I have been using the ATM in my practice for over 2 years with really great results. It is a great tool for me to use with my patients to help them obtain relief from back pain and stiffness. The ability to treat in a weight bearing position is a huge advantage in dealing with active people who want to return to function. In addition to treating pain, I can also us the ATM to allow for specific joint mobilizations and specific exercises. It has become a great asset for me as a clinician to stabilize the trunk to isolate very difficult muscles around the pelvis and spine.
The versatility and the ability to be creative with our treatments have had a very positive impact on my practice. For example, patients with knee and hip replacements often have great difficulty with hip flexor and ITB tightness. By using the ATM, I can stabilize the pelvis and establish control for both active and passive techniques to improve muscle length in this difficult area. Without the ATM, the stretches applied are much more awkward and demanding of both the patient and the clinician. Likewise, in the upper quarter, thoracic stabilization allows much greater specificity in treating tightness or weakness in the scapular region and allows much greater control when attempting to stretch the very difficult pectoralis minor.
For my golfers, I have seen great results. When taught properly, they find significant improvement in overall flexibility when using the ATM. Specifically, the ability to gain range in thoracic rotation and hip internal rotation are major factors in sustaining posture in a golf swing.
Overall, I find my ATM to be an extremely valuable tool in my practice. I continue to find new uses to add value to our treatments and add solutions to the problems of my patients and clients.
James Groschan, PT