Q: What is the Theraflex System?

A: The Theraflex System is the combination of the Theraflex Machine and the Mantis Plinth, both used to perform Reflex Therapy. The machine powers the handset that actually performs Reflex Therapy and the plinth (treatment table or bench) is especially designed to bring about the maximum benefit from the treatment.

Q: What is Reflex Therapy?

A: Reflex Therapy (sometimes called Theraflex Treatment) is a therapy developed to correct mechanical problems of the spine. The handset controls are set to perform various functions, almost like a bionic hand. The ‘feet’ or ‘fingers’ of the handset move at high speeds to relax muscles attached to the spine or strike them so as to elicit a reflex response. They are adjusted at slower rates to mobilize the joints of the spine. These processes ‘ease’ the joints back into their pre-injury position, thus de-stressing them without forceful manipulation. Because the entire spine and Sacro-Iliac joints are worked on in each session, all mechanical problems can be worked on uniformly, restoring a fluidity of motion unobtainable when working on individual joints. Each week the same process is applied, coaxing the spine back into a more youthful suppleness and allowing the muscles to strengthen through normal use. The only side effects are usually muscle soreness that lasts a few days and on rare occasions, some pain that soon passes.

Q: How long has Reflex Therapy been in use?

A: It has been practiced in England for 15 years and is also in Spain, France, Wales, Ireland, Scotland, South Africa, Lebanon and New Zealand.

Q: What are mechanical problems of the spine?

A: Mechanical problems of the spine are those that pertain to the muscles and skeleton or the musculo-skeletal system, usually caused by an accident or work injuries but sometimes from the everyday attrition of life and the work we perform. These problems cause pain and restricted motion that plague most chronic back pain sufferers. Even a slight dislocation (subluxation) of a spinal or sacro-iliac joint will render it partially or completely immobile and will stress adjoining joints and attached muscles. While the acute stage of the pain may not last, because the body compensates for these injuries, the discomfort remains and limits our activities and flares up when strained. There are also congenital malformations of the spine that inhibit movement. While Reflex Therapy does not correct malformations, it can correct many of the issues that stem from them.

Q: How does one define ‘chronic’ in terms of back pain?

A: Usually it is pain that lasts more than 6 months after the original injury.

Q: How long after an injury should one wait before having Theraflex Treatment?

A: One should undergo a thorough examination by a physician following any serious injury. Even though the pain will decrease somewhat after an incident, patients often find that problems linger. Provided the nature of the injury does not preclude treatment, it can be done after 2-6 weeks. Each case will be evaluated individually.

Q: What if the injury was years ago?

A: It doesn’t matter how many years one has had the problems.

Q: What if the patient has had many other types of treatment?

A: Many patients have had a variety of therapies and treatments before Reflex Therapy. They do not preclude a patient from receiving successful Reflex Therapy.

Q: What if there was no major injury, just an incident here and there?

A: Reflex Therapy treats multiple mechanical problems, gently and uniformly. In fact, if one only feels minor restrictions, a few sessions can restore much of one’s youthful mobility. In our society we are led to believe that stiffness and back pain are inevitable. While there is a certain amount of attrition to the spine and indeed, the whole body, due to our work, physical exercise or lifestyle, with Reflex Therapy one may reduce this attrition on the joints of the spine.

Q: Are there restrictions on who may be treated with Reflex Therapy?

A: Yes there are a few contra-indications but if there is any doubt, one’s physician should be consulted. Since few American physicians are yet familiar with Reflex Therapy, one should ascertain whether or not one can tolerate something like a vigorous 20 minute massage, lying prone, in which some brief pressure is applied to the spine.

Q: Is it possible to use Reflex Therapy on people with osteoporosis?

A: Yes, depending on the degree of osteoporosis. Again, each case must be evaluated.

Q: Is Reflex Therapy a form of massage?

A: No it is not! though it does incorporate some elements of massage. We have reports of some claiming that the Theraflex System is just a mechanized type of massage but those who suggest this have no first-hand experience with the System and have been misinformed.

Q: Is there any age restriction regarding the use of Reflex Therapy?

A: Age is not a factor with Reflex Therapy, other than that the handset is designed to span the adult spine and is too large for small children. Generally speaking, mechanical problems of the spine do not plague youngsters, though in special cases, it has been used in a modified manner to correct a problem gently and effectively. It may be used on the elderly provided they are no extenuating factors that would indicate otherwise.

Q: Is Reflex Therapy painful?

A: The first session can be uncomfortable. If one is in pain before treatment begins, part of the treatment can be uncomfortable. This quickly passes however, as the stresses are removed from the joints. By the time the course of treatment is completed, most find it relaxing.

Q: What part of the spine does it treat?

A: It works on all but the cervical spine nearest the base of the skull.

Q: Is it effective for ‘whiplash’?

A: Yes, it usually alleviates the restricted range of motion and pain, even after years of duration.

Q: Does Reflex Therapy involve forceful manipulation?

