Reeducation Posturale Globale (as its original French name) or RPG® Method, is an innovative approach to assess, diagnose and treat postural and musculoskeletal complaints. It uses manual therapy through specific posture exercises and focuses on stretching soft tissues in order to gain flexibility and mobility, eliminate unnecessary tension and restore the normal muscular tone.
At present it exists in 24 countries, this method was developed in 1980 by the French physiotherapist Phillipe Souchard (who was inspired by Francoise Mezieres work based on global postural active stretching exercises and body awareness). Only qualified physiotherapists are able to follow the RPG® Method specialization.
Assessment and Treatment
The RPG assessment is based on the concept that all the muscles of our body work in chains. When one part of the chain shortens this tension is transmitted along the chain. By evaluating them it is possible to find out the connections that cause a posture dis-balance or pain problem.
During the session we work on specific global soft stretching exercises. Starting with no tension and progressing gradually in order to gain more flexibility of the muscle chains.
The importance of the breathing
In RPG it is fundamental to keep the breathing and chest mobility free from blockage. When emotional or body tension exists the breathing is easily affected. During the stretching exercise, we focus on the chest and diaphragm mobility to keep them flexible and free in order to obtain the best results.
With the RPG® Method you can treat
- Back pain (low back pain, cervical pain)
- Scoliosis
- Cervicogenic headache
- TMJ dysfunction
- Shoulder problems (frozen shoulder, shoulder pain)
- Tendinitis
- Carpal tunnel
- Lower limb misalignments (genu valgum, genu varum, genu recurvatum, flat foot, cavus foot)
- Knee pain
- Shin splints
Treatment planning
The number of sessions can vary depending on your complaint and your general condition. For pain complaint it depends on its history, Acute Pain ( if started less than 6 months ago) or Chronic pain (if started more than 6 months ago). The treatment will have a minimum of 5 sessions and a maximum of 15-20 sessions; expecting to see improvement after the 3rd one.
For scoliosis, posture and lower limb’s misalignment corrections, total number of sessions is expected to vary between 10 and 30; followed by a follow up plan once every two weeks after confirmed improvement with an X-ray.
Frequency: the sessions are normally planned once a week; in some cases twice a week may be advised when in sever pain.
The duration of each session is 60 minutes.
Fees
Beginning of the treatment: Assessment appointment (50min) + First session (45-50 min) = €130. This appointments will be scheduled in two different days, ideally on the same week.
Standard sessions (60 minutes): €75. When a long-term treatment is needed (7 sessions or more), a 10% discount applies (pay in advanced).
Payment method: bank transfer (Tikkie). You will receive an invoice at the end of the month; depending on your health insurance you may be able to request a partial or total reimbursement .