Fine tuning our integrated approach: the wow factor!

While we have always utilised an integrated approach in our treatment of the body, which appreciates how one part affects another , our understanding in this area has expanded greatly in recent times. Robyn Gant and Paula Luke have undertaken a number of courses by well-respected Canadian Physiotherapist Linda-Joy Lee on the sporting Integrated function of the Hip, Pelvis and Thorax. This is a complex area to understand and treat and is critical to our overall function and efficiency of movement. This approach assists us in identifying the “driver” or the source of the problem which is often remote from area of symptoms. This model refines our assessment and treatment skills and stresses the importance of fine tuning muscle control about the pelvis and trunk to regain normal function after injury. The most exciting aspect of this work is how gently and quickly this can be achieved by retraining the brain to deactivate and activate specific muscles allowing therapist and client to work smarter not harder! The immediate change in movement achieved when the “driver” is identified and corrected gives the client the “wow factor” and empowers them to maintain this response.

Robyn Gant undertook another ground breaking course in 2011 called the Ridgeway Method, by Queensland Physiotherapist Michael Ridgeway, which also greatly expanded her integrated approach to treating the whole body. This systematic approach seeks to screen the whole body’s muscular, nerve and joint systems for areas of dysfunction and then systematically test them to identify the key source of movement restriction. The course participants were mostly senior Physiotherapists with extensive experience who were constantly surprised and amazed by the fast and dramatic results achieved, known as the “wow factor”. This approach has helped me greatly in resolving some chronic and complex problems that were not responding to other treatment approaches as well as being able to provide high level preventative tune ups.

What Robyn has found interesting is how well the two approaches described above tended to complement each other and often but not always arrived at the same conclusion. It is wonderful to feel so inspired about our work and the shifts in current practice. We are learning to harness the contribution of the brain and nervous systems, which are ultimately running the show, to influence our outcomes in a dramatic and lasting way. Robyn and Paula are continuing to share and advance our learning together to achieve outstanding results.