What is the McKenzie Method or Mechanical Diagnosis and Therapy (MDT)
The McKenzie Method, also known as Mechanical Diagnosis and Therapy (MDT), is a popular form of exercise based diagnosis and subsequent therapy that focuses heavily on patient education and self-treatment for the management of musculoskeletal pain. Developed by New Zealand physical therapist Robin McKenzie in the 1960s, the McKenzie Method has been widely researched, gaining a worthy reputation as a highly effective treatment for low back pain, neck pain, joint pain and other musculoskeletal conditions.
One of the key principles of the McKenzie Method is the concept of centralization, which is the movement of symptoms from a distal location towards the joint responsible for the symptoms (many of the pains we experience do not stem from where we may feel them, otherwise called “referred pain”). For example, if a patient is experiencing pain down their leg, the McKenzie Method may involve exercises and movements that help to centralize the pain into the lower back (a very common source of referred leg pain).
Another key aspect of the McKenzie Method is patient education and empowerment. Practitioners of this method believe that empowering patients to take an active role in their own recovery is crucial for long-term success. To that end, McKenzie practitioners often spend a significant amount of time teaching patients about their condition and how to manage it through the use of specific exercises and movements found in the treatment room to amend their pain.
So, what are the benefits of the McKenzie Method? Here are a few:
Clinical efficacy: Numerous studies have shown the McKenzie Method to be highly effective at reducing pain and improving function in patients with low back pain, neck pain, and other musculoskeletal conditions.
Patient education: As mentioned, the McKenzie Method places a strong emphasis on patient education, which empowers patients to better understand their condition and take an active role in their recovery with less dependency on pain meds or practitioner-centric treatments.
Long-term results: MDT’s focus on patient education and self-treatment, means patients are not dependent on ongoing treatment and can turn back to their previously useful exercises if symptoms begin to return.
Cost-effectiveness: The McKenzie Method is a cost-effective treatment option, as it often requires fewer visits, with more time between visits to the provider.
Overall, the McKenzie Method is a highly effective and cost-saving form of diagnosis and treatment that has helped countless patients find relief from low back pain, neck pain, and other musculoskeletal pains. If you are experiencing pain and have additional questions, contact us to see if MDT could be a worth-while solution!