The McKenzie Method of Mechanical Diagnosis and Therapy (MDT)
This is a tool we use at MyoThrive to help assess, treat and prevent mechanical pain of the back, neck and extremities whilst keeping the power of treatment in your hands.
What is the McKenzie Method of Mechanical Diagnosis and Therapy (MDT)?
The McKenzie Method of Mechanical Diagnosis and Therapy (MDT) is an internationally acclaimed method of assessment and treatment for spinal and extremity pain. It was developed by New Zealand Physiotherapist Robin McKenzie. It has been widely used all over the world for more than 30 years.
MDT clinicians are trained to assess and diagnose all areas of the musculoskeletal system.
MDT is a philosophy of active patient involvement and education that is trusted and used by clinicians and patients all over the world for back, neck and extremity problems.
What does the McKenzie Method it involve?
Step 1- Assessment
MDT begins with the clinician taking a detailed history about your symptoms and getting you to perform repeated and static movements to see if they can determine an exercise based strategy to help you treat and self-manage your symptoms. How your symptoms and range of movement changes with these repeated movements provides the clinician with information that they can use to categorise your problem.
Step 2 – Classification
MDT is a comprehensive movement classification system. A Certified MDT provider can also classify you into the ‘Other’ Subgroup’ that might require medical management. These include serious pathologies, non-mechanical causes, true chronic pain etc.
Step 3 – Treatment
Using the information from the assessment, the clinician will prescribe specific exercises and advice regarding postures to adopt and postures to temporarily avoid. If your problem has a more difficult mechanical presentation, a qualified MDT clinician may need to add hands-on techniques until you can self-manage. The aim is to be as effective as possible in the least number of sessions and have you participate as much as possible with the treatment. Ultimately, most patients can successfully treat themselves when provided with the necessary knowledge and tools.
Step 4 – Prevention
By learning how to self-treat the current problem, you gain knowledge on how to minimise the risk of recurrence. You can also rapidly deal with symptoms if they recur, putting you in control of your treatment safely and effectively. Persisting problems are more likely to be prevented through self-maintenance than by passive care.
If your interested in trying the McKenzie Method or wanting to talk to one of our qualified MDT practitioners book in an appointment below.
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