Running Recovery and Performance

What is the McKenzie Method?

The McKenzie method of mechanical diagnosis and therapy (also referred to as MDT) focuses on assessment, treatment, and prevention of back, neck, and extremity problems. The method was developed by Robin McKenzie and has been used by physical therapists for over the last 30 years. The McKenzie method is actually the most researched treatment for lower back and neck injuries and has been shown to reduce the number of visits needed at physical therapy and reduce the reoccurance of future spine issues. Most importantly, the McKenzie Method promotes the body’s potential to heal itself without medication, injections or surgery.

What is Mechanical Pain?

Most spine pain, including lower back and neck, is mechanical in nature. This means that the source of pain is coming from spinal joints, bone, vertebral discs, or surrounding soft-tissue. (This is different from chemical pain, most often inflammation, which does not change with different spine movements or positions). In most cases of spine issues, a stress or force is placed on one of these tissues that results in pain. The stress or force can be a rapid/sudden injury (such as a car accident) or it can be small forces and stress built up over time (such as sitting in poor posture at work).

What Can I Expect?

When used, the McKenzie method will assess various movements of the spine to find the opposite force (or movement) that helps to reduce and alleviate the pain. The examination involves trying different movements or positioning of the spine and assessing how the pain responds. This mechanical examination can “classify” most patient conditions by the level of pain or limitation that results from certain movements or positions of the spine. The examination will guide how to treat the mechanical condition. The treatment provided will be a series of individualized exercises designed to heal and prevent future issues from arising.

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