POLD method

Q: What is the POLD method?

The POLD method is an advanced physiotherapy technique that treats chronic lower-back pain, as well as other injuries, conditions and diseases. Fibromyalgia; Sprains; Tendonitis; Impingements; Scoliosis; Herniated discs due to osteoarthritis or muscular overload, for example.

Q: What is involved in the POLD method?

Before treatment using the POLD method can go ahead, a correct diagnosis must be made. This considers each patient's individual triggers and the location of affected tissues and structures. Muscles; Joints; Tendons. Therapeutic exercise Motor control (Coordination of muscles, bones and nerves to produce small, exact movements) Postural conditioning

Q: How do I prepare for undergoing the POLD method?

There are no preparation requirements for the POLD method. Furthermore, there are no post-care needs and patients can continue with their daily activities with no restrictions.

Q: How long does it take to heal using the POLD method?

Typically patients need between three and five sessions to see results. If the POLD method is being used to treat chronic illnesses such as fibromyalgia or lower-back pain, monthly maintenance sessions are recommended so the effects of the POLD method are long lasting.

Q: What specialist performs the POLD method?

A qualified physiotherapist trained in the POLD method, created by Dr Juan López Díaz in 1993, performs this.

Created: 26/02/2016

Edited: 27/04/2023

Written by: Karolyn Judge

What is the POLD method?

The POLD method is an advanced physiotherapy technique that treats chronic lower-back pain, as well as other injuries, conditions and diseases.

These include:

Fibromyalgia;
Sprains;
Tendonitis;
Impingements;
Scoliosis;
Herniated discs due to osteoarthritis or muscular overload, for example.

Overhead shot of physiotherapy session, where both therapists' hands are on patient's back

What is involved in the POLD method?

Before treatment using the POLD method can go ahead, a correct diagnosis must be made. This considers each patient's individual triggers and the location of affected tissues and structures.

POLD method treatment consists of making movements with both hands on the soft tissue affected, that causes the body to gently oscillate (move back and forth). The soft tissue can include:

Muscles;
Joints;
Tendons.

After this process, the metabolism of these tissues will change and release joint mobility. Then smooth movements are made which re-adjust and regenerate soft tissue. This leads to a reduction in inflammation, discomfort and the injury, eventually healing.

In order to prevent similar situations from re-occurring in patients, a number of measures are taken to maintain well-being:

Therapeutic exercise
Motor control (Coordination of muscles, bones and nerves to produce small, exact movements)
Postural conditioning

How do I prepare for undergoing the POLD method?

There are no preparation requirements for the POLD method. Furthermore, there are no post-care needs and patients can continue with their daily activities with no restrictions.

How long does it take to heal using the POLD method?

Typically patients need between three and five sessions to see results. If the POLD method is being used to treat chronic illnesses such as fibromyalgia or lower-back pain, monthly maintenance sessions are recommended so the effects of the POLD method are long lasting.

What specialist performs the POLD method?

A qualified physiotherapist trained in the POLD method, created by Dr Juan López Díaz in 1993, performs this.