In 1947 the French physiotherapist Françoise Mézières developed an innovative method for treating physical injuries. She founded postural re-education and was the European pioneer in global physical therapy. Since then, the Mézières Method has continued to develop, steadily incorporating the scientific advances of recent years, without losing any of its essence or originality.
The mechanics of the body is founded on the interaction of different myofascial chains. Still, it is highly reliant on multiple factors; genetic, psycho-behavioural, visceral, traumatic, etc. These influences, together with our daily habits, can cause disturbances and imbalances in the myofascial chains, and ultimately lead to secondary complications.
Working under this perspective, global physical therapy attempts to return balance to the myofascial chains through individualised work. The Mézières Method therapists treat injuries by searching for, correcting, and controlling their primary causes, and improving each patient’s condition as the session progresses.
After a rigorous clinical, analytical and global exam, the therapist evaluates postural imbalances and arrives at a diagnosis of the state of the articular and myofascial chains. The Mézières Method uses global stretching postures and manual, myofascial and articular mobilisation techniques to develop a unique approach to each patient’s respiratory dynamics.
Postural correction and pain relief are achieved through the normalisation of myofascial tensions, articular re-adjustment and proprioceptive postural control. Because this approach is founded on the concept of the body as a whole unit, it requires the patient’s active participation, crucial for instilling the new dynamics into the central nervous system.
The accredited UIC’s Postgraduate Course in “The Mézières Method and Global Myofascial Physical Therapy” is recognised by the IFGM (Instituto de Fisioterapia Global Mézières) and by the AMIK (Association Mézièriste Internationale de Kinésithérapie). Graduates of the Programme will be extended membership into the AMIF (Asociación Mezierista Iberoamericana de Fisioterapia), included on the register of Mézièrist physiotherapists, and invited to participate in the various activities and functions hosted by the Association.