The McKenzie Method

The McKenzie Method

By: Emilia Kubera-Shelton, DPT

Bowie Location

The McKenzie Method of Mechanical Diagnosis and Treatment is a reliable assessment process intended for all musculoskeletal problems, including pain in the back, neck, and extremities, as well as issues associated with sciatica, sacroiliac joint pain, arthritis, degenerative disc disease, muscle spasms and intermittent numbness in hands or feet. 

MDT is a comprehensive, evidence-based system of examination, evaluation, diagnosis, prognosis, intervention, and prevention strategies aimed at patient education and independence.  

• Known to show results in as little as two to three visits  
• Driven by sound clinical reasoning for individualized plans of care  
• Cost-efficient treatment minimizing the need for expensive tests or procedures: no needles, no injections, no surgery. 

Most musculoskeletal pain is "mechanical" in origin, a result of abnormal or unusual forces or mechanics occurring in the tissue. Further, it means that a position, movement or activity caused the pain to start. If a mechanical force caused the problem, then a mechanical force may be part of the solution. The MDT system is designed to identify mechanical problems and develop a plan to correct or improve the mechanics and thus decrease or eliminate the pain and functional problems.  

The McKenzie Method of Mechanical Diagnosis and Therapy is a post-graduate training program that physical therapists voluntarily elect to study after they have received a doctorate degree.  The McKenzie Institute post-graduate curriculum is a series of courses followed by a competency exam.   

If you or your doctor are interested in McKenzie treatment, call us at Physical Therapy and Sports Medicine Center.