McKenzie Method

The McKenzie Method, or Mechanical Diagnosis and Treatment, is is a treatment approach to spinal disorders that utilizes a three-step process: assessment, treatment, and prevention.
The assessment involves the use of repeated movements and positioning to identify patterns of pain response.

This process allows the physical therapist to classify spinal-related disorders into three me-chanical syndromes: posture syndrome, dysfunction, or derangement.  It also allows therapists to identify those individuals whose symptoms are not mechanical in nature and require alternate treatment.

HOW IS THE MCKENZIE METHOD UTILIZED IN THE CLINIC?

Through thorough education, patients learn how to self-treat their current symptoms, minimize the risk of recurrence, and quickly manage their symptoms if they reoccur.  Patients receive extensive education on the importance of posture as it relates to spinal pain. Patients are instructed how to maintain the natural curvature of the spine during all daily activities in order to minimize postural stress on the structures of the spine.

Patients are also given a home exercise program based on the results of the therapist's assessment. Exercises that decrease the intensity of pain and/or cause symptom centralization are encouraged. These exercises involve spinal flexion, spinal extension, or sometimes lateral spinal movements.