DEUTSCH | ITALIANO    

Geoffrey D. Maitland, Australian physiotherapist and cofounder of IFOMT (The International Federation of Orthopedic Manipulative Therapists ) developed this specific treatment concept in the 1950’s. The advent of the Maitland Concept belongs to the most important developments in Manual Therapy.
 

The Maitland Concept is referred to as a’ concept’ and not as a ‘technique’. Emphasis is placed not on the technique of treatment but on a basic philosophy- a thought and decision making process, involving analytical examination and assessment on which the treatment decisions are based.
 

The medical diagnosis includes information which mainly concerns the effected structure, its relevant pathology and vital information to the therapist with regards to contra-indications and possible necessary precautions. The physiotherapist is dependant on this information in order to make an accurate assessment of the movement dysfunction and to decide on the range and emphasis of treatment suitable for any particular patient.
We consider ourselves as specialists in the field of the analysis of movement and movement dysfunction and in evaluating the magnitude and effect that any limitations may have on activities, social participation and psychosocial aspects of the patients well being.
 

Based on the above information the following conditions may be considered relevant for Manual Therapy:

• Acute and chronic vertebral conditions including radicular syndromes.
• Craniofascial dysfunction (Temperomandibular joint problems, headaches).
• Degenerative joint diseases of peripheral joints.
• Soft tissue conditions of the peripheral joints (Tennis elbow, rotator cuff disorders, Achilles tendon disorders).
• Peripheral nerve impingement (Carpal tunnel syndrome, Tarsal tunnel syndrome).
• Post operative conditions following joint replacement, Osteotomy, Osteosynthesis, ligament repair, surgery to the vertebral column.
   

The list of indications for therapy indicate that manual therapy is not limited to the treatment of the articular components of a condition. Along with the function of the muscle system the function and mechanosensitivity or mobility of the neural system is also examined and assessed. When current concepts of pain physiology are also integrated into therapeutic decision making, a specific treatment regime can be planned for each individual patient.

It is imperative that the treatment sessions are clearly understood by the patient, only then is the physiotherapist able to motivate the patient to take responsibility for their own condition. Teaching the patient to become aware of his body and make necessary changes to the way he carries out activities of daily life and how he participates in his social environment is as important as the specific manual techniques used in the treatment sessions.

We are constantly striving to develop our skills and understanding and to integrate both with current scientific evidence in an evidence based approach to ensure an effective and individual treatment orientated to each individual patients situation.
 

Our Aim: To provide the most suitable and effective therapy based on careful and specific examination and assessment and enable the patient to take an informed approach to accepting responsibility for his condition thereby facilitating an optimal recovery time.