My name is Tom Sudela. By training I am a Board Certified Obstetrician/Gynecologist, but I am speaking with you today as a patient of Rick Zivney and my experience with the Super-Z Muscle Trainer. Below are MRI images of my lower spine from June of 2013. I had disc surgery earlier that year and had sustained a life threatening infection that had spread to my spine. You can see in those images, the infection had "liquified" the bones in my spine causing it to collapse in on itself. I was bedridden and unable to walk or stand for that Spring and then spent that Summer on a walker. It was crucial to my recovery that I rebuild my core strength to protect my spine from collapsing any further. At the same time I had to regain my mobility and flexibility as the scarring tried to set in and turn my lower back into "concrete". This all needed to done WITHOUT ANY VERTICAL COMPRESSIVE FORCES that would further collapse my spine. It was with the Super-Z Trainer that I accomplished this feat. I began to gradually move my spine in all directions using static stretches that were held on the Super-Z for 5-10 minutes each. I also began a program of strengthening and stabilization exercises. My hip flexors were so tight that it was impossible to stand up straight. I spent hours in the gator stretch (hip flexor/hamstring stretch), and eventually with great effort stood upright. I needed aggressive strengthening of my back extensors to stand straight for any period of time. As movement and strength increased, I let go of my walker and began walking on my own.
Improvement was challenging and gradual. We were working with very severe damage. The flexibility I have achieved and the core strengthening I have accomplished is nothing short of miraculous. I am back at work, walking upright,flexible and playing golf. I was told none of those would ever happen. I am not a Physical Therapist or Fitness expert but I know of no device that has so many capabilities compacted into such an efficient package. I would be glad to speak with anyone who has questions about my story.
For me , this was a life saving device.
Tom S. Sudela M.D. FACOG
Improvement was challenging and gradual. We were working with very severe damage. The flexibility I have achieved and the core strengthening I have accomplished is nothing short of miraculous. I am back at work, walking upright,flexible and playing golf. I was told none of those would ever happen. I am not a Physical Therapist or Fitness expert but I know of no device that has so many capabilities compacted into such an efficient package. I would be glad to speak with anyone who has questions about my story.
For me , this was a life saving device.
Tom S. Sudela M.D. FACOG
