The McKenzie Method®
The McKenzie Method® of Mechanical Diagnosis and Therapy® (MDT) is an internationally researched and acclaimed system of assessment and management for spinal and extremity musculoskeletal disorders developed by New Zealand Physiotherapist Robin McKenzie. It has been widely used all over the world for more than 60 years.
Clinicians trained in the MDT system are able to assess and classify all complaints of the musculoskeletal system. That means that if a problem is coming from the spine, extremity joints, muscles or tendons, then a MDT evaluation is appropriate. An MDT clinician will be able to identify if MDT is indicated, what management strategy is best, and outline a predicted recovery pathway.
A key feature of the method is the initial assessment - a safe and reliable format to reach an accurate classification and only then develop the appropriate management plan, taking into account all the various factors that can influence the patient’s experience of pain. Expensive tests such as MRI’s are often unnecessary.
MDT is a comprehensive assessment and management approach based on sound and logical principles that focuses on the patient and their potential to self-manage and recover their previous level of function. (McKenzie Institute)
“I have worked with Amy for about a year. She has helped me with my elbows and my back. She is amazing and she introduced me to the McKenzie method, which has really changed my life. Amy has helped me more with my back issues than 20 years of trying to work with doctors. I feel general medicine only focuses on stretching, strengthening, and injections - none of which worked for me. And frankly, they are not really the solutions to a lot of back issues. I met Amy on a ski trip to Utah and most of our sessions have been done virtually when I got home, which worked very well. I am still amazed at how great my back feels. I rarely get any tightness and I can easily and often flex forward without issues. I am doing EVERYTHING I want to do – biking, walking, Pilates, weight lifting, and tennis – with no back issues. Amy listens, is an excellent communicator, a good problem solver, and overall great to work with. Working with her using the McKenzie method has made my life so much better!!” — Sue F.