Maitland returns to the UK!
It has been over 12 years since the last Maitland ® course in the UK (and I would know, I was on it)! I will always remember that first course fondly – it was the first time musculoskeletal physiotherapy started to make sense. Fast forward 12 years and The Maitland® Concept has defined the clinician I am today. I feel equipped with a robust clinical reasoning structure for anyone that walks through my door, despite how complex. The concept has introduced me to areas of clinical interest/speciality (headaches and disorders of the upper neck as an example) and has been the key reasoning framework I have relied on when undertaking ‘official’ postgraduate qualifications such as independent prescribing, injection therapy or ultrasonography.
When I mention Maitland ® to UK physios, most people tell me they were taught ‘Maitland’ at University. What they actually mean is that they were taught a few passive treatment techniques by (to my knowledge) lecturers and tutors who have never even studied the concept. Maitland ® is so much more than a handful of passive techniques. In an increasingly digital world, the people shouting loudest are the ‘hands-off’ brigade (and mostly from behind a keyboard). And I sort of understand it – there isn’t much treatment you can do over the phone or at the end of a computer screen. But let me assure you that passive (and incredibly helpful) treatment techniques only make up a small part of the courses.
This decline in post-graduate study is not limited to Maitland ® – there just isn’t the appetite for any CPD or post-graduate study in the UK – just look at the enrolment figures for Masters programmes if you don’t believe me. When I graduated (yes – a long time ago), there were courses almost every weekend. And the reason for all the courses – physios just wanted to be better. They wanted to attend a weekend course SO THAT they could apply what they had learned with their patients on a Monday morning.
The Maitland® Concept is a structured, patient-centred approach to assessing and managing movement-related disorders. It blends detailed clinical examination with an evidence-informed treatment process, producing a perfect mix of hands-on techniques (where appropriate), targeted exercise and clear patient education.
So do you want to be better for your patients? Perhaps you have discovered that your Uni degree doesn’t quite ‘cut it’ in day to day clinical practice? Do you want a robust framework that will provide a foundation for the rest of your clinical career. If so, the new UK Maitland ® Concept programme may be for you!
