On the day of the MUS, the patient is asked to wear loose and comfortable clothing. They must be accompanied by a friend or family member to drive them home after the procedure. No patient will be allowed to drive following this procedure.
When the patient and doctors are ready, the anesthesiologist will administer a sedative ( usually propofol) to allow the patient to achieve the comfortable "twilight" sleep that makes the treatment possible.
If the full spinal procedure is performed, MUS begins with specialized techniques that first methodically start in the cervical spine (neck) with gentle axial traction, forward flexion and lateral flexion movements followed by adjustive procedures. Dr. Johnson then moves on to the thoracic and lumbar spine, using mild stretching techniques and adjustment, plus stretching, targeted massage and knee-to-chest traction techniques, as well as lumbar and pelvic adjustment. Finally if indicated, procedures can be performed in the shoulder, wrist, hip, knee and ankle/foot regions using range of motion, stretching and traction techniques. The entire procedure takes approximately 10-15 minutes to perform and the patient is wakened at that time.
After the procedure is completed, the patient is awakened then taken to recovery, where he or she is carefully monitored. Recovery time is generally 15-30 minutes. After recovery, the patient receives fluids and a light snack. The doctors and anesthesiologist also remain in attendance until the patient is discharged. The patient is then able to walk and be taken home by a family member or friend.