Physical Therapy & Sports Rehab

McGill Method Assessment

Reducing Low Back Pain & Injury

Patients scheduling a McGill Assessment with Dr. Camisa are first recommended to obtain and read Back Mechanic by Dr. Stuart McGill. Visit www.backfitpro.com to learn more about Dr. McGill’s work. www.backfitpro.com

As a McGill Master Clinician, Dr. Camisa has training in assisting clients in reducing the risk of disabling low back pain and injury, optimizing their health outcomes and enhancing their performance. Dr. Camisa has studied how to use information obtained from history taking and movement assessment to better match corrective/therapeutic and performance enhancement exercises. He is also experienced in identifying nuances of technique to reduce a client’s pain.

This gives the patient a foundation of knowledge of the McGill approach and optimizes the session for both patient and practitioner. The patient is thoroughly and extensively assessed through interview and physical testing and educated on specific movements according to their pain triggers. Findings are documented on the cause of pain/dysfunction. This includes a plan to avoid the cause and a guide to a progressive therapeutic program according to the patient’s goals.

In addition, Dr. Camisa has extrapolated this approach to other joints in the body in order to find the mechanical cause of pain. He uses this “whole body approach” as the basis to diagnose and treat multiple injuries and pained joints. From there, he coaches better movement, habits and posture to avoid the pain triggers and make the joint more resilient to load.

McGill Method Assessment: What to Expect

The McGill Method assessment, developed by Dr. Stuart McGill, is a comprehensive evaluation designed to diagnose and manage back pain. Here’s what you can expect during the process:

(1) Detailed History Taking: The assessment begins with an in-depth discussion about your back pain history, including the onset, duration, intensity, and any previous treatments. You’ll also discuss your daily activities, work, and exercise routines to understand how these may impact your condition.

(2) Physical Examination: The physical examination includes various tests to assess your posture, movement patterns, and spinal mechanics. You’ll be asked to perform specific movements and exercises to identify any pain triggers or functional limitations.

(3) Functional Assessment: This part of the assessment focuses on identifying how your body moves and functions during everyday activities. It helps pinpoint the exact cause of your pain and any dysfunctional movement patterns.

(4) Assessment of Muscle Endurance & Strength: You’ll undergo tests to evaluate the endurance and strength of your core muscles. This helps determine if muscle weakness or imbalance contributes to your back pain.

(5) Analysis and Diagnosis: Based on the information gathered, the practitioner will provide a detailed analysis of your condition. They will explain the findings, the specific causes of your pain, and how these relate to your daily activities and movements.

(6) Personalized Treatment Plan: You’ll receive a customized treatment plan tailored to your specific needs. This plan may include exercises to improve your movement patterns, strengthen your core, and enhance your overall function. The goal is to reduce pain and prevent future injuries.

(7) Education and Guidance: The assessment includes education about proper movement techniques and strategies to avoid pain triggers. You’ll learn how to perform daily activities in a way that protects your spine and supports your recovery.

(8) Follow-Up: Regular follow-ups may be recommended to monitor your progress, adjust your treatment plan, and ensure you’re on track toward recovery.

Patients undergoing a McGill Method assessment can expect a thorough, personalized approach to understanding and managing their back pain, with a strong emphasis on education and active participation in their recovery process.

Dr. Stuart McGill conducts his analysis of MMA fighters Georges St-Pierre and David Loiseau. Video by The Striking Truth, Steven J. Wong