It was created specifically for the management of mechanical disorders of the lumbar spine. Often those suffering from easily irritable low back pain and/or radiating symptoms can experience pain with even the smallest of active movements of the spine or surrounding joints/tissues. This is due to increased sensitivity of both the local and central nervous system to “protect” against perceived threat. In most cases, this does not equate to structural or tissue damage. However, this sensitivity can make it difficult for a patient to initiate and tolerate movement-based approaches to treating back pain. Once directional preference is appropriately established, the REPEX can allow the patient to achieve numerous reps of a desired movement in a relaxed and non-threatening way to the patient’s nervous system. Directional preference is defined as “the clinical phenomenon where a specific direction of repeated movement and/or sustained position results in clinically relevant improvement in either symptoms and/or mechanics.

“IF YOU ARE LIKE MOST PATIENTS WITH MECHANICAL BACK PAIN, YOU ARE BETTER WHEN MOVING AND WORSE WHEN YOU REMAIN IN ONE POSITION FOR PROLONGED PERIODS.” ~ ROBIN MCKENZIE