Physiotherapist perspectives of CMT

As part of the ongoing development of Cognitive Muscular Therapy^TM (CMT), we have created a training course for physiotherapists which provides theoretical knowledge and practical skills to deliver CMT in clinical practice. This course consists of 15 hours of online learning and two or three face-to-face training days. In previous research we have trained UK NHS physiotherapists to deliver CMT for knee OA and then interviewed them to understand their perceptions of this new approach.

All physiotherapists who have been interviewed believe CMT to have the potential to become an important conservative treatment for knee osteoarthritis. They particularly like the holistic focus of CMT which contrasts with existing physiotherapy treatments, which often focus on muscle strengthening. Physiotherapists sometimes find delivering CMT challenging at first because it requires them to step away from their existing practices. However, with time, they become more comfortable and proficient at following the CMT clinical protocols.

Physiotherapists report that the biomechanical theory underlying CMT makes sense. They also feel that it allows them to understand and explain (to the patient) the links between posture, breathing, beliefs and the pain experience. Physiotherapists feel that CMT empowers patients to self-manage their condition because it teaches them to understand mechanisms of pain and problem solve when they experience a flare up.

If you are a physiotherapist and are interested in learning more about our CMT training courses, then please add you details to our mailing list via the form which can be accessed here