Dr Manuel Rigo and The International Teachers at McGowan Physio
13/10/2023
Welcome Dr Rigo
In September 2023 Niamh and the McGowan Physio team welcomed Dr Manuel Rigo of Barcelona Scoliosis Physical Therapy School (BSPTS) and his international team of teachers to the clinic. It was a brilliant week spent learning and enjoying great company. The international team consists of physios from countries all over the world and we were lucky to have 20+ leaders of scoliosis care with us for 6 days.
Scoliosis Care Island of Ireland
Niamh participated in the Level 2 course along with fellow Irish Physios Roisin Egan (Activ8 Physio, Cork) and Emma Crawford (Align Pilates and Physiotherapy, Carrickfergus). It was a fantastic opportunity for the three to improve their expertise in scoliosis but also to make stronger connections together for the benefit of conservative management of scoliosis across the island.
International teachers meeting
Simultaneously to the Level 2 course there was an international teachers meeting happening at McGowan Physio. This was the second annual meeting. During the 6 days ideas were shared and expanded on. All with the goal to together improve the conservative management of Scoliosis.
Dr Manuel Rigo
Dr Manuel Rigo is a medical doctor who specializes in the conservative care of people with scoliosis. He makes the Rigo-System-Cheneau Brace that many of our young scoliosis patients wear and he teaches physiotherapists and orthotists across the globe. Dr Rigo has contributed hugely to the improved care of people with scoliosis and we feel very grateful both to learn from him but also to have been able to host him at McGowan Physio.
Thank you to our fantastic patients and our fantastic team!
On the course we were very lucky to have 16 young people participate as scoliosis models. They got in-depth training on their exercises and we got to learn from them. We can’t thank them enough for their keen attitudes and for the hard work they put in while they were with us. We also had huge support from the McGowan Physio team. The clinic was closed for the week to let the course happen. Luana, our clinic manager, was hard working behind the scenes to make sure everything went to plan. Cookie even got involved and was thrilled to meet Dr Rigo!
Barcelona Scoliosis Physical Therapy School (BSPTS)
BSPTS offers education on the treatment of scoliosis, kyphosis and other spinal conditions to physiotherapists. The school teaches what is known as Physiotherapy Scoliosis Specific Exercises (PSSE). Originally the school introduced the Schroth Method to Barcelona, inspired by Katharina Schroth. This method has evolved with BSPTS. The areas of focus are on specific knowledge of scoliosis and spinal conditions, the general principles (stable postural correction, expansion technique, muscle activation and integration) as well as the BSPTS techniques (various passive, active and inducing formats the physio will learn to use with their hands).
Interested in joining our team?
At McGowan Physio both Niamh and Garett undergo training with BSPTS. We are always keen for further physios who are passionate about learning to come and join our team. We really enjoyed the week with Dr Rigo and we look forward to welcoming the team again in the future.