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
