MDT is a systematic approach to examination and evaluation for patient
management that applies to acute, subacute and chronic conditions of the
spine and the extremities, and it provides the foundation to direct appropriate
treatment options emphasizing patient empowerment and self-treatment.
Its greatest success lies in the practitioner being fully trained and
committed to the integrity of the system.
Step 1: Active Examination
Listening to a patient’s detailed history and with their active involvement
using repeated movements or positions during the unique MDT examination
process, the clinician establishes a clear direction with a solid baseline
to develop an individualized management plan.
Step 2: Dynamic Diagnosis
Patients will be prescribed specific exercises and given guidance for appropriate
postures and behaviors to adopt or temporarily avoid outside the clinic.
The clinician can quickly re-evaluate from the baseline and observing
how their symptoms and range of movement changes to maintain the course
or modify the plan. This may include hands-on techniques as needed.
Step 3: Reliable Intervention
By learning how to self-treat a current impairment, patients gain practical
knowledge to minimize the risk of recurrence and rapidly deal with symptoms
if they do recur.
Prevention is the ultimate goal and patient education is a chief component with MDT.
