The ATM2 is an excellent tool that I use whenever I want to increase the range of pain free movement of my patients, which is almost always the case. That’s usually why patients come in to physical therapy, because they have lost function due to weak, restricted and/or painful movement patterns.
I use the ATM2 for a multitude of diagnosis, but most often use it with my patients with thoracic, lumbar/SI, and hip dysfunctions. These dysfunctions limit their movement patterns and prevent them from performing at 100% whether at work or at play.
The ATM2 helps produce rapid if not immediate results in returning my patients back to pain free movement. Patients are impressed with the outcomes we are achieving and this always translates into positive word of mouth marketing to their friends. I brought in a friend of mine who is also a golf pro who has been complaining of lower back pain, especially in certain segments of his golf swing. After one session with me and the ATM2, he has been much better and I haven’t seen him since, except on the golf course. ( I actually called him a minute ago to validate my testimonial and he says he is still doing fine.)
I also use the ATM2 on myself to address some occasional lower back issues and use it to increase the strength/ROM of my trunk rotation. I believe that the ATM2 has helped my own golf game to the extent that I am now about 1 club longer with my irons than I used to be, and in my Saturday golf group, I am usually the longest off the tee on drives.
I have extensive training and experience in manual therapy and treatment techniques for neck and back dysfunctions from several different schools of thought, and practice in a pain management practice where 90% of my cases are neck and back dysfunctions of various types.
The concept behind the ATM2 does work and along with Mulligan techniques, works with greater efficacy than many other spinal techniques. The fun part is seeing the results and explaining to patients how the ATM2 works, which is usually a stark contrast from what the patient has experienced from other physical therapy clinics using other methods.
The ATM2 and Mulligan methods are my first choice when treating patients with neck and back pain. As an example, I saw one patient demonstrate a 100% increase in pain free lumbar extension AROM ( confirmed using dual inclinometers ) after her first session on the ATM2.
Years ago, the thought of seeing immediate results with my back patients seemed improbable, but now, in most cases, I expect it.
Tom Byrd, PT