The McKenzie Method of Mechanical Diagnosis and Therapy (MDT) was developed in the 1950s by the world-renowned expert physiotherapist, Robin McKenzie. The method is a comprehensive, well-researched, exercise-based approach of assessment, diagnosis, and treatment. The treatment principles are designed to promote the body’s potential to repair itself and do not involve the use of medication, heat, cold, ultrasound, needles, or surgery. The method allows patients to learn how to be in control of their own symptom management.
MDT is comprised of four primary steps; assessment, classification, treatment and prevention. Self-treatment principles are the ultimate goal, but hands-on manual techniques may be necessary initially to assist with your recovery.
Take a moment to answer these questions to discover the McKenzie difference.
- Are there periods in the day when you have no pain? Even 10 minutes?
- Is the pain confined to areas above the knee?
- Are you generally worse when sitting for prolonged periods or upon rising from the sitting position?
- Are you generally worse during or right after prolonged bending or stooping as in bed-making, vacuuming, ironing, digging, or gardening?
- Are you generally worse when getting up in the morning, but improve after about half an hour?
- Are you generally worse when inactive and better when on the move?
- Are you generally better when walking?
- Are you generally better when lying face down? When testing this, you may feel worse for the first few minutes, after which time the pain subsides. In this case, the answer to the question in “yes”.
- Have you had several episodes of lower back pain over the past months or years?
- Are you able to move fully in all directions without pain between episodes?
- Are you pain-free between episodes?
- If you have pain in the buttocks or upper/lower leg, does it sometimes stop completely, even though you may still have back pain?
If you answered YES to four or more questions, there is a great chance you can benefit from MDT intervention strategies. Take the first step and receive a comprehensive examination and evaluation by one of our certified MDT specialists.
