IDD Therapy
Diagnosed with a disc herniation or sciatica?
IDD Therapy Treatment is for herniated discs, slipped disc and sciatica. The physiotherapy & osteopathy team provide IDD Therapy for disc-related issues including back pain, neck pain and sciatica for patients in Gloucestershire.
When you need more than manual therapy for a herniated or bulging disc, we offer IDD Therapy.
A lot of patients come to see us with back pain and neck pain. Nearly all the problems our patients come for help with can be resolved, often quite simply, with a variety of manual therapy and exercise techniques.
However, for some patients hands on treatment on its own is not enough to resolve the problem. This is particularly the case with certain spinal disc issues like a bulging or herniated disc as well as sciatica and nerve pain in the arms.
What is IDD Therapy?
IDD stands for Intervertebral Differential Dynamics (IDD) Therapy, or more simply IDD Therapy for short. Developed in the USA in the late 1990s, IDD Therapy is a targeted treatment which relieves pressure on specific spinal discs and gently restores mobility. We have an IDD Therapy machine (Accu SPINA) which patients lie on as part of their treatment. It is computer controlled and perfectly comfortable.
By decompressing (taking pressure off) an injured or bulging/herniated disc and stretching the soft tissues, we can improve mobility in the spine and allow the body’s natural healing mechanisms to operate more efficiently. In so doing, we aim to relieve pain caused by muscle spasm and alleviate nerve compression and irritation caused by bulging discs.
Watch the short video below to see how it works...
IDD Therapy for Herniated Discs, Slipped Disc, Radiculopathy and Sciatica
IDD Therapy with the Accu SPINA machine
As clinicians, we can treat most back and neck pain with manual therapies but for some conditions - particularly those which are disc-related - patients need something more to help their condition improve.
Why choose IDD Therapy?
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Current treatment is not working
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Want to stop taking painkillers
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Seeking long-term pain relief
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Want to return to normal daily activities
Typical candidates for IDD Therapy are people who have back or neck pain and may have tried various other treatments without success. They may be taking pain medication and may be considering invasive treatments such as injections or in extreme cases, surgery.
Want to know more?
Make an appointment to see one of the Active Therapy Team. We will assess your condition and give you a good understanding of whether IDD Therapy is suitable for you.
IDD Therapy treatment is one treatment tool we use and as part of your assessment we will advise you on the most applicable treatment for your individual needs.
To book an assessment call the clinic on 01285 643080
We see a lot of spine issues at the clinic. When it comes to certain disc-related problems which refuse to budge, there is nothing more frustrating for a clinician than knowing what is causing a patient’s pain and not being able to do that little bit more to help them on the road to recovery.
IDD Therapy gives us that edge to do more than we can achieve with our hands alone as part of a programme of care.
Stephen Haynes - Clinic Owner & Osteopath
IDD Therapy gives physiotherapists a precise tool to help people with spinal disc problems which up to now, we have tended to have to refer for pain management or even surgery.
In the past physios have used different mechanical tools, notably “traction” to try to alleviate back pain. The big failing with traction was that it was unable to precisely target and treat a specific injured spinal segment. With IDD Therapy, we can do that and this increases the scope of what we can f
do for patients with disc issues coming to see us.
If you are suffering with back pain, neck pain or sciatica, our combined osteopathy and physiotherapy team are here to help you. If you are interested to see whether IDD Therapy would be suitable for you, get in touch and we can take you through your options for assessment and treatment.
David Ede - Clinic Owner & Chartered Physiotherapist
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How does it work?Hi-EMT stands for high intensity focused elecromagnetic muscle therapy. HI-EMT (High-intensity Focused Electromagnetic therapy) uses low-frequency electromagnetic waves to externally induce muscle contractions, specifically targeting the pelvic floor muscles. By bypassing the usual neural pathways from the motor cortex, HI-EMT stimulates peripheral motor neurons directly, causing intense and involuntary pelvic floor muscle contractions. This stimulation results in thousands of contractions in a short period, significantly more than the typical voluntary contractions achievable through regular exercise. The technology ensures deep stimulation of the entire pelvic floor area, promoting neuromuscular control restoration and aiding in the re-education of these muscles. It provides a non-invasive treatment option for incontinence, allowing patients to remain fully clothed during therapy. Over six sessions, HI-EMT can help patients develop new motor patterns and regain strength and control of pelvic floor muscles.
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Who is the Ultra Tesla seat for?The Ultra Tesla Seat is suitable for a wide range of individuals looking to improve pelvic floor strength and address related dysfunctions. Here are specific groups who might benefit from using this device: Individuals with Urinary Incontinence: Those experiencing stress, urge, or mixed incontinence can benefit from the muscle-strengthening effects of the Ultra Tesla Seat. Postpartum Women: Women who have recently given birth and are experiencing pelvic floor weakening or incontinence can use the seat to restore muscle tone and strength. However, any postpartum bleeding needs to have finished before you can have treatment. Mild to moderate uterine prolapse: Patients with mild to moderate uterine prolapse (bulging of the front and back walls of the vagina) Pelvic Pain: Painful Intercourse, chronic pelvic pain or sexual dysfunction. Recurrent non-acute vaginitis and urinary tract infection Recovering from Pelvic or pelvic floor surgery: At least 6 months after surgery Older Adults: As muscle tone naturally decreases with age, older adults at risk of or currently experiencing pelvic floor problems might find the seat beneficial for maintaining pelvic health and continence. Men with Pelvic Floor Concerns: Men suffering from conditions like post-prostatectomy incontinence or erectile dysfunction may see improvements from using the Ultra Tesla Seat. Individuals Seeking Enhanced Sexual Function: Both men and women looking to improve sexual health and function through stronger pelvic floor muscles can use the device. Athletes: Athletes, especially those in sports that place significant stress on the pelvic area, might use the seat to prevent or address pelvic floor weakening.
