A FEW LINES ABOUT HOW I DO IT...

When I left the clinic in 2005, I realized that physical therapy was at a crossroads. At several crossroads, in fact... My teachers, the protagonists of the world-renowned Prague Myoskeletal School, were gradually retiring, and with them seemed to go their unique functional thinking: 'Work it through', look at a person holistically, take time with them, listen to how they describe their problem, observe them throughout the therapy...

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In today's environment of imaging techniques that quickly, deeply, and minutely scan the body, people still feel these methods owe them an answer to what exactly is causing their pain. It's no wonder, focusing only on the indicated spot, they can't see the whole context of a person's movements, their routine, psychosomatics, ergonomics... My physical therapy is thus mainly about skilled hands, a thoughtful mind, and good contact with the client.

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I don’t use what I used at the clinic: electrotherapy, ultrasound, magnets, lasers, tapes, injections, medication. I examine with touch and sight, watching the client move. I am interested in where they have muscular imbalances, I examine the range of their joints, their movements, asymmetries, dominances, even their shoes. Mostly, I do relaxation massages, occasionally guide them through an exercise, release a blockage, stretch fascia and stiff muscles, improve the metabolism of soft tissues and joint capsules, detach adhered tendons and ligaments. I teach clients how to position themselves at work and how to relax. I often give them homework on how to individually exercise and adopt new movement patterns.

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I know that most people choose physical therapy under public health insurance. That's about having a choice, and that's a good thing. However, I have found a different place on the diverse palette of physical therapy. And I'm glad for it. We're all painting the same picture, after all.