Michael Møller Nielsen
B.PT. Post. grad cert. sports phys., Dip. MPT. CMP, MCTA. Msc.Med PainMgt.
Looking Back
My first meeting with The Mulligan Concept was in 2010 when Josef Andersen introduced me to the concept. My background in manual therapy was rooted in the "classic" manual therapy - Maitland, Mckenzie, and structural osteopathy. At first, I was a bit provoked by the claimed efficacy of the Mulligan Concept and techniques which were conflicting with the education and knowledge I had gained from education in the “traditional manual therapy” courses.
By nature, I’m curious and I tried to implement the Mobilization with Movement techniques in my treatment protocols. I was amazed at the efficacy of the techniques when I included them in my multimodal treatments!
The same year I passed the Certified Mulligan Practicioner (CMP) exam. A year after that I felt lucky that Brian Mulligan came to Denmark to give a workshop about "the art in manual therapy". Brian traveled with his wife Dawn and Mark Oliver who also held a lecture about his approach to the SIJ and TMJ.
On the last evening of these courses, a group of CMPs were invited to have dinner with the teachers. During the dinner, I was fortunate to sit at the table with Brian, Mark, Josef, and their spouses. It was at this time I experienced the warmth and cordiality of these wonderful teachers – just like a big family – which is something I highly valued.
Looking at the Present
Now 13 years later I passed the Mulligan Concept teacher accreditation exam in Orlando. I have become part of the Mulligan Concept Teacher Association (MCTA). The joy of passing the exam was naturally a fantastic sensation, but what made me even more happy was the warm welcome of all the teachers in the group. It was just like being adopted by a family.
I believe the energy in the group is something special that is hard to describe in words only. Perhaps it is best described by Brian Mulligans DNA – great humor and excellent professional skills – has merged into the values of the group. It was fantastic to experience my first professional meeting with other highly skilled and experienced teachers in the MCTA. I discovered there is room for disagreements without losing friendships. A sign of great leadership and integrity from all members of the MCTA. An organization that put its values on top of all the decisions is an organization that can withstand all challenges!
My personal values are loyalty, honesty, and credibility. I treasure people who are like-minded. I reached my goals through hard work, being humble and honest with myself, and life values. In my private life, I’m married to Lene, with whom I have two children, Thor who is 15 years and Freya who is 12 years.
Before I became a physiotherapist, I was a sergeant in the Danish army and a sub-elite soccer player. My leisure time is spent with my children where I’m a soccer coach for my daughter’s team. When I have the time, I love the feel of adrenaline when riding my Ducati motorcycle on racetracks in Europe.
Looking Forward
I love to learn and evolve as a therapist and believe in knowledge sharing for greater mutual output. Becoming a teacher in the MCTA and being a part of a group of extraordinary people is a big shoe to fill – especially comparing myself to my mentors through the years – Josef, Peter, and Mark.
The transition from focusing on my own career to focusing on teaching other colleagues and helping them to evolve in their professional life is a responsibility I will take very seriously. I will strive to become a welcoming and appreciated teacher. I think teaching makes you an even better therapist and entering the MCTA will not be an end station for me, rather it will be a new starting point from which I can educate, research, and practice.
Thanks for the warm and friendly reception in the group. It means a lot to me and I will with humility and diligence try to repay the fine reception.
Cheers
Michael Møller Nielsen, (Denmark)