What Makes Effective Physical Therapy? Five Things.

​It's confusing for everyone (students, physical therapists, other health/medical practitioners, and the public) that physical therapy exists in so many varied forms. Different evaluation and treatment approaches abound - not to mention distinct underlying thoughts on actual pathology. I believe strongly in Robin McKenzie's approach of mechanical diagnosis and therapy (MDT). I use this evaluation and patient treatment approach because it makes sense anatomically and physiologically and because it produces faster and longer-lasting results than other methods I have used. Because I am often asked my opinion on separate treatment methods, I have come up with a concrete checklist for what I designate effective physical therapy.
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Effective physical therapy:

1. Meets the patient's goals. If they are not realistic, input from the PT is appropriate.
2. Fosters patient independence at every turn. Patients need to be educated in regard to every facet of their care and be given control over their recovery. (At least half of my time with my patients is spent on education.)
3. Is efficient. (Experienced MDT clinicians average around 6 visits with patients. Efficiency is manifested in the MDT treatment approach as well as patients are typically prescribed only one exercise for their home program.)
4. Ensures full/maximal range of motion and full/maximal strength at the affected joints and muscles. Importantly, this also involves the related spinal segments. Extremity pathology cannot be deemed fully resolved unless the spinal segments which supply nerves to the affected extremity also have full/maximal, pain-free range of motion. (MDT clinicians have a wonderful assessment for the spine designed to seek out even the smallest of obstructions, which are very often relevant.)
5. Teaches prevention strategies. Patients must understand how to keep their problem from returning and how to self-monitor for recurrence to minimize reliance on the medical community. (My two primary strategies are posture correction and use of a maintenance exercise with takes 1-2 minutes daily.)