If you, a friend, or a loved one has pain in your back, legs, neck, or arms, the McKenzie Method of Mechanical Diagnosis and Treatment is a treatment method that may lead you back to optimal health and function. It is a comprehensive treatment approach to the spine and extremities based on sound principles and fundamentals that when understood and followed are very successful.
I have been using the McKenzie Method for over 35 years and was fortunate to complete an internship following PT school in 1981 studying and working with patients under the mentorship of two legacy McKenzie faculty members. I also spent one week in New Zealand observing Robin McKenzie’s colleagues treat patients.
The McKenzie Method has three steps to success:
STEP 1: Assessment - The McKenzie Method uses a logical step-by-step process to evaluate the patient’s problem quickly. The history and patient exam classifies patients by the level of pain or limitation that results from certain movements or positions.
STEP 2: Treatment - MDT treatment includes a series of individualized exercises based on the results of the exam. The emphasis is on active patient involvement that they can do at home or work. Ultimately, most patients can successfully treat themselves when provided with the necessary knowledge and tools. For patients with more difficult mechanical problems, a McKenzie therapist with advanced training can provide hands-on techniques to help them ultimately be able to self- manage.
STEP 3: Prevention - By learning how to self-treat the current problem, patients gain hands-on knowledge on how to minimize the risk of recurrence and how to rapidly deal with recurrence if it occurs.
For further information on the McKenzie Method, please refer to the McKenzie website: http://www.mckenzieinstituteusa.org/method-patients.cfm
You may also want to read more of my blog articles on this exciting patient centered approach to care.
Reference: http://www.mckenzieinstituteusa.org/method-patients.cfm
