Q.What is medical exercise?

Medical exercise bridges the gap between clinical intervention and traditional fitness programs.

While a Medical or Medical Fitness Specialist does not diagnose pain, illness, or disease, we do work with clients who have, or are at risk for developing chronic disease such as diabetes, metabolic syndrome, cardiovascular disease or orthopedic issues.

Staying with in our scope of practice, we can provide activity and exercise programs to help in primary, secondary, or tertiary-level prevention for many chronic conditions with the goal of improving your quality of life.

Q.Why is medical exercise important?

Unfortunately, in the United States, 50% of the population has at least one chronic disease and 25% have two or more. For the first time in history, the current generation may not live as long as the previous one, due to rising overweight and obesity rates, sedentary lifestyles, and a nutritionally poor food chain.

Exercise has been demonstrated to help combat over 35 chronic conditions.

Q.What is the difference between what we do and what a physical therapist does?

Physical therapy is the first line of defense following clinical intervention such as cardiac rehab or recovery from an orthopedic injury. A physical therapy team will teach you to become functional again.

MDX Academy wants you to do better than just be functional. We want to help you move from chronic disease, to function, to health, to fitness, so you can perform better at any activity you choose.

Q.What chronic diseases can we help with?

We will work with your physicians and clinical team to develop a safe, comprehensive plan tailored to your needs. We have experience with and education in: Coronary Heart Disease, Hypertension, Diabetes, Hyperlipidemia (cholesterol and triglycerides), Body Composition, overweight, and obesity, Metabolic Syndrome, COPD and Asthma, Balance and Gait, Orthopedic injuries of the shoulders, knees, hips, and extremities, Low Back Pain, Arthritis, Osteopenia and osteoporosis, and Cancer.

Q.What's the difference between a Clinical or Medical Exercise Specialist and every other fitness trainer?

A Personal Trainer has a basic fitness certification which allows them to work with apparently healthy individuals. These basic certifications may only involve a weekend course with a short exam at the end; they do not cover any chronic illness in any stage of prevention.

A Certified Medical Exercise Specialist or a Medical Fitness Specialist has completed a rigorous program of study that specifically addresses chronic disease and orthopedic dysfunction.

At MDX Academy, we can address your specific needs in a safe, effective manner, so you progress and achieve the results you desire.

Q.Why are we qualified to help with your chronic disease?

Dr. Dan Mikeska has 30 years of experience in fitness. He has earned a doctorate in Health Science and a master’s degree in Human Movement. His primary research focus has been on exercise and chronic disease; he literally wrote the book on it.

Q.Do you only work with clients who have a chronic disease?

This is a question we get a lot. Because of Dr. Mikeska’s extensive education and experience, he has trained clients from all walks of life; corporate execs, athletes, elite tactical operators and law enforcement, clients with chronic disease, and individuals and families who just want to stay healthy and injury free.

Q.Do you take insurance?

Not yet — Based on recent changes, health insurance has become a very tricky and delicate subject. Navigating the ins and outs is not for the faint at heart. We are exploring this option to ensure we can be as responsive as possible for our clients’ needs.

Q.What are your rates?

Our rates range from $70 per session (one hour) to $100 per session (one hour). The variance is dependent on several factors that we can discuss over the phone or in person.