The McKenzie Method of Mechanical Diagnosis and Therapy® is also known as MDT. This system of treatments is used for patients who suffer from a wide range of muscle injuries, joint pain and numbness in the extremities. These practices were developed in the 1980s by a physical therapist from New Zealand named Robin McKenzie.
The McKenzie Method® is based on assessment, treatment and prevention. All these steps together encourage the body to repair itself without the excessive use of medications, clinic visits or surgeries. With proper guidance, the McKenzie Method® allows patients to have more control over their treatment plans.
Assessing the patient
Having an assessment performed by a certified McKenzie Method® therapist is the first step in the treatment plan. The therapist takes a detailed medical history of the patient and will ask the patient to perform a series of movements while being monitored.
Monitoring the movements will show the patient’s flexibility and range of motion while providing the therapist with an understanding of the injury. An effective and complete assessment lays the foundation for the treatment plan.
Creating a treatment plan
The treatment plan is put together based on the results of the assessment. The therapist will prescribe specific exercises and educate the patient on postures to use and avoid during treatment. For severe injuries, the therapist may suggest a more hands-on approach until the patient is strong enough to perform the exercises without help.
The main goal of these exercises is to get the patient actively involved in the treatment plan. With proper knowledge and guidance, most patients will be able to reduce the need for more clinic visits.
Learning about prevention
Prevention is the last step in the McKenzie Method of Diagnosis and Therapy®. When a patient learns how to self-treat, they lower their risk of repeating the injury. Teaching a patient to be aware of their symptoms puts them in control to effectively and safely treat the injury from the comfort of their own home.
At Panther Physical Therapy, we use the McKenzie Method of Diagnosis and Therapy® to better understand the needs of each of our patients.
If you would like to learn more about the McKenzie Method® and its potential benefits, contact Panther Physical Therapy today to set up a consultation.
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