McKenzie Method
Also known as Mechanical Diagnosis and Therapy is a philosophy of active patient involvement and education that is trusted and used by practitioners all over the world for back, neck and extremity problems. An evidence-based approach, the key distinction of MDT is its initial assessment component – a safe and reliable means to accurately reach a diagnosis and only then make the appropriate treatment plan. Certified McKenzie clinicians have valid indicators to know right away whether- and uniquely how – the method will work for each patient.
There are three steps to the system:
Step 1: Assessment
The McKenzie
Method gives a safe, logical guide to the best treatment strategy for
each patient. The process involves a getting a thorough history and
testing repeated movements to identify patterns of pain response that
are objective, reproducible and reliable.
Step 2: Treatment
The basis of the
McKenzie system is the patient’s own ability to use movements and forces
to abolish pain and restore function. A series of individualized
exercises are prescribed based on the assessment findings and the
patient does them at home. Patients who respond favorably with MDT can
successfully treat themselves and reduce the number of visits to the
clinic when provided with the necessary knowledge and tools. This puts
him or her in control of their treatment.
Step 3: Prevention
The exercises
which helped resolve the problem can be adapted to help prevent its
return. The patient learns what can cause the problem so as to avoid a
reoccurrence and how to quickly manage themselves if symptoms do
appear.
McKenzie Institute
Further information can be found at mckenziemdt.org