JMPhysio’s Logical Approach to Musculoskeletal care
When you’re in pain, it’s natural to try and diagnose yourself. You might think you’ve “pulled a muscle” or “slipped a disc.” While understandable, these assumptions can inadvertently send you down the wrong path from the start.
Pain is often a complex puzzle. To solve it, we need to be detectives, identifying the root cause rather than just treating the symptom.
Our process begins with a detailed conversation about your history. This helps us rule out potential causes before we even begin moving. We then test your body’s responses to specific movements. We monitor every change in your symptoms, from its location and how it affects your function, to any shift in its intensity. Each one is a crucial data point.
Since our musculoskeletal system is an inherently mechanical structure, it’s no surprise that most pain stems from reversible mechanical problems. These issues often mimic more serious conditions, which is why many receive a vague diagnosis of ‘non-specific’ pain. Others may even end up having surgery but never attain the expected relief or functional restoration.
A comprehensive mechanical assessment (the McKenzie assessment) of this mechanical system provides clear direction, often within just one or two sessions, by identifying which of these paths is right for you:
- The Path of Independent Healing: For many minor injuries, the body is fully equipped to heal itself. Our role is to confirm this and educate you on how to avoid interfering, saving you time and money on unnecessary treatment.
- The Path of Active Self-Management: This is the most common outcome. We identify the specific mechanical cause behind your pain. For instance, a muscle doesn’t simply become tense without a reason; it’s likely responding to an underlying nerve or joint issue. By finding the specific movement that releases tension and restores function, we address the cause, not just the effect. This empowers you with a proven strategy for relief, building independence in your recovery and functional capacity, both now and in the future.
- The Confident Path to a Specialist: If your assessment findings suggest a different underlying condition, our most important role is to provide a swift and informed referral to ensure you see the right expert without delay.
- The Path of Neural Re-education: Sometimes, the nervous system can develop a hypersensitive alarm system, causing persistent pain. The solution here is not in treating structural damage or mechanical elements, but in carefully guiding your nervous system to recalibrate its response.
Our Promise: Your Results Are Our Priority
Our primary obligation is an accurate diagnosis followed by relevant treatment. You may however opt that we provide hands-on therapy for its comforting value, but we will remain transparent: relying on it alone for musculoskeletal pain often leads to cycles of treatment rather than restored function.
We believe in using the insight from your detailed McKenzie assessment to guide you to the most effective solution. Your long-term recovery is our goal, and we are committed to a path that prioritises your results.
It’s therefore not about one therapy being superior. It’s about the right diagnosis ensuring you get the right care, right from the start.
To better understand your condition and the evidence-based approach we use, a great starting point is: A Patient’s Guide to the McKenzie Method
Your health and wellbeing deserve informed, personalised care. For tailored support, please discuss any questions or concerns with your physiotherapist of choice.