McKenzie Method
Known as Mechanical Diagnosis and Therapy (MDT), the McKenzie Method is designed to diagnose and manage musculoskeletal disorders of the spine and extremities. At Munger Physical Therapy, we use this internationally recognized approach, when appropriate, to support and empower patients to manage their pain and recovery.
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How the McKenzie Method Works
Chronic or acute pain and associated recovery can be challenging, overwhelming, and uncomfortable. We embrace the McKenzie Method’s comprehensive approach to musculoskeletal care and help patients understand it so you can take control of your own discomfort and pain and own your path to healing. Here are the key principles:
- Initial physical assessment. We safely and thoroughly evaluate and assess each patient’s symptoms, movement patterns, and personal factors to classify them appropriately and proceed with the development of a customized treatment plan. In some cases, it is unnecessary to undergo expensive testing like MRIs.
- Empower the patient. Our team teaches patients how to manage pain through exercises and self-treatment strategies to minimize dependency on healthcare providers. We support you in embracing healing methods that make you feel confident about your potential to manage long-term recovery.
- Self-treatment and prevention. Our physical therapists teach patients exercises and specific movements they can safely and confidently perform on their own to alleviate pain and prevent future complications. Regular exercise and an active lifestyle can prevent a recurrence of issues.
Conditions Treated by the McKenzie Method
The McKenzie Method is meant to assess all complaints of the musculoskeletal system and is especially effective for patients who have symptoms and discomfort that start in the spine, extremity joints, muscles, or tendons.
- Neck pain
- Lower back pain
- Joint pain in extremities
- Sciatica
A McKenzie trained clinician has the knowledge and experience to evaluate whether treatment is appropriate, develop effective management strategies, and identify a path to recovery.
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What to Expect from the McKenzie Method Assessment
The intake portion of your physical therapy visit is when the McKenzie Method assessment begins. Patients can expect the following:
- Health history. We collect detailed information about your health history and symptoms.
- Movement evaluation. Patients are asked to perform certain movements or adopt positions repeatedly to assess symptoms and changes to range of movement.
- Determination. The results of this evaluation and the response to repeated movements are used to categorize the problem.
Classification and Treatment of Musculoskeletal Problems
We know our patients with musculoskeletal problems want to feel better as soon as possible. Our trained team meets you exactly where you are thanks to the McKenzie Method, which is a comprehensive classification system that allows us to:
- Distinguish patients who have symptoms that will respond quickly to appropriate treatment and provide exercises and advice to improve symptoms. We also identify movements that could worsen symptoms.
- Identify symptoms that are likely to respond to treatment more gradually. This may require hands-on help with each procedure from the physical therapist until self-management is possible.
- Recognize patients who need more education and guidance in managing symptoms. Ultimately, the goal is to deliver the most effective care in the shortest number of sessions and help the person with pain to be actively involved.
Learn About the McKenzie Method from Munger PT
Knowledge is power, especially when it comes to the human body and how it moves. When you are living with acute pain or chronic pain, all you want is relief. Our goal at Munger Physical Therapy is to assess your circumstances and empower you to carry your treatment into your lifestyle so even after therapy sessions are complete you feel strong and able to continue to help yourself properly and minimize pain or recurrence. Contact us to schedule an evaluation.
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