History

The Research Group Musculoskeletal System of the Erasmus University Rotterdam started in 1984 a research project on the Function of the Musculoskeletal System. Outcome of this research project has led to new insights of diagnosis and treatment of musculoskeletal disorders and its practical application.

The Research Group has developed specific training equipment and measuring apparatus. The developed measuring apparatus enables us to measure power, movement and coordination of the trunk, neck and head. The developed equipment is being used both during diagnosis and treatment. The outcome of this research project also stimulated more research in this field worldwide which has resulted in new insights in the field of diagnosis and treatment of musculoskeletal disorders.

Dr. Andry Vleeming, member of the research group and founder of the Spine & Joint Centre played an important role in stimulating more research worldwide. He initiated in 1992 a series of Interdisciplinary World Congresses on Low Back & Pelvic Pain.This series of programs paid a significant contribution to more worldwide attention for musculoskeletal disorders and more cooperation between research institutes.

The Spine & Joint Centre opened its doors for her first patients on January 16, 1996. The first group of patients were women with severe post partum pelvic girdle instability. In 1997 the SJC officially was appointed a non clinical rehabilitation centre which made it possible to also treat patients with low back- and neck pain, apart from the patients with pelvic girdle pain.