Commonly Treated Conditions

The Mettler Method® can benefit anyone newly referred to physical therapy as well as those with acute or chronic conditions who have not responded to other forms of physical therapy or medical treatments. The following conditions are routinely treated at Mettler Therapy with excellent, long-term results:

Head, neck and shoulder pain or impairment
It is striking the number of patients who continue to exhibit symptoms after completing other forms of therapy for head, neck and shoulder injuries. After receiving MRT®, the vast majority of these patients are able to resume activities of daily living—driving comfortably, sleeping soundly, and lifting normally. MRT improves flexibility and circulation resulting in faster recovery, less pain and greater range of motion.

Knee, ankle and foot pain or impairment (e.g., ACL injuries)
Following injury to the foot or knee, many people continue to walk or run, causing further inflammation which produce adhesions. MRT has been essential in clearing away these adhesions, allowing the lower extremity injury to be restored more quickly and completely for optimal function.

Post-surgical pain or impairment (Scars)
There are two sources of adhesions from surgery. One, the procedure itself creates scars both on the skin and in the underlying tissues. Two, during the healing process, inflammation can occur producing scar tissue. MRT has been very effective in rapidly reducing scar tissue and associated discomfort while improving its appearance.

Work-related injuries
Workers experience pain and dysfunction from adhesions caused by repetitive motion. Often, these adhesions do not appear on X-Rays or MRIs. The combination of MRT with medical and physical therapies allows for a quicker return-to-work and a worker who is more resilient to re-injury.

Hip and back pain or impairment
The inability of current technology (e.g., MRI, CT scan, X-ray) to image adhesive scar tissue makes evaluating and treating hip/back pain elusive to healthcare professionals. Adhesions restrict the circulation, which irritates nerves, and cause muscles and joints to remain tight and stiff. Poor circulation leads to pain and discomfort which limits exercise, further reducing circulation. Poor circulation is known to contribute to inflammation which can lead to the development of additional adhesions. MRT breaks this cycle by directly addressing the adhesions, increasing circulation and flexibility so patients can also take advantage of stretching and exercise to restore optimal function.

TMJ/TMD, headaches and whiplash
Identified with repetitive and traumatic head or neck injury, these painful conditions, when perpetuated by trigger points, can refer pain to sites distant from the hypersensitive muscle knot. MRT has proven effective in softening/inactivating trigger points, making deep muscle work more responsive to treatment which results in improved flexibility, decreased pain, and increased tolerance to activity.

Muscle spasms
Untreated muscle spasms result in excessive, ongoing muscle tension—constricting the blood flow and promoting an inflammatory response—which produces adhesions and prolonged pain. Releasing the adhesions through MRT is critical for long-term impact of reducing and preventing spasm episodes.

Post-cancer
Repeated irradiation of the skin creates inflammation which results in adhesions. These adhesions tighten the skin and reduce circulation. Patients find it difficult to stretch and exercise areas subjected to radiation therapy. Cancer surgery also creates adhesions which affect circulation, mobility, and nerve function. MRT is a critical aide to restoring circulation, increasing flexibility and minimizing lymphedema.

Sport-related injuries
Competitive drive keeps athletes from making full recoveries, building chronic inflammation and thereby adhesions. The stiff and sore body works around injuries at the expense of form and stability, putting the athlete at further risk of injury. MRT breaks the cycle by restoring tissue health, flexibility and performance.

Carpal tunnel syndrome, hand/arm injuries and tendonitis
Repetitive use of muscles and tendons (e.g., computer work) can result in low levels of inflammation and the gradual development of adhesions. Adhesions impinge upon nerves and tendons causing arm/hand discomfort or stiffness. MRT is critical to freeing the musculoskeletal system from adhesions allowing tendons and nerves to glide freely.

Adhesion-Related Conditions

While the term “adhesion related disorders” (ARD) is often used to describe the symptoms and complications common to abdominal and pelvic surgery, adhesion formation is not limited to the abdominopelvic region nor even surgery. Adhesions may occur in any connective tissue throughout the body as a response to inflammation caused by surgery, infection, disease, radiation treatments, and repetitive or traumatic injury.

The Mettler Therapy specializes in the non-surgical treatment of adhesion-related conditions of the musculoskeletal system. This is accomplished through an advanced method of manual physical therapy to free adhesions within the soft tissue. If you are experiencing one of these conditions, it is likely you may benefit from this technique. Learn more about who is a candidate for this effective and lasting treatment.

Find out if you are a good candidate for the Mettler Method.