Mechanical Diagnosis & Therapy (McKenzie Method)

The McKenzie Method was developed by Robin McKenzie, a physical therapist from New Zealand and it is an approach that is trusted and used by practiioners and patients worldwide for common back and neck problems. 

The goal of this treatment protocol is to empower the patient to learn to control their symptoms which can reduce dependency on medical intervention. This helps to address a growing demand from patients and thir party payers for professional rehabilitation service that develop the patient's self-treatment skills in a cost and time effective manner. 

Step 1: Assessment

Unique to the McKenzie Method is a comprehensive and logical step-by-step process to evaluate the patient's problem quickly. This mechanical examination can classify most patient's conditions by the level of pain or limitation that results from certain movements or positions. A McKenzie assessment can eliminate the need for expensive and/or invasive procedures. Research has demonstrated that the assessment procedures to be as reliable as costly diagnostic imaging (i.e. x-rays or MRI) to determine the source of the problem and quickly identify responders and non-responders. 

Step 2: Treatment

McKenzie treatment prescribes a series of individualized exercises. The emphasis is on active patient involvement, which minimizes the number of visits to the clinic. Ultimately, most patients can successfully treat themselves when provided the necessary knowledge and tools. For patients with more difficult mechanical problems, a certified McKenzie clinician can provide advanced hands-on techniques until the patient is able to self-administer.

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 to rapdily deal with recurrence if it occurs. The likelihood of problems persisting can more likely be prevented through self-maintenance.