Best 5 Exercises After IDD Therapy

What is IDD Therapy?

Intervertebral Differential Dynamics (IDD) Therapy is a computerised, non-invasive, non-surgical treatment approach primarily designed for chronic back pain and associated conditions, such as herniated or slipped discs, sciatica, and degenerative disc disease. Originating in the late 20th century, this therapy method employs the use of a specialised machine to gently stretch and decompress the spine, aiming to alleviate pain and restore mobility.

The fundamental premise of IDD therapy is to provide targeted relief to specific areas of the spine without resorting to surgical intervention or prolonged reliance on pain medications. For patients who haven't found relief through traditional physiotherapy or chiropractic care, IDD therapy offers an alternative solution.

How does IDD Therapy Work?

IDD Therapy functions on the principle of spinal decompression. Here's a breakdown of how the process unfolds:

Patient Positioning: The patient is comfortably positioned on a motorized treatment table, where they are securely strapped at the pelvis and chest. This allows for precise targeting of the affected spinal segment.

Controlled Decompression: The machine applies a series of carefully controlled, gentle pulling forces at different intervals. This creates a negative pressure within the affected disc.

Fluid Circulation: The negative pressure promotes the retraction of the herniated or bulging disc material, leading to an increase in the flow of nutrients and oxygen, which aids in the disc's healing process.

Release Phase: Between the stretching cycles, there's a relaxation phase to ensure the process isn't abrupt or stressful for the patient.

The cumulative result of these actions is reduced pressure on the affected disc and nerve root, alleviation of pain, and improved mobility. Typically, a complete IDD therapy regimen consists of multiple sessions over several weeks, allowing for gradual and sustained relief.

Best 5 Exercises to do After IDD Therapy

1. Lumbar Rotation

Lie on a bed or floor. Bend your knees and keeping your feet flat on the bed or floor, rotate your hips to one side creating a rotation through your lower back. Only go as far as feels comfortable, you do not need to get your knees to the floor. Return to the opposite side. This is an excellent lower back mobility exercise, especially if you have acute lower back pain or disc problems.

Perform 10 repetitions | 3x per day

2. Chair Rotation

Sit upright on a chair, with your feet flat on the floor. Cross your arms over your shoulders. Twist to one side keeping your head and hips still. Repeat to the opposite side. This exercise is a great mobility exercise for the spine.

Perform 10 repetitions | 3x per day

3. Spinal Decompression

Lie flat on your back, with your feet resting on a chair. Relax in this position. You can place your arms above your head if you wish. This exercise is a decompression exercise for the spine, especially useful for lumbar disc problems.

Hold for 2 to 5 minutes | 3x per day

4. McKenzie Extension

Lie on your front, and rest on your forearms. Your back will be gently arched. Hold this position. Start gently with this exercise as it can cause some stiffness when you first begin. If you get any leg pains or symptoms into one of both legs, stop the exercise and seek advice from a physiotherapist, osteopath or one of our team at Surrey Physio.

Hold for 30 seconds to one minute | 3x per day

5. Be Careful with Repetitive Forward Bending

Be careful when you bend forwards! Repetitive forward bending can aggravate underlying disc problems. Keep your back straight and bend your knees to take a lot of strain off the spine.

Is there any evidence to support IDD Therapy?

Since its introduction, several clinical studies have been conducted to assess the efficacy of IDD Therapy. Some key findings include:

Efficacy in Pain Reduction: Numerous studies have reported significant reductions in pain levels among patients undergoing IDD therapy compared to those relying solely on traditional methods. Pain relief has been particularly noted for conditions like herniated discs and sciatica.

Improved Mobility: Alongside pain reduction, many patients experience improved mobility, enabling them to return to daily activities that were previously challenging due to pain.

High Patient Satisfaction: Surveys and studies have highlighted high satisfaction rates among patients who underwent IDD Therapy, particularly those who had not found relief with other treatment modalities.

Safety: IDD Therapy has an excellent safety profile when administered by trained professionals. The non-invasive nature of the treatment means there's no risk of surgical complications, infections, or prolonged recovery periods.

However, as with all medical treatments, sometimes they work, sometimes they do not. This is the same with injections too, and with exercises. While many have found relief through IDD Therapy, it might not be the solution for everyone. Sometimes people report “miraculous” results with IDD therapy, it really does depend on many other factors including the severity of the disc problem, what the patient is doing outside of having the treatment (e.g., aggravating factors), and general fitness of the patient. Usually people are screened first, so if practitioners do not feel they will get results, they won’t go forward with the course of treatment.

Recommended Clinic: Back in Shape Clinic – Shirley, South-East London

With 65 Google reviews, and 4.9, this extremely well-run clinic by Anthony Padgett is a key-centre for IDD therapy and spinal decompression. Anthony has a vast-level of 35 years of clinical experience, teaching, mentoring, lecturing and presenting. Anthony and his team of physiotherapists are all excellent, safe practitioners. They can support you with manual therapy, advice, spinal decompression, reformer Pilates, ultrasound, and rehabilitation. Back in Shape really care about you as a patient, as an individual, as a unique person. Go to www.backinshape.co.uk for more information, or call them on 0208 655 1664.

For more general information about IDD, check out the following video:

In Conclusion

IDD Therapy offers a promising non-invasive alternative for patients with chronic back pain, providing relief where other treatments might have failed. The science-backed evidence, coupled with positive patient testimonials, highlights its potential in the realm of spinal care. However, as with all treatments, individual assessment and a thorough understanding of the procedure and its outcomes are crucial.

Therapists, for exercise prescription, go to www.rehabmypatient.com

Patients, for IDD therapy treatment, go to www.backinshape.co.uk for more information, or call them on 0208 655 1664.