At Physical Therapy & Hand Rehabilitation, we are happy to provide the McKenzie Method for assessing and treating pain of the spine and extremities. This method, developed by world-renowned physiotherapist Robin McKenzie, focuses on the manipulation and treatment of the back, neck, arms, and legs. It is a highly reputable and successful method that has been used by licensed physical therapists for over 30 years.
Due to the vast success of the McKenzie Method, it isn’t surprising that it is accepted as the most research-tested approach across the globe. Our physical therapists in Silver Spring and Riverdale Park are trained to examine and diagnose musculoskeletal issues, and the McKenzie therapy is a strong tool for helping determine a diagnosis. The method works by using a progression of mechanical forces to examine both the mechanical changes in the patient’s body, as well as any symptoms. This then classifies the patient into a spinal or extremity category, and the correct treatment plan can then be created with proper exercises, manual techniques, and patient education.
What are the benefits of using the McKenzie Method?
One of the most beneficial aspects of physical therapy is patient involvement and education. The McKenzie Method highly encourages both of these aspects, in order for you to better understand how our specialized treatment services are helping to achieve your goals. An important feature of the McKenzie Method is the initial assessment that allows physical therapists to reach a safe, reliable, and accurate diagnosis before creating a treatment plan. This also helps in making sure that both the therapist and yourself are on the same page from the very beginning.
Mulligan’s Concept
At Physical Therapy & Hand Rehabilitation, we are happy to provide the Mulligan’s Concept for relieving pain and improving joint mobilization for our patients. This form of manual therapy is fairly new, named after New Zealand physiotherapist Brian Mulligan. His concept of manual therapy coined the terms “mobilizations with movement” (MWMS) of the extremities, and “sustained natural apophyseal glides” (SNAGS) of the spine. These terms are crucial to the application of Mulligan’s Concept, using a combination of physical therapist-conducted services, as well as patient-generated physiologic movements.
Through the Mulligan’s Concept, our physical therapists in Silver Spring and Riverdale Park are guided by the simple rule to avoid causing any pain to their patients. Instead, we apply MWMS and SNAGS to mobilize joints and the spine in a more tolerable way. By using this concept, we can reduce pain and stiffness, as well as help correct positional faults and diminish the presence of pain.
The techniques of the Mulligan’s Concept may include, but are not limited to, the use of foam pads or mobilization belts. These techniques are known as “Revenue Reduction Techniques” and aim for quick, effective, and easy recovery that can be replicated at home when you are away from the clinic.
Mulligan’s Concept can be used to treat a large amount of acute and chronic conditions, from an ankle sprain to chronic joint pain. However, much like when considering the application of any other concept, a thorough evaluation of the patient must be completed first. Our Silver Spring and Riverdale Park physical therapy treatments are advanced and proven to be successful for those suffering from certain conditions.