based treatments. This is the second in a
series of articles in which we’ll be taking a clos-er look at some of the common problems for which doctors have been able to provide their patients with significant relief from symptoms by utilizing the ConnecTX Therapy protocols.
We spoke with Dr. Franca Piperni, a DC from Nyack, NY, to get an exclusive inside view of
ConnecTX in action for the treatment of chronic TMJ syndrome. TMJ is a disorder of the temporomandibular joint complex with associated muscle and nerve dysfunc-tion. The injured or inflamed temporomandibular joint may lead to pain with chewing, and there may be clicking, crack-ling, and popping of the jaw. A patient may have swelling on the sides of the face; nerve inflammation; or headaches, including migraines. Below is Dr. Piperni’s description of successful treatment using ConnecTX therapy.
Female patient of 65 years of age presented with pain and limitation of mouth opening. Pain was localizing to the left side. On a pain scale, patient stated it was a 5 on a 0-10 scale. On initial intake, her range of motion of her mouth opening was 30%. The pain was frequent, dull and burning in nature.
The patient explained she had a history of this condition and described it as chronic, but she suffered an exacerba-tion in the last six weeks. She stated that walking and yoga made it worse and resting
helped. She had seen a physi-cal therapist several times but the condition did not improve.
The patient was anxious about cervical manipulations. So at this point, I decided to use ConnecTX for the condition. The treatment proceeded with utilization of the mini instru-ment using the concave side with one hand, and the other hand supporting her head and cervical spine.
The muscles addressed were the masseter, temporalis, and SCM. The procedure was done for 6-7 minutes on the left and 3-4 minutes on the right. It was performed with jaw occluded, jaw opened slightly and with mild movement. Treatment plan took a total of 7 visits. The patient returned to p-clinical status of a VAS of 0-2 and achieved a range of motion of 80% of mouth open-ing.
In this case of TMJ, ConnecTX provided significant relief and improvement of the condition for the patient. It should be considered by any practitioner seeking a way to help patients with TMJ when other therapies have not provided relief.
TMJ, pencil grip, short convex edge, supine position with mouth opening.
Temporalis, single handhold, long concave edge, supine position with mouth opening.
The second installment in a series of articles in which clinicians describe the value of ConnecTX in condition-specific treatment
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Please describe your practice.
Currently I am practicing in an outpatient, private practice setting based out of Manhattan, NY. The practice focuses on sports medicine and rehabilitation for mostly acute and sub-acute injuries. A majority of my patients are between the ages of 21-40 and physically active. The patients that I treat are weekend war-riors who enjoy recreational sports and workouts. During the typical day, I will see between 10-18 patients. The average treatment time is ap-proximately 30-45 minutes.
How do you incorporate ConnecTX and/or the ConnecTX emollient into your practice? Can you fit it into your allotted appointment time ef-fectively?
I use ConnecTX instruments and emollient within my practice. My practice focuses heavily on manual therapy and ConnecTX is a large bulk of that therapy. I usually allot 5-10 minutes for ConnecTX therapy.
Is there a certain population of patients you use ConnecTX on more
ConnecTX in ActionA Q & A with Dr. Thomas Kearn of Axon Health Associates in Manhattan, N.Y., on his use of ConnecTX in practice
regularly, ie athletes vs. non ath-letes? Or are there conditions that you specifically like to use Connec-TX Therapy for treatment?
I use ConnecTX on almost all of my patients regardless of whether or not they are athletes. I do find that Con-necTX works best for sub-acute and chronic myofascial conditions. The treatment protocol also works very well on the treatment of peripheral nerve entrapment syndromes.
How do you use ConnecTX for treat-ment? Any specific hand holds or grips or methods preferred?
I like incorporating more of the move-ment protocols as opposed to the static protocols—my patients gener-ally respond quicker to those treat-ments. I don’t have a particular hand hold that I prefer, however, I only use the larger ConnecTX instrument and sometimes it is a little too heavy to use a pencil grip.
How do patients respond to treat-ment? How long before improve-ment is seen?
The results in my practice have been outstanding which is why ConnecTX is a staple of my treatment protocols.
Patients (especially ones who have been to chiropractors and physical therapist’s prior for the same condi-tion) have not often been exposed to the Instrument-Assisted Connec-tive Tissue Therapy Program so they appreciate the fact that we are trying new techniques. The typical appoint-ment time is approximately 30-45 minutes, about 5-10 minutes of that consists of ConnecTX therapy.
