McKenzie Method®
We all experience pain, discomfort, and decreased mobility at some point in our lives. When these problems persist or recur frequently they seriously affect our quality of life. Most people are not aware that many of these problems are rapidly reversible by using simple exercises and postures – in other words, professionally guided SELF-TREATMENT, also known as the McKenzie Method®.
Unlike traditional physiotherapy techniques, the McKenzie Method® is focused on empowering you to treat yourself with individually prescribed postures and exercises. Many patients who have not been helped by other treatments respond to McKenzie management, often within the first appointment.
What is the Mckenzie Method?
Also known as Mechanical Diagnosis and Therapy (MDT), the McKenzie Method is a philosophy of active patient involvement and education that is trusted and used by practitioners and patients 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.
The Right Road to Restore Function
For successful treatment, one must first be effectively evaluated. Pain is a symptom — not a diagnosis. Assessment is the first step!
The evidence has shown that the initial McKenzie assessment procedures preformed by competent MDT clinicians are as reliable as costly diagnostic imaging (i.e., X-rays, MRIs)* to determine the source of the problem and quickly identify those who will or will not respond to the treatment principles of MDT.
Through a series of repeated movements and positions, certified MDT practitioners assess two things as a result of these movements — symptomatic and mechanical response. Patterns of response can be determined for what makes symptoms better or worse. Patients are classified accordingly and an effective set of exercises is established based on a “directional preference.”
Typically this is achieved in only 3 -5 visits!
Assessment
MDT provides a safe, logical guide to the most optimal treatment strategy for a specific patient. Unique to the McKenzie Method, the process begins with a thorough history and testing of repeated movements to identify distinct patterns of pain responses that are: objective, reproducible, and reliable.
By asking a series of specific and in-depth questions, the therapist is able to learn much more about the factors that are causing the problem, and is able to begin to identify potential solutions. Through spending the time sitting with and interviewing, and truly listening to the patient’s answers, particular patterns begin to appear that help the therapist know the extent of testing that needs to be performed.
Through a series of standard musculoskeletal tests and also the addition of specific repeated movement testing procedures the patient’s preference to movement (called the directional preference) is identified and then turned immediately into a dosed specific exercise program for home.
Treatment
The basis of the McKenzie system is the patient’s own ability for movements and forces to abolish the pain and restore function. A series of individualized exercises are prescribed subsequent to the patient’s responses during the assessment process and — most critically — are based on the identified Directional Preference of movements that will centralize or abolish pain (i.e., extension or flexion, right or left lateral movement, etc.)
Patients who do respond favorably with MDT can successfully treat themselves–and minimize the number of visits to the clinic–when provided the necessary knowledge and tools, putting him or her in control of their treatment safely and effectively.
Prevention
Patients who stick to the prescribed treatment protocols are less likely to have persistent problems. Thus, 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 quickly manage themselves if symptoms do occur.
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