Dear Colleagues
Welcome to the Spring 2023 newsletter.
I hope you are enjoying the warmer weather and longer days!
In this edition we get to know another long-term member and check out two recent articles on MDT and the cervical spine.
After reading the articles, if you think an update on your cervical theory and practical skills might be useful, you can still register for the Part D course in Geelong or Part B course in Sydney. Check the website for full details.
Planning is well underway for our 2024 education schedule. As well as the full suite of Part A-E courses and credentialing exam, we are working on bringing you new content in a flexible format. More details will be circulated as planning progresses.
Finally, don’t forget you can always refresh your MDT skills and attain MDT CPD points, by completing one or more modules of the Case Manager.
Take care.
Mark Cheel
Chairperson / Faculty
It's off to Melbourne to meet long standing member, Carolyn Merritt
Tells us about your current work
My current work is extremely limited as I developed dysautonomia / POTS 3 years ago triggered by my bilateral TKR but I think it was probably lurking beneath the surface all my life. It basically is an intolerance to being upright which makes work and life in general rather challenging. I only manage to work 2.5-3 hours 3 x a week. Luckily I sold and merged my clinic a few years ago as a transition to retirement so I am in a position to do this and only work the hours that I can cope with. Standing is challenging with this condition so doing treatments where I can spend part of the time sitting and educating / supervising exercises is far better than standing doing hands on treatments. I also do clinical pilates sessions.
How did you start on your ‘McKenzie Method of Mechanical Diagnosis & Therapy (MDT)’ journey?
I did my first McKenzie part A in 1989 with the wonderful Paula Van Wijmen. I feel really grateful that I got to experience learning from so many different McKenzie teachers over the years since then. Part B was Tom Burgi then I think part C with Helen then I went to New Zealand for part D. I have also done the extremities course.
How has the McKenzie Method influenced your clinical practice?
It has completely influenced my entire career. I don’t recall what I did for my spinal pain patients prior to 1989 but I imagine it was ineffective and floundering! I loved the McKenzie approach immediately. I love the logic of it. I went on and did all the remaining modules. I love empowering patients with understanding and things they can do themselves.
Knowing what you know now, what piece of advice would you give your younger self?
Just do it - you never know what’s around the corner. And all that angst is probably unfounded.
When you're not working, what do you like to do?
I enjoy live music and travel - this is challenging now with POTS but I’m trying to find ways around it. I need to rest a lot lying down so reading and watching TV are everyday events. I also love my dogs who are happy to keep me company on the couch. I have 4 adult children who still seem to keep me busy as well!
Where do you see yourself in five years?
Probably retired, but maybe doing a few patients
If you weren't working in healthcare, what do you think you would have done?
Well I’d like to say rockstar but in reality I’m really unsure what I would have done. I was drawn to physio at age 16 and never looked back really.
What's your favourite quote and why?
“Living on the planet” in answer to “what caused my back pain? “
This was Paula Van Wijmen’s gem back in 1989 and I’ve used it many times with those patients who are desperate to blame one thing for their issues.
One of the philosophical and practical differences between MDT and other approaches is the use of exercise for rapid and lasting pain relief.
It is not uncommon for patients to successfully decrease or abolish their symptoms with only one or two exercises, which simplifies the management program for both patient and clinician.
The two studies below, focus on the use of MDT in the cervical spine. They add further evidence to the clinical utility of testing patients with headache and / or neck pain for directional preference, without necessarily needing to make a pathoanatomical diagnosis.
For full text access to these articles and more, don’t forget you can purchase a significantly discounted subscription to JMMT, via your MIA membership.
Happy reading!
Peter Schoch, Faculty
Read the full article (MIA members only) - click here
Monitor the MIA website's Calendar of Events and follow us on social media for details of further courses, as they are released.
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Part D - Advanced Cervical and Thoracic Spine & Extremities - Upper Limb |
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Part B - The Cervical & Thoracic Spine |
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McKenzie Institute International - Credentialing Exam |
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Do you have something you’d like to share with other MDT trained clinicians? If so, please get in touch! Submissions to the newsletter are always welcome and contributions contribute to MDT CPD points for members. Tell us about an interesting clinical experience you’ve had, an article you’ve read or a case study that challenged you. Submissions can be emailed to: education@mckenzieinstituteaustralia.org