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Who cannot use the Ultra Tesla seat?While the Ultra Tesla Seat is broadly applicable, it is not suitable for everyone. The following situations are not suitable for Hi-EMT: Cardiac pacemakers Implanted defibrillators, implanted neurostimulators Electronic implants Pulmonary insufficiency Metal implants, rods, pins, plates, metal IUD or orthopaedic implants/joints Drug pumps Malignant tumor Fever Application over areas of the skin which lack normal sensation Pregnancy Breastfeeding Scars, open lesions and wounds at the treatment area Injured or otherwise impaired muscles Unrepaired abdominal hernia or history of hernia repair with mesh Following recent surgical procedures when muscle contract may disrupt the healing process Those who have uterine fibroids greater than 2cm in the uterus Treatment during menstuation
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Does it hurt?Using the Ultra Tesla Seat generally does not cause pain. However, the sensation experienced during treatment can be intense and unusual, especially for first-time users. The seat operates by inducing powerful and rapid contractions of the pelvic floor muscles using electromagnetic waves. These involuntary contractions are much stronger than what one can typically achieve through voluntary Kegel exercises. Users often describe the sensation as a deep, firm tightening or pulling feeling in the pelvic floor. While this is not painful, it can be surprising or slightly uncomfortable until you get used to it. As with any muscle training, some mild discomfort or a feeling of muscle fatigue after the session is possible, similar to what you might feel after a vigorous workout. It's important for users to start at a lower intensity and gradually increase as they become more comfortable with the treatment to ensure the experience remains comfortable. The contractions induced by the Ultra Tesla Seat do not produce any pleasurable sensations.
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Do I have to get undressed?No, you remain fully clothed. We recommend you wear thin trousers that are comfortable and will allow you to angle your pelvis as required.
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How many sessions will I need?The required number of sessions varies based on your specific circumstances. Many individuals observe significant improvement after just 4 sessions, while some may need up to 6, or even 12 for more extreme cases.
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What can and can't I do during my sessions?What You Can Do: Relax: The best approach is to remain relaxed. You can practice deep breathing or meditation to help stay calm during the session. Listen to Music or Podcasts: You may listen to music, an audiobook, or podcasts through headphones to help pass the time and keep yourself entertained. Read: Bring a book or e-reader if you find it comfortable to read while seated. Sit Comfortably: Adjust your seating as allowed to make sure you are comfortable throughout the session. What You Can’t Do: Move Around: It’s essential to stay seated and relatively still to ensure the electromagnetic fields are properly targeting the pelvic floor muscles. Use Electronic Devices Directly Over the Treatment Area: Avoid placing laptops, smartphones, or other electronic devices on your lap during the session, as this can interfere with the electromagnetic field. Eat or Drink: It’s best to avoid eating or drinking during the session to maintain comfort and avoid any need for bathroom breaks. Engage in Physical Activities: Avoid any form of physical exercise or movement that could shift your position significantly on the seat. By adhering to these guidelines, you can ensure that your session on the Ultra Tesla Seat is both effective and comfortable.
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Are there any side effects?Common Side Effects Premature menstruation Increased sensitivity Rare Side Effects Mild diarrhoea Temporary worsening of incontinence after 1-2 sessions which improves dramatically after 2nd and 3rd sessions, affecting 5% of patients Post menopause patients may experience a little bleeding
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What can I expect on the day?We will ask you to remove all jewellery and electronics You will take a seat at the centre of the chair We will make adjustments if your feet do not reach the floor, and we will ask you to place your knees above your feet at a 90 degree angle, with feet at a slight outward rotation. You will be asked to angle your pelvic area close to the centre of the seat - you may have to tilt forward or backwards to get the right angle. You will be reminded to keep your spine straight and relax your hands on your thighs - you should not lean on the back or sides of the chair. We will then turn the machine on and treatment will begin. The first minute of the treatment is there to help you gauge your positioning. The contractions should be concentrated over the perineum and you will adjust forward, backwards or to either side to find the target area. Once you are happy with your positioning you can increase the intensity until you have reached a limit that you find tolerable. Relax, read a magazine, play some music. If there is an emergency, all you need to do is stand up and move away from the chair. After the treatment - go home and resume your normal routine!
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Do's and Don'tsDo NOT lean back on the chair Do NOT hunch your back Keep your feet flat on the ground at all times Do NOT keep your legs together, crossed or too spread out Jewellery, belts, cards, coins, wallet and watches should be removed before treatment. Phones and electronics should also be kept away from the device. Wear comfortable clothing - nothing too tight that will prevent correct positioning. Attend 28-min sessions twice a week, minimum 6 sessions per course.
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How long will the effects last?The pelvic floor is a muscle which supports the organs in the body, and is weakened over time from coughing, jumping, lifting heaving items, carrying a baby, birth, and many other things. The Ultra Tesla Seat can be the tool you use to bring your pelvic floor back to full strength and health, but if you neglect to exercises it after treatment then you can expect it to weaken again within 6-12 months. For this reason we recommend that you either purchase a personal exerciser (available within our products section), or you consider our maintenance service that gives you regular sessions throughout the year.