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