The CHIMANOS METHOD according to Dr. Th. Hartmann and Dr. R. Thiele

In the 20-plus years of working together in hospitals and in the practice as well as attending the most diverse courses and programs, we have between us a wealth of experience. From this, we decided to cherry-pick the diagnostic and therapeutic techniques that we consider most essential in the treatment of the complex ailments of the musculoskeletal system, so that we, together with the patient, can find the best way to restore his/her health. Patients undergoing treatment at CHIMANOS know that they are being attended to by doctors trained to our specifications.

Central to the CHIMANOS METHOD is health – optimal health. The essential features are the holistic appreciation and treatment of patients as human beings with their ailments in the current situation.

Therapy for the complete restoration of health or healing can only be undertaken after the overall understanding of the situation is obtained. To this end, the psychosocial environment, marital/long-term relationship, job situation and personal development of the patient must be taken into consideration.

The key is to help patients understand their role in the ailment and in the course of their therapy to involve them in the decision-making process. This applies to conservative therapy as well as to all surgical procedures done in the medical center.

Ailments of the locomotor system and the musculoskeletal system are generally complex illnesses which frequently have their origins in a number of disorders – a multicausal genesis.

Disturbance of the body's natural and balanced order is often the result of a long-term development. This imbalance eventually becomes "symptomatic". The CHIMANOS METHOD allows us to uncover the complex mechanism behind it and to treat the cause, or to initiate and supervise treatment by a trusted outside expert.

An integral part of the therapy is the psychosomatic trigger. We know that, especially with back ailments, the spine is essentially an organ of psychosomatic projection.

The method to identify and eliminate incorrect or improper postures and movements is exactly the same as that used to treat habitual movement disorders. Recurrent improper movements, e.g. at the workplace, are incorporated into the therapy plan.

Since optimal health is the focus of the CHIMANOS METHOD, the program encompasses nutrition, awareness, movement and relaxation, which are vital components of the therapy and has just as much weight as physiotherapy, which may be undertaken, if necessary, with the help of technical aids. We are part of a close-knit network of therapists and physicians.

State of the art therapy and diagnostics for ailments of the locomotor system require a deep understanding of the complex interplay of muscles, tendons and joints and their dysfunctions. Underlying all chronic illnesses of this kind is a linkage. The uncovering of the chain-link of symptoms, which involves the internal organs as well, is necessary if the therapist/doctor is to diagnose and treat the disorder with manual therapeutic and osteopathic (or craniosacral) treatments.

The use of selected injection techniques as sacral analgesia, including the use of a C-arm (mobile X-ray image intensifier, in the spinal column and its facet joints, the peridural area, the peridural region, the sympathetic trunk and the peripheral joints) is part of the method. A year-long training and practice is requisite.

Modern, innovative treatment methods like musculoskeletal shockwave therapy and ZATT therapy are crucial components of the CHIMANO METHOD. Training and certification in this therapy is therefore necessary.

Guiding the patient through the ailment and healing process in its broad-ranging complexity requires a high degree of sensitivity and leadership. .
Qualification in neurolinguistic programming (NLP), experience working in Balint groups, self-awareness training and clinical supervision enable the CHIMANOS physician to practice this form of holistic medicine.

Only when a doctor possesses all these tools and is backed up by years of experience using them is s/he able to practice the CHIMANOS METHOD.

CHIMANOS doctors must have the following qualifications in:

· surgery, orthopedics and/or general medicine
· manual medicine (chirotherapy)
· sports medicine
· musculoskeletal shockwave therapy
· ZATT Therapy
· MRT and X-ray of the skeleton
· NLP
· minimum of 25 hours of clinical supervision and working in Balint groups
· sonography
· osteosonometry
· continuous monitoring of spinal postures
· superficial EMG
· minimum of 8-10 years experience as a practicing physician

CHI in Chinese is the word for life and heart energy.
MANUS in Latin means hand.

We strive to treat you: with hand and heart.