Issue link: http://viewer.e-digitaledition.com/i/737022
YEARS OF RESEARCH AND CLINICAL TRIALS HAVE YIELDED THE DIAGNOSE, MANAGE AND REHABILITATE (DMR) METHOD, AN INNOVATIVE TECHNIQUE FOR TREATING BACK PAIN. "PHYSICAL THERAPY, CHIROPRACTIC, physical medicine and surgical interven- tion all have benefits," says Pete L'Allier, DC, DMR Method founder and Clinic Director. "But together, implemented in a specific order, the moda lities are better. Short- and long-term outcomes improve, the need for surgical interven- tion decreases, and patients become more independent with self-care." In 2006, L'Allier and a team of experi- enced spine care specialists created the multimodal approach delivered via the DMR Method. Since then, the team has worked together to enhance the process, organizing clinical trials to refine the order and combination of the treatment to optimize effectiveness. To demonstrate the DMR Method's efficacy, the team designed the DMR1 tria l, in which they enrolled patients with herniated discs. The team tracked progress using pre- and post-treatment MR I sca ns in conjunction with self- reports utilizing the Owestry Disability Index. After 12 weeks of nonsurgica l DMR Method treatments, 96.4 percent of tria l participants showed at least a 50 percent reduction of symptoms and increased function. "The findings exceeded our expecta- tions a nd reinforced our belief that a multidisciplinary collaborative process of evaluation and treatment could produce excellent outcomes," L'Allier says. "Another striking observation was that 100 percent of disc herniations treated within eight weeks of occurrence showed reabsorp- tion, underscoring the importance of early diagnosis and treatment. We've followed up with DMR1 trial participants for the past seven years, and long-term outcomes have been exceptional." "For many spinal conditions, I've found that the DMR Method produces consistent DMR Clinics: Groundbreaking Collaborative Spine Care BY BRITTAIN WHITESIDE-GALLOWAY In both the evaluation and treatment processes, DMR Method providers focus on interprovider communication and collaboration. "The essence of collaborative care is knowing as much as possible about what other providers can contribute and turning that knowledge into treatment that improves efficiency, outcomes and patient satisfaction." — Brownie Williams, DC, Director of Williams Integracare in Sartell, Minnesota PHOTO © DAVID GINSBERG (L–R) Brody Peterson, DC, John Mullan, MD; Megin John, DPT 0 6❱❱❱❱❱ C O V E R F E A T U R E