What is The McKenzie Method?
Developed by the world-renowned New Zealand physiotherapist Robin McKenzie, the McKenzie Method of Mechanical Diagnosis and Therapy (MDT) is a system of assessment, treatment and prevention for neck and back pain. The method is mostly recognised as a self-treatment strategy in that patients heal themselves by following a series of prescribed exercises tailored to their individual concerns.
The McKenzie Method is an internationally-acclaimed approach to assessing and treating spinal and extremity problems. The philosophy of active patient involvement and education has been trusted and used by clinicians and patients all over the world for more than 40 years, and continues to be one of the most researched physical therapy based methods available today.
The McKenzie Method: A 4 Step Process
The McKenzie Method is a comprehensive approach based on sound principles and fundamentals that, when fully understood and followed, is very successful.
Step 1: Assessment
The process begins with a thorough assessment. A trained clinician guides you through a series of motions and sustained positions to understand how you respond to each movement. This helps identify patterns and pinpoint the root cause of pain – not just where it hurts, but why.
Step 2: Classification
Based on the assessment in Step 1, your condition is classified into one of three mechanical categories: Derangement, Dysfunction, or Postural.
- Derangement Syndrome: The most common syndrome. It’s caused by mechanical shifts within your joints, often the spinal intervertebral discs. The pain may be intense and can sometimes change location. However, most people with this syndrome can find relief quickly by following specific repeated exercises.
- Dysfunction Syndrome: Results from tight or scarred soft tissue that limits your movement. The discomfort is localised and felt only at the end range of motion. A consistent stretching routine, focused on the affected areas, can help with tissue remodeling – that is, breaking down the old scarred tissue so it can regrow as new, healthy tissue.
- Postural Syndrome: Caused by prolonged poor posture (such as forward head posture) without underlying structural damage. The pain is dull, intermittent, and usually only appears after maintaining certain positions for extended periods – this syndrome is an occupational risk for desk workers and professional drivers, who often sit for hours at a time. Developing better postural habits can help.
This classification ensures that your treatment approach is tailored to your specific syndrome and the types of issues that arise from it.
Step 3: Treatment
Following on from the classification in Step 2, we develop a custom treatment plan for you. You’ll be guided through individualised exercises designed to reduce or eliminate pain, often by encouraging movement in one direction over another. The end goal is to empower you to manage your condition independently, without needing to rely on ongoing physical therapy treatments.
Step 4: Prevention
Once your symptoms improve as the result of following your treatment plan, we reach the fourth and final step: long-term prevention. You’ll learn how to maintain the progress you’ve made, recognise early warning signs, and take the right actions to prevent your symptoms from coming back.
What Can I Expect From My McKenzie Method Treatment?
Your initial McKenzie Method assessment will produce an accurate diagnosis, achieved in a safe and reliable way. Only then do we devise an appropriate course of treatment. Expensive imaging, such as MRI, is often unnecessary. Our clinicians are able to determine quickly whether the method will be effective for each individual.
Most importantly, by learning self-management strategies for your symptoms, you’ll gain an advanced understanding of how to minimise the risk of them recurring – and in the event of re-injury, deal with it accordingly.
Our clinicians are trained to assess and diagnose all areas of the musculoskeletal system. If you’re experiencing problems in or around your spine, joints or muscles, we welcome you to book a time for an evaluation.
Why Choose Us?
At The Physicaltherapy Centre, we’re proud to be your “one stop shop” for physical therapy in North Sydney. We provide comprehensive patient care rooted in a variety of effective techniques, and backed by our highly skilled team of health professionals.
As well as the McKenzie Method, our treatment modalities include chiropractic care, physiotherapy, Active Release Technique (ACT), dry needling, cold laser therapy, Graston Technique, and various others. We strive to elevate the industry standard, choosing to use only the approaches we’ve seen work time and again to produce lasting pain relief and improved quality of life for our patients.
We also place a large emphasis on patient education, giving you the knowledge and tools you need to feel better for life. Watching a patient “graduate” from living with pain to thriving in its absence – that feeling is the reason we get out of bed in the morning.
Sometimes two patients will have pretty much the exact same problem, but strangely, respond to completely different forms of treatment. Practising the McKenzie Method has allowed me another angle of approach to back and neck pain. Having this extra string to my bow allows me to take another shot at helping those in need of relief. — Tom
At The Physicaltherapy Centre, we’re not just a chiropractor in North Sydney. We elevate the industry standard, providing comprehensive patient care rooted in cutting-edge techniques, like the McKenzie Method, and backed by our highly skilled team of professionals.
Your Questions Answered
We understand that addressing physical issues can be daunting and filled with questions. That’s why we’re here to help. From inquiring about the McKenzie Method, to any questions about our treatments, don’t hesitate to reach out. We’re here to offer you information and support every step of your journey.
