About the McKenzie Method

The McKenzie Institute is a non-profit organization whose focus is to undertake the education of Health Care Professionals in the principles and practical application of the McKenzie Method. This method was developed by Robin McKenzie.

What is the McKenzie Method

The McKenzie Method is an evaluative system in the treatment of the spine.  This method uses an active treatment philosophy that emphasizes teaching the client how to manage and treat the pain themselves and how to prevent the pain from occurring again.  Education to the patient emphasizing the importance of posture and their personalized exercise program on maintaining an active lifestyle.

The philosophy of the McKenzie approach  has been extended to the management of  joints and muscle problems of the arms and legs.

This method is different to other treatments because the person is encouraged to take an active role in his/her own recovery with the emphasis being on education and self-treatment.

On your initial assessment, a McKenzie trained clinician will give you a thorough examination to determine what may be the cause of your pain. This will involve a subjective interview and an objective physical assessment of  having you do specific repeated movements and positions to see how these affect or change your pain. From this, a personalized treatment program will be designed and taught to you so that you can be empowered to treat yourself with education as needed.

During the course of treatment, the person is educated on how to prevent and manage future problems with their spine. A custom maintenance program is also designed to deal with sudden attacks of pain.

If you would like to know more about the McKenzie method, please go to:  www.mckenziemdt.org

For your reference: There are several books written by Robin McKenzie on this treatment approach

• Treat Your Own Back and
• Treat Your Own Neck