A: No, it does not. Because repeated forceful manipulation may weaken ligaments permanently, Reflex Therapy avoids that side effect by working on the joints of the spine gently and uniformly. It mobilizes rather than manipulates, allowing the natural reflex action of the muscles connected the spine to ease the joints back into their pre-injury position.

Q: Is it possible to use Reflex Therapy on someone with Scoliosis?

A: Yes. Theraflex Reflex Therapy is successfully used on many subjects with scoliosis of varying degrees and ages. Each case is evaluated on an individual basis and treated as such. Significantly, it has even been shown to prevent the advancement of scoliosis in teens when used in a timely fashion throughout the growth cycle of the subject. Even people of advanced years may receive degrees of correction without harm. We suggest exercise after treatment to strengthen weak or atrophied muscles and help maintain the correction gained. The Schroth Method (www.theschrothmethod.com), for instance, was developed to help correct even very pronounced cases of scoliosis and safely used in Germany for more than 50 years and in other parts of Europe, though largely unknown in the USA. These exercises and some variations may be used in conjunction with Reflex Therapy. Theraflex clients with scoliosis are always looking for ways to enhance treatment. We are finding that we can accomplish more correction, more quickly, safely and inexpensively than most forms of treatment. We are happy to speak with potential clients individually to discuss specific cases. For more, check out “Scoliosis Cures and Pain Relief” on Facebook.

Q: In the case of teens who appear to be developing Scoliosis, when should they consider Reflex Therapy?

A: When a curvature becomes apparent, provided there are no contra-indications, therapy can start in early teens and if the subject is well-grown, a bit sooner. The goal is to work periodically to correct the curvature and then maintain it. In some cases it never really develops and in others it is greatly minimized. There are many factors that come into play in these cases that determine degree of correction and maintenance of the correction. Since it is safe, gentle and non-invasive, Reflex Therapy is well worth investigating for the benefit of the developing youth.

Q: How many sessions of Reflex Therapy are normally required to achieve results?

A: Best results are usually achieved in 5 sessions, more or less. When the client/patient begins Reflex Therapy (RT), the first appointment includes an evaluation. If it is determined that RT is indicated, the subject has the first session which takes about 20 minutes. The Theraflex System’s pneumatically-powered handset is applied to the spine and S-I joints, using varying speeds and pressures designed to ease the joints back into proper alignment and is aided by the natural reflex response of the attached muscles. Usually results begin immediately. The subject will most likely experience soreness the following day. Factors such as age, physical condition and complexity and duration of injuries determine the number of sessions and response to treatment. Scoliosis subjects do not fit into this 5-session time-frame.

Q: After the initial 5 sessions, is it necessary to have more?

A: Usually, those who have had Reflex Therapy will want to have periodic maintenance treatments. If their job is particularly strenuous and one in which back issues are a common occurrence, they may wish to have a few more treatments throughout the year to avoid recurring incidents. Patients with Scoliosis usually require ongoing sessions ranging from once per month, in some severe cases, to a few times per year to maintain the correction.

Q: Is it possible for those who have had pain for many years to be pain free?

A: Yes, it is, in many cases. This does not mean that every pain in your body will be gone but those related to the restricted range of motion and the stressed painful muscles will decrease or go altogether, depending on the extent of the damage done from the original injury or the attrition on the joints accumulated over the life of the problems. A high percentage of subjects receive significant degrees of relief, in spite of advanced age.

Q: Is Reflex Therapy safe for those who have had spinal surgery?

A: Yes, depending on the nature of the surgery. Many patients have received relief from the pain and restricted motion that remained after their procedures. Naturally, a waiting period is necessary for healing to take place before treatment can begin. Again, each case is evaluated on an individual basis.

Q: Since Reflex Therapy has been used for more than 13 years in England, who uses it?

A: Though the treatment has been used in the United Kingdom for more than 13 years, it has only recently been given the name ‘Reflex Therapy’. It is also referred to as ‘Theraflex Treatment’. It is usually used by Physiotherapists (Physical Therapists) and Osteopaths, but also by Massage Therapists and some who only perform Reflex Therapy.

Q: How does Reflex Therapy differ from other forms of treatment for back pain?

• A: It does not involve any forceful manipulation of the joints.
• It does not generally require dozens of treatments that are both costly and time-consuming in terms of travel costs and lost productivity.
• While Reflex Therapy is not yet covered by insurance, the cost is usually less than the combined co-pay of many other treatments.
• With many forms of treatment, chronic back patients always have some degree of pain or restricted motion, never feeling 100 %. If the problems are mechanical in nature, Reflex Therapy can resolve most of them so that constant treatment is not necessary and patients can move about freely and without discomfort, enabling most to resume or begin an exercise regimen.
• Despite the fact that RT is not yet insurance coded, a course of treatment safely yields superior results in less time while reducing attrition on the joints, thus preserving the healthy life of the spine.
• Clients are generally able to reduce or eliminate pain medications. If these are prescriptions drugs, this should be done under guidance with one’s physician.