It is always useful to reflect on one’s practice. In 2012 I wanted to examine further my assessment procedure. A reoccurring question in this field was ‘how do I create a meaningful plan which would benefit my patients?’
Often in literature, procedures are demonstrated without a clear indication of how to assess when a patient is in a great deal of pain. Often the advice is you should not to carry out any form of resistive assessment. This to me is common sense linked to the obvious ‘red flags’.
After gaining a full picture through our subjective and objective assessment prior to any treatment we should always be clear as to what our aim’s & objectives are within the treatment plan. You need to be clear about how you are going to achieve your aim.
Which techniques should be used?
Which structures are you going to address first?
What action is to be taken if they do not respond?
Plan when you are going to re assess.
Keep an open mind around other possible influences (postural dysfunction) not just at the site of pain, as often patients present with an acute pain overlying a long term chronic dysfunction.
On reflecting upon my own experience, it became clear that the synergists function, heavily influences the recovery process and need to be addressed within the treatment plan. This could come across as very basic information when treating an injury, but within my teaching/workshops it seems to be a regular occurrence that this is overlooked or not recognised.
Active assessment, although not possible when someone is in debilitating pain, is extremely useful when making a further assessment to fine tune your treatment outcome.
I have provided a very brief insight as to the areas to be addressed when putting together a plan of treatment. On the next page you will find a list of very useful books which can also provide further information around planning treatment protocol which is unique for each individual attending our practice.
On the back page of the newsletter, there are workshop dates for this Spring. The workshops led by myself include detailed assessment procedure and treatment outcomes. I will be at the regional meeting delivering a short presentation on ‘How METS can be used to enhance your practice.’