McKenzie Method

The McKenzie Method, also known as Mechanical Diagnosis & Therapy (MDT), is a research proven system of assessment and treatment for back, neck and extremity symptoms developed by physiotherapist Robin McKenzie.

The cornerstones of MDT:

• Active patient involvement
• Education about your problem
• Self-management exercises for relief
• Learn how to prevent and reduce recurrences

MDT involves:

• A thorough history and mechanical assessment
• Determination of specific exercises and strategies
• Education about why you developed your problem and how to resolve it

How MDT differs to traditional Physiotherapy:

• Assessment process involves testing of repeated movements and sustained positions
• Determines which exercise you can perform, to “treat yourself” for instant relief
• Focus on strategies for self-management

Why you should demand a MDT assessment:

• Highly efficient and cost-effective with a minimum number of visits (typically 3-5)
• Around 70-80% of patients are ‘responders’ experiencing rapid relief and resolution
• Those ‘non-responders’ are identified efficiently (typically within 1-2 sessions) and
• Expensive imaging like MRI is rarely required given the effectiveness of the assessment method to correctly classify the source of your problem