What is the McKenzie Method/MDT?

The McKenzie Method is an evidence-based research driven Physical Therapy management strategy for spinal and extremity pain. The average McKenzie patient manages their own condition in six visits using patient education, self treatment and directional specific exercises.

Our clinical experience of 25 years in Physical Therapy for orthopedic conditions means better patient outcomes . We are results driven, with a proven record of previous successes. Let us rehabilitate your condition without medication of surgery.

The McKenzie Method is also known as Mechanical Diagnosis and Therapy (MDT) and was developed by a New Zealand physiotherapist, Robin McKenzie.  This system has been extensively researched since Robin McKenzie first published The Lumbar Spine -‘Mechanical Diagnosis and Therapy’ in 1981. MDT is now one of the most widely used assessment and treatment systems for musculoskeletal pain in the world.

Specific features of McKenzie MDT

The clinician examines the patient using a validated assessment protocol.  After a history is taken, the clinician puts the patient through a defined series of movements to determine the classification of your problem. On the basis of this classification you are given a tailor-made treatment program for .  The emphasis within MDT is on promoting independence and self-treatment. The treatment may include manual therapeutic techniques, such as mobilization and manipulation but the goal is always to have you become independent of the clinician and self-managing your own disorder.

What is the Mckenzie Method/MDT???

The Mckenzie Method, also know as Mechanical Diagnosis and Therapy (MDT), internationally recognized method that is a philosophy of active patient involvement and education for neck, back and extremity issues.  A comprehensive, safe and reliable initial assessment that accurately comes up to diagnosis and understanding the core issue to then make the appropriate and the most optimal treatment plan. The McKenzie Method rarely requires expensive tests as Certified MDT clinicians will know if and how the McKenzie Method will work for each patient.

YouTube link for Mckenzie Method explained

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How Does the McKenzie Method Work?

MDT is a systematic approach to examination and evaluation for patient management that applies to acute, subacute and chronic conditions of the spine and the extremities, and it provides the foundation to direct appropriate treatment options emphasizing patient empowerment and self-treatment. Its greatest success lies in the practitioner being fully trained and committed to the integrity of the system.

Step 1: Active Examination: Listening to a patient’s detailed history and with their active involvement using repeated movements or positions during the unique MDT examination process, the clinician establishes a clear direction with a solid baseline to develop an individualized management plan.

Step 2: Dynamic Diagnosis: Patients will be prescribed specific exercises and given guidance for appropriate postures and behaviors to adopt or temporarily avoid outside the clinic. The clinician can quickly re-evaluate from the baseline and observing how their symptoms and range of movement changes to maintain the course or modify the plan. This may include hands-on techniques as needed.

Step 3: Reliable Intervention: By learning how to self-treat a current impairment, patients gain practical knowledge to minimize the risk of recurrence and rapidly deal with symptoms if they do recur.

Prevention is the ultimate goal and patient education is a chief component with MDT

Ready to take the next step?

We are ready to help. Contact us to set up a TeleRehab session or an home visit at your convenience. We will bring with world class experts to you on your time and on demand on your smartphone, table or streaming TV. Blue Cross and Medicare in network provider. Cash pay packages and super bills for self submission to insurance for out of network benefits are also available

IS THE MCKENZIE METHOD OF MDT FOR ME?

Got back pain? We have an uncommon approach to common back, neck and extremity issues. Take a moment to answer these questions or download educational patient flyers  to discover the McKenzie difference.

• Are you more comfortable walking rather than sitting?

• Does sitting for prolonged periods increase your pain?

• Following prolonged sitting, do you have difficulty rising from a chair?

• Are you generally worse when you get up in the morning, but improve after about a half hour?

• Are there periods in the day when you have no pain at all?

• Is the pain confined to areas above the knee or above your elbow?

• Have you had previous episodes of lower back, neck or joint pain (either over months or years)?

• Do activities involving bending (e.g. gardening or household chores) make you feel worse?

• Is your pain related to a specific activity and is the pain consistently produced during this activity?

• Are you worse during the days you are most sedentary?

• Do you feel better when lying face down on your stomach? (You may feel worse for a minute before the pain subsides, in that case the answer to this question is yes).

In addition, if you are experiencing any of the following:

• Sciatic

• Lumbago

• Arthritic pain in hips or buttocks, shoulders or upper arms

• Difficulty bending due to stiffness or pain

• Pain that starts in the back or neck and seems to spread to the buttocks or shoulders

• Intermittent pins and needles or numbness in the feet or hands

• Aching pain into the elbows or knees that hasn't been assisted by treatment to these areas

If you have answered yes to three or more questions, there is a great chance you could benefit from the McKenzie Method treatment strategies.

Evidence Based Researched Methods. Comprehensive list of current journal articles related to the McKenzie Method and MDT. Click Here for list.

Official Guide Below from McKenzie Institute

https://www.mckenzieinstituteusa.org/method-patients.cfm