These are “hands on” techniques that are highly effective and will usually provide rapid pain relief, an increase in movement and a quick return to normal activity.
The manual therapies used at Walker and Hall are based on a combination of the following treatment philosophies
Maitland mobilisation and manipulations – developed by Mr Geoff Maitland (1924 – 2010). This philosophy advocates the careful and precise examination of patients with an emphasis on the need for continual assessment and reassessment of the patient’s condition. Geoff Maitland was one of the first physiotherapists to explore the use of manipulative treatments for pain and his philosophy is at the core of our treatments at Walker and Hall.
Cyriax’s differential diagnosis – developed by Dr James Cyriax (1904 – 1985). This philosophy advocates the importance of precise diagnosis to be achieved by means of a “thorough interrogation of the patient, followed by an inspection, a functional or clinical examination and finally (if necessary) a palpation”. Whilst at Walker and Hall we do not interrogate you but we do believe that it is only following a detailed history that we can diagnose your problem and understand what’s wrong.
McKenzie MDT – developed by Mr Robin McKenzie. This philosophy advocates the Mechanical Diagnosis and Therapy (MDT) for musculoskeletal conditions by adopting a system that encompasses assessment (evaluation), diagnosis and treatment of the spine and extremities. Once again this is a philosophy that we follow at Walker and Hall.
NAGS and SNAGS (Natural Apophyseal Glides and Sustained Natural Apophyseal Glides) – these are manual therapy techniques which were developed by Mr Brian Mulligan and we feel they are a natural progression of the manual therapy philosophies mentioned above.
Combined Movements – developed by Mr Brian Edwards and they once again develop the philosophy of manual therapy with the treatment of musculoskeletal conditions by combining movements.
Neuro-dynamics and the mobilisation of the nervous system – this is a philosophy developed by Mr David Butler that involves the treatment of the peripheral nervous system (such as the sciatic nerve) in association with disc, joint, muscle and ligament problems. In our opinion this concept truly links all aspects of the musculoskeletal system and as such enables us to provide a comprehensive treatment programme for all affected structures.
