[GAR42]

Remember that I am patient, not a trained PT. My knowledge is based on my experiences, questions and independent research, so I may come across as a layman, which I am. That said, I reject the notion that I don't know my own history, body or symptoms well enough to discern the difference between my aching back on the left, and my swollen, burning shin on the right. Ginger, you sound incredibly knowledgeable and experienced. I hope you have not gotten to the stage, like so many in the medical field, that you have developed your own opinions and methods to the point that the patient's views are unimportant. The critical tone of your posts would make me think so.

My 1st PT was the head athletic trainer at our local university, which is one of the top 5 in the country. My Dr. is the former team Dr. for a MLB team, and is currently a Doc for the US Olympic team. My current PT was recommended to me by my former PT, as well as many others, because he is certified in ASTYM and because of his other credentials. My podiatrist was just voted best in the City by a survey of patients and peers. I cannot imagine that, with all of these qualified people involved in my care, that we are all just blindly following a pointless "paradigm."

In my current regimen my therapist does what he has been calling manual traction. He wraps a large belt around my waist and the other around his and then he leans back. 10 minute sessions (I think). Is that "CM?" If not, then by all means I am willing to try it. I will do some more research and discuss it with my PT.