Appalachian Therapy Center’s Spine Program uses state-of-the art equipment to provide patients with individualized, one-on-one care specific to their particular needs.
Developed by Baron Johnson and Randy Cannon, the Spine Program stays on the cutting edge of scientifically based treatment and now is one of only five Beta test centers in the United States for the Chattanooga Group, an international manufacturer of physical therapy and chiropractic equipment. The Spine Center helps develop the products for treatment protocols by closely monitoring patients and measuring their progress to establish guidelines for the physical therapy profession across the United States.
A new traction machine is one such device that has been proven effective in the decompression of nerves causing back and neck problems. The Trition traction has been shortening the recovery time of patients to about half of what it was even a year earlier. Its sophisticated software allows the traction to be fitted to the needs of the patient, with a soft, gentle approach based on the severity of the injury and how much pain the patient is suffering. All information is stored on a patient card attached to the software so the treatment adjusts as the patient progresses. The more specific the treatment, the better the outcome for the patient, the better the response to the treatment, and the faster the recovery, which ultimately decreases the patient’s costs and time spent away from work, family and play.
Along with traction, several modalities are used to help decrease the pain and inflammation and promote healing. Among these tools are electrical stimulation, hot packs, ultrasound and laser. The laser treatment, approved by the Food and Drug Administration in January 2006, is a light therapy that promotes healing with more specific distribution of heat than was previously possible. It has proven very effective on carpal tunnel syndrome and headache management as well as back and neck problems.
In addition, an exercise program tailored to the patient is an integral part of the healing process. Pain is a symptom of an underlying condition; exercise is directed at that condition and is added in stages, taking the patient from one level to another in a way that is acceptable by the human body. As the patient becomes more physically fit, he is more likely to sustain good health, less likely to suffer chronic pain.
Johnson and Cannon have worked together 18 years and devote their practice completely to Appalachian Therapy Center's Spine Program. Johnson received his degree in physical therapy from the University of Pittsburgh, while Cannon received his degree from the University of Tennessee, Memphis.
Appalachian Therapy Center’s Spine Program uses state-of-the art equipment to provide patients with individualized, one-on-one care specific to their particular needs. 
A new traction machine is one such device that has been proven effective in the decompression of nerves causing back and neck problems. The Trition traction has been shortening the recovery time of patients to about half of what it was even a year earlier. Its sophisticated software allows the traction to be fitted to the needs of the patient, with a soft, gentle approach based on the severity of the injury and how much pain the patient is suffering. All information is stored on a patient card attached to the software so the treatment adjusts as the patient progresses. The more specific the treatment, the better the outcome for the patient, the better the response to the treatment, and the faster the recovery, which ultimately decreases the patient’s costs and time spent away from work, family and play.
In addition, an exercise program tailored to the patient is an integral part of the healing process. Pain is a symptom of an underlying condition; exercise is directed at that condition and is added in stages, taking the patient from one level to another in a way that is acceptable by the human body. As the patient becomes more physically fit, he is more likely to sustain good health, less likely to suffer chronic pain.