The ATM is effective for all populations: orthopedic, neurologic, adult and pediatric. Useful concepts:

1. There is a direct benefit of stabilization of the low back (pelvis, sacrum, L5 and coccyx complex) and leaving a 'free floating' spinal column.
2. There is a direct benefit to treatment in the upright position, affecting functional outcomes in standing and ambulation.
3. There is a direct benefit in affecting all  disc pathology.
4. There is an indirect benefit in affecting the internal spinal column pressures, so that mild to severe spina bifida is affected (spinal column bone bruises are affected).
5. Because the intra-discal pressures are apparently reduced /normalized, intra-cranial pressures appear reduced.
6. Because there is weight bearing without direct weight bearing on the low back (pelvis, sacrum, L5 and coccyx complex), forces up the legs are normalized (foot -ground forces; forces through the knee; forces through the pelvis). There is an immediate stabilization of the legs, with a normalization of postural deviations (valgus, varus, more).
7. It is good to attain heel loading first: standing with heel lift (not shoes lifts) supports #6 above. We use Z-Coil shoes. When this is used, there is improved heel loading, and reduced clonus with the ATM.
8. It is often beneficial to use a wedge to minimalize the knee valgus / varus deformity while using the ATM. This will affect #6 above.
9. In order to reduce the effects of upper extremity spasticity, use the ATM with the thoracic / rib cage support. Then use a stick / broom for the hands. Use taping / ace bandaging for the hands. Incorporate the arm exercises with the hands braced to the stick /broom. There will be increased ranges of motion. There will be decreased neuro-reflexogenic activity.  Consider Bobath 'keypoints of control' when bracing the hands to the stick / broom. Consider incorporation of trunk  rotation in the ATM. Consider exercising to attain disassociation of head / trunk, trunk / shoulder girdles, trunk / low back while exercising in the ATM.
10. Use the knee / hip ATM device to attain decrease neuro-reflexogenic activity of the lower body. Consider exercising in the ATM with this device in order to attain disassociation of the low back / legs.
11. There should be improved posture, increased joint mobility, increased ranges of motion, improved muscle tone, increased muscle strength, improved functional outcomes with all ADLs when using the ATM with neurologically impaired patients. 

Consider the ATM as an advanced Functional Rehabilitation method. Continue with manual therapy to increase potential with Structural Rehabilitation.