Specializations
McKenzie therapy
Neck and Back Pain
The McKenzie Method® can help with back and neck pain
- Are there periods in the day when you have no pain? Even if it’s only 10 minutes?
- Is the pain limited to areas above your knee or above your elbow?
- Have you experienced lower back or neck pain more than once in the past few months or years?
- Does your pain worsen during or immediately after prolonged bending or stooping; such as when making a bed, vacuuming, gardening, etc?
- Do you have more pain after sitting for an extended period of time or while getting up from a seated position? That is, during or after watching TV or working on the computer?
- Do you associate your pain with one particular activity but are generally free of pain when you do not engage in that activity?
- Do you suffer more when you are inactive or does it not improve when you are active?
- Does your low back pain decrease when you lie on your stomach? (You may feel worse for a minute before the pain subsides, in which case the answer to this question is yes).
- Does your low back pain decrease when you walk?
If you answered yes to more than 4 questions, the McKenzie Method can help you move forward. If you answered yes to 3 or fewer questions, you need a specialized examination and treatment and should contact one of our McKenzie therapists.
MCkENZIE METHOD
What can I expect?
The McKenzie Method® also known as Mechanical Diagnosis and Therapy® (MDT) is an internationally acclaimed method for examination and treatment of spinal and limb pain. It was developed by New Zealand physical therapist/physiotherapist Robin McKenzie. This method has been used worldwide for more than 30 years.
MDT therapists are trained to assess and diagnose all areas of the musculoskeletal system. That means if there is a problem in or around the spine, joints and muscles, an MDT evaluation may be appropriate.
An important part is the initial examination. This is done in a safe and reliable way to arrive at an accurate diagnosis. Only then is the corresponding treatment plan drawn up. Expensive tests such as MRIs are often unnecessary. Certified MDT therapists can quickly determine if the method will be effective per individual patient.
MDT is an integrative approach to musculoskeletal complaints. It is based on science-based principles. When fully understood and followed, these can be very successful.
