TheMcKenzieM
What is the McKenzie Method for low back pain. The McKenzie Method is a research proven treatment approach for back and neck pain developed by a world renowned Physiotherapist Robin McKenzie. The McKenzie Method of Mechanical Diagnosis andTherapy (MDT) is a philosophy of active patient involvement and education that is trusted and used by practitioners and patients worldwide. It is a non- invasive, self-directed treatment that provides fast and effective relief, for both recent onset and chronic pain. Initial Assessment The key feature of the McKenzie method is its initial assessment component – a safe and reliable method to accurately reach a diagnosis and then develop an individualized treatment plan. Each treatment plan is designed to enable self-management.This is achieved through patient education, identifying aggravating factors and the instruction in how to perform exercises that will relieve pain. Certified McKenzie therapists are trained to assess which exercises and postures are right for your pain.They are interested in teaching you how to care for yourself and will encourage you to be involved in self- managing.This can be best achieved if you understand what aggravates your symptoms and how they can be relieved. Theassessment involves acomprehensivemechanicalevaluation which assesses the effect repeated movements and static positioning has on your symptoms. Once it is established which movements or postures improve your symptoms and which aggravate your symptoms the therapist is able to provide you with a mechanical treatment strategy aimed not only at resolving your current symptoms but also long term prevention. The exercise that reduces your symptoms forms the basis of your “treatment”. A large focus of your initial consultation is based on educating you how and why you developed your problem, what you can do to treat yourself, and how to resolve this episode and prevent future recurrences.
Centralization Centralization is the movement of pain to a more central location. When this occurs as a result of the specific exercise or sustained position, it indicates the correct exercise is being performed. Centralization of symptoms is recognized as an important clinical indicator of positive outcomes with mechanical and conservative treatment for spinal pain. Recently published scientific papers have demonstrated that centralization of symptoms with exercises is correlated with excellent treatment outcomes. Movements, postures and activities that causes the symptoms to centralize indicate the “preferred” / correct direction for the therapist to use when developing a self-management strategy for you. The absence of Centralization is equally as important as it indicates that other mechanical diagnoses and treatment options are required. Correct treatment movements that result in centralization can be determined in two or three visits and therefore the therapist can quickly advise you as to whether your symptoms are suitable for mechanical treatment. Patient self-management Patient self-management skills are an integral part of the McKenzie treatment method. You will be well educated in what exercises are right for you, what activities you should avoid and what activities are safe for you to continue. Your physical therapist will determine if you have a directional preference of spine movement. People who have When your exercises are not resolving your symptoms, force progressions will be utilized which include therapist over pressures and therapist mobilization ( manual therapy techniques). In summary, the McKenzie Method provides: • Safe, effective and cost-effective treatment • Self-management skills to encourage and empower patients to manage their current symptoms and reduce the frequency and severity of recurrences
The assessment identifies the Correct Exercise for You. It will be the one which: • Abolishes the symptoms • Reduces the severity of your symptoms • Centralizes the symptoms
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