The McKenzie Method, when employed by a trained physical therapist, is an excellent way to treat neck and back pain (also referred to more specifically as cervical, thoracic and lumbar pain).
The McKenzie Method, also known as Mechanical Diagnosis and Treatment (MDT), can be a great way to assess and treat spinal disorders without months of therapy, expensive equipment, or surgery.
At ARC Physical Therapy+, we have 10 therapists that are certified in the McKenzie Method plus many more that have taken multiple McKenzie courses. We strongly encourage all our physical therapists to include the McKenzie Method as part of their continuing education work.
What EXACTLY is the McKenzie Method?
According to The McKenzie Institute USA:
MDT is comprised of four primary steps: assessment, classification, treatment and prevention.
The MDT system is designed to identify the mechanical problem and develop a plan to correct or improve the mechanics and thus decrease or eliminate the pain and functional problems.
We interviewed several of our MDT certified therapists to provide more insight.
Patrick Hansen, MSPT, Cert. MDT, CF-L1 trainer tells us, “It uses a research-based approach to classify a patient’s pathology so the clinician is more effective in creating a treatment plan for the patient. It uses repeated functional movements and empowers the patient to manage their symptoms to help them meet their goals.”
How do we explain this method to the patient?
Scott Peters,PT, ATC shares, “It is a way to see if there is a shift in the anatomy that we can correct with repetitive movements. Also, I use examples, so they understand movement and the “why” behind their exercises.”
Megan Westman, DPT, Cert. MDT, Cert. DN, provides more insight, “I say that it’s a way to categorize patients better to provide them with more specific exercises for their condition. Some patients respond well to repeated movements and through this method we’re able to classify their symptomatic response so they can help manage their symptoms with the exercises provided.”
Relieving Back and Neck Pain with MDT
All our therapists agree that the McKenzie method provides them with a tried-and-true method of beginning a treatment plan for their patients, but the work doesn’t stop there. All patients benefit from additional exercises specific to their physical deficits including things such as core strengthening, flexibility, neural mobility, and functional activity to return them to their previous level of activity.
To learn more, find the clinic nearest you or contact our Central Business Office at (913) 831-2721.