Sometimes improvement will be seen in as little as one visit, however, I generally expect to see improvement within the first 2 weeks of treatment. If I have not seen that improvement I will re-evaluate the patient.
Chronic myfascial pain syndromes and mild to moderate peripheral nerve entrapment syndromes seem to respond the best to connect treat-ment.
Would you recommend ConnecTX to other practitioners? Please explain why.
I would absolutely recommend Con-necTX to other practitioners. I think it is a great tool when applied properly and it also helps you stand out from the crowd in a saturated healthcare market.
Dr. Thomas Kearn
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The Patient Perspective
The goal of ConnecTX therapy is to provide faster patient relief with less pain. When a chiro-
practor practices ConnecTX therapy, a patient will be able to get better faster and achieve more complete pain relief. By utilizing instrumented-assisted soft-tissue mobilization (IASTM) therapy with ConnecTX, patients enjoy improved range of motion and increased flexibility. Chiropractors are able to provide a faster, more complete diagnosis of soft-tissue disorders with minimal side effects when properly executed by a certified practitioner.
As with soft-tissue mobilization treat-ment, inflammatory processes can be stimulated during the treatment process, and mild to moderate side effects can temporarily increase including redness, bruising, welting, and soreness. We wanted to find out from patients who have been treated with ConnecTX what they think of therapy. Did they notice positive results following treatment and were there any side effects? Some patient comments were captured and noted below, to give some insight into the patient perspective.
Melanie G.: I was having trouble with my right shoulder. My clinician tried massaging the muscles for several weeks but it made no differ-ence. She then used ConnecTX and within a few appointments, the issue was resolved. She used the end of the instrument and I could feel the deep work. The area was tender but she made sure to keep checking with me to make sure I wasn’t in pain. I
An insight into what patients think about ConnecTX Therapy
did have bruising, especially after the first treatment, but that went away pretty quickly. I was so pleased at how quickly my shoulder felt bet-ter and I would absolutely request ConnecTX again for any area. It was awesome.
Janine B: I have suffered from chronic tension headaches and mi-graines for all my life. The tightness in my shoulders and neck will cause pain and trigger headaches. This technique helps loosen that area which is something I struggle to do on my own.
Larissa N.: I was having a flare up related to my fibromyalgia…spe-cifically on my left side trapezius muscle. My practitioner recom-mended using ConnecTX. He worked 3-5 minutes on the area using the instrument. I felt an intense scraping but afterward noticed a significant decrease in the pain immediately which has lasted. The area was red
for the rest of the day but I didn’t have any bruising or swelling. I haven’t had to use ConnecTX again but if my practitioner recommended it, I would absolutely want it done. I liked it very much.
Barb P.: I would highly recommend ConnecTX to anyone suffering from chronic TMJ. I am a longtime sufferer of TMJ, which often caused my jaw to lock in place, severe headaches, and ear and neck pain. At one point, a prominent ENT wanted to do jaw sur-gery. My uncle had been through it and I knew I couldn’t spend so much time rehabbing. I tried several expen-sive mouth guards, special therapeu-tic pillows, and even a sleep clinic. I was at my wits end when I met my chiropractor and he introduced me to ConnecTX. This methodology of intervention was immediately effec-tive in diminishing my jaw clicking and pain. I visit him often and leave relieved every time.
CONTACT INFORMATION
Certification Programs, Orders and General Questions Ms. Erin Griffiths
ConnecTX Coordinator 855.353.5888
Clinical QuestionsHunter Mollin, DC, CCSP, FACC
ConnecTX [email protected]
CEU Associated Questions
Thomas R. Ventimiglia, DC, FACC 800.434.3955, ext. 121
ConnecTX Research Initiatives Jean R. Burke, PhD
Mailing Address ConnecTX Therapy
2360 State Route 89 Seneca Falls, NY 13148
4www.connectxtherapy.com
Is your group or association interested inorganizing a ConnecTX Seminar in your area?Contact Ms. Erin Griffiths for information at
855-353.5888 or [email protected].
Space is limited.
8 Hours Online and 12 Hours On-siteUp To 20 CEU Credits
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Initial and ongoing training is offered by skilled, experienced ConnecTX practitioners.
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New training dates for 2019 are now being scheduled.
For updates check connectxtherapy.com
or contact our office at 855.353.5888
to discuss a training near you.