Advent Rehab Tip:

What is the McKenzie Method?

Also known as Mechanical Diagnosis and Therapy, the McKenzie Method is a philosophy of active patient involvement and education for back, neck and extremity problems.

The key distinction is its initial assessment component—a safe and reliable means to accurately reach a diagnosis and only then make the appropriate treatment plan. Rarely are expensive tests required. 

Certified MDT clinicians have a valid indicator to know right away whether—and how—the method will work for each patient. The basic steps in this method are:

• Patient evaluation,
• Patient education,
• Progressive exercise program,
• Therapist techniques, and
• Prevention strategies. 

Advent Physical Therapy has certified and trained McKenzie therapists on staff.

The McKenzie method credits the patient's ability to learn the principles and empowers them to be in control of their own symptom management, which can reduce dependency on medical intervention.

The extension in lying is the most useful and effective first aid procedure in the treatment of acute low back pain. The exercise can also be used to treat stiffness of the low back and prevent it from recurring. It should be performed 10 times per set and each set performed 6-8 times per day.

Follow these instructions:

1. As you straighten your elbows, push the top half of your body up as far as pain permits.
2. Keep you pelvis, hips and legs hanging limp and allow you low back to sag.
3. Maintain this position for a second or two, and then lower yourself to the starting position.
4. Repeat this movement and try to raise your upper body a little higher each time so your back is extended as much as possible, with your arms as straight as possible.
5. Once your arms are straight, remember to hold the sag for a second or two as this is the most important part of the exercise.

Jon Vos, MPT, CMDT (Certified McKenzie Therapist) is the Clinic Supervisor at Jenison Advent Physical Therapy. He enjoys spending time with his wife and three boys and in his spare time he enjoys golfing.