Decompression Therapy FAQs

Question: What is Decompression Therapy?

Answer: Decompression Therapy is a clinically tested, computerized, and FDA cleared treatment with an 85-90% success rate for a number of low back or neck ailments. This non-surgical, non-invasive treatment has helped thousands become pain free.

The most common conditions spinal decompression treats are: low back, buttock, hip or leg pain (sciatica) with or without associated tingling or numbness in the leg or foot; also, neck, shoulder or arm pain with or without associated tingling or numbness in the arm or hand. These conditions are usually due to bulging, herniated or degenerated discs, facet syndrome or failed back or neck surgery.

Decompression therapy effectively treats protruding, bulging or herniated discs by creating a vacuum effect within the disc therefore repairing the disc and repositioning them to heal naturally. It gets to the cause of pain by repairing the damaged disc and gently taking the pressure off the pain producing nerves. It can also treat degenerative disc disease (thinning of the discs) by taking pressure off the disc and allowing the fluid to go back into the disc. Most importantly, it is pain free and there are no side effects.

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Question: Are the effects of Decompression Therapy permanent?

Answer:  Yes, in most cases. Decompression Therapy is 86% effective.

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Question: What is the cost of Decompression Therapy?

Answer: Decompression Therapy treatments are given in a series of 20-40 treatments (40 treatments for severe cases). Treatment sessions last only 25-30 minutes. Your cost will depend upon your condition, diagnosis, x-rays and/or MRIs, and your treatment plan. We do offer a consultation to determine whether Decompression Therapy is right for you. We can provide treatment costs at that time.

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Question: How do I qualify for treatment?

Answer: Dr. Engelbart will evaluate your condition. If you have had x-rays, MRIs or CT scans please bring them with you.

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Question: How effective is Decompression Therapy?

Answer: Decompression Therapy has proven to be 86% effective and FDA cleared.

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Question: Can I have Decompression Therapy if I've had surgery?

Answer: Decompression Therapy has had excellent success in treatment of patients who have had spinal surgery but continue to have low back or neck pain.

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Question: Can Decompression Therapy help arthritis?

Answer: Yes, in many cases. Dr. Engelbart can determine if Decompression Therapy is right for you.

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Question: Can someone with a hip replacement be treated with Decompression Therapy?

Answer: Yes, in most cases. Of course, Dr. Engelbart will have to evaluate the individual to determine whether Decompression Therapy is right for them.

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Question: Is Decompression Therapy the same as traction?

Answer: No, Decompression Therapy is a decompression procedure and produces a vacuum like effect within the disc, while traction does not. Traction only stretches muscles.

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Question: Does Decompression Therapy hurt?

Answer: No, in fact most people notice a reduction of pain during treatment. Some even sleep during treatment.

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Question: Does Decompression Therapy have any risks associated with it?

Answer: No, the patient is in full control. The design of the equipment allows you to stop the treatment at any time.

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Question: Will I be able to continue working?

Answer: Patients are encouraged to remain at work during treatments providing that work activities do not aggravate their condition. Such activities include high-impact forces (i.e. running), competitive sports (i.e. football and basketball), heavy repetitive lifting, twisting, or bending and exercise where weight is pressed or pushed up overhead compressing the spine (i.e. leg presses and overhead presses).

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Question: How soon will I feel better?

Answer: Although some patients are very lucky and experience significant improvements in their low back or neck condition almost immediately, most patients will follow a course of slow, gradual improvements over time. Some patients report increased muscle soreness following the first couple of treatments. This is to be expected (movement in that area may not have been used in a long time). Others describe small changes during the second week of treatment. In general, patients begin to feel small changes by the second week. A healthy course of treatments follows a gradual progression that takes time for all the changes to occur and symptoms to resolve.

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Question: Who invented Decompression Therapy?

Answer: It was developed by Dr. Allen Dyer, a world-renowned medical researcher who invented the cardiac defibrillator that went around the globe to revive heart attack victims. Dr. Dyer holds an M.D., a Ph.D. and a pharmaceutical degree. He is the former deputy minister with the Ministry of Health in Ontario, Canada.

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Question: What should I expect on my first visit?

Answer: Your first visit will last 1-1.5 hours. Dr. Engelbart will ask you specific questions about your condition. She will review all of your MRIs, x-rays and past medical records, so please bring those in with you. This will help us determine if you qualify for care. Dr. Engelbart will also demonstrate how the table works so that you can understand how decompression can help you. If you qualify for care, Dr. Engelbart will sit down with you and go over the details of your treatment plan.

If you have further questions about Decompression Therapy or treatments for other painful conditions, please call our office and our friendly staff will be glad to help you.

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Don't suffer needlessly. Call today! (972) 874-3838

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Research Links (PDF Documents)

Clinical Outcomes for Spinal Decompression

MRI Evidence of Nonsurgical, Mechanical Reduction, Rehydration and Repair of the Herniated Lumbar Disc