Maitland Concept

Term from Physical Therapy industry explained for recruiters

The Maitland Concept is a well-respected approach to hands-on physical therapy treatment that helps assess and treat patients with muscle, joint, and nerve problems. It was developed by Geoffrey Maitland, an Australian physical therapist, and is now used worldwide. Think of it as a methodical way for physical therapists to examine patients and choose the best hands-on techniques to help them move better and reduce pain. It's similar to other manual therapy approaches like McKenzie Method or Mulligan Concept. Physical therapists who use this approach are particularly good at feeling subtle changes in how joints move and adjusting their treatment accordingly.

Examples in Resumes

Certified in Maitland Concept manual therapy techniques for spine and joint treatment

Applied Maitland assessment and treatment methods to improve patient outcomes

Completed advanced training in Maitland-Australian Concept for orthopedic manual therapy

Typical job title: "Physical Therapists"

Also try searching for:

Manual Physical Therapist Orthopedic Physical Therapist Manual Therapy Specialist Physiotherapist Certified Maitland Practitioner

Example Interview Questions

Senior Level Questions

Q: How do you integrate the Maitland Concept with other treatment approaches?

Expected Answer: A senior therapist should explain how they combine different treatment methods based on patient needs, give examples of when they might choose Maitland techniques versus other approaches, and discuss how they mentor others in using these skills.

Q: How do you handle complex cases using the Maitland approach?

Expected Answer: Should demonstrate understanding of adapting Maitland techniques for complicated patients, explain their clinical reasoning process, and show how they progress treatment over time.

Mid Level Questions

Q: What are the key principles of Maitland assessment?

Expected Answer: Should be able to explain how they examine patients using Maitland principles, describe the grading system for movement and pain, and how they select appropriate techniques.

Q: How do you document progress when using Maitland techniques?

Expected Answer: Should explain their method for recording assessment findings, treatment choices, and patient progress in a way that other therapists can understand and follow.

Junior Level Questions

Q: What is the basic Maitland assessment process?

Expected Answer: Should be able to describe the basic steps of examining a patient using Maitland principles and explain how they determine which joints to assess.

Q: How do you explain Maitland treatment to patients?

Expected Answer: Should demonstrate ability to explain treatment plans in simple terms and show understanding of basic Maitland techniques and when they're used.

Experience Level Indicators

Junior (0-2 years)

  • Basic joint assessment skills
  • Understanding of Maitland grading system
  • Simple treatment techniques
  • Basic documentation

Mid (2-5 years)

  • Advanced assessment techniques
  • Complex joint mobilizations
  • Treatment progression planning
  • Patient education expertise

Senior (5+ years)

  • Expert clinical reasoning
  • Complex case management
  • Teaching and mentoring others
  • Integration with other treatment approaches

Red Flags to Watch For

  • No hands-on treatment experience
  • Inability to explain basic assessment principles
  • Lack of continuing education in manual therapy
  • Poor understanding of pain science and patient communication