The McKenzie Method® - Mechanical Diagnosis and Therapy (MDT) for the Spine and Extremities

This unique method to assess and treat the spine is widely recommended as an appropriate choice for common back and neck problems. McKenzie Method continues to be the most researched physical therapy based method available.

Mechanical Diagnosis and Therapy is patient-driven.   It is not passive but demands patient participation.  Through this active involvement, patients quickly learn how to read their pain and perform successful self treatment if symptoms do occur.  Because of the patients' active involvement, they tend to progress faster (fewer visits) and are positioned to manage themselves safely and effectively for the long term.

 Benefits of the McKenzie Assessment:

•  Prompt outcome assessment: It is usually possible to predict treatment benefits within 1-2 visits.

•  Good accuracy of assessment data: Published peer review studies have demonstrated that assessment conclusions compare favourably with the findings from CT scans and discograms.  

• The promotion of patient self reliance. Patients are informed about the cause of their pain and given specific information to manage their symptoms. This reduces their dependance upon care-providers over the long term and gives them the tools to take responsibility for their own health.
• Efficient use of medical services: Encouraging active patient participation reduces the number of treatment visits required. Typically, 3 to 5 therapy sessions are required over a period of 3-4 weeks.
• Recommendations are provided as to ongoing management. The initial assessment determines the patient's appropriateness for this kind of intervention.
• Should mechanical therapy not be indicated, the assessment provides information on what alternative means of intervention or investigation may be appropriate.  

Appropriate Conditions:  

• Neck pain with or without arm pain or numbness  

• Back pain with or without leg pain or numbness

• Pain arising from joints or muscles

• Patients who have failed to improve with previous treatment  
• Patients who are motivated to participate in their own recovery.

   

Questions? Call 847. 251. 9790 

• Sport Related Injuries
• Geriatrics Disorders
• Joint Replacements
• Chronic Back and Neck Pain
• MVA and Worker's Compensation
• Over-use injuries (from sport and work)
• All post-surgical care
• Post-rehab Programs

• For more information visit
• www.mckenziemdt.org
• www.spineuniverse.com/displayarticle.php/article673.html
• www.spine-health.com/topics/conserv/mckenzietherapy/mckenzietherapy01.html
• www.moveforwardpt.com/why_physical_therapy/
• www.apta.org