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. Developed in 1956 by New Zealand physical therapist Robin McKenzie, this method of spinal rehabilitation has been used by millions of people worldwide to reduce and eliminate back, neck and extremity pain of spinal origin.

Memorial Hermann Sports Medicine & Rehabilitation is one of the few physical therapy programs in the greater Houston area employing physical therapists certified in Mechanical Diagnosis and Therapy by the McKenzie Institute USA.

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McKenzie Method Locations

Treatment Philosophy

The McKenzie Method is based on a philosophy of active patient treatment focusing on intervention and prevention. McKenzie believed in empowering patients to take control of their own symptom management to reduce dependency on medical intervention.

Following the McKenzie assessment, treatment is prescribed as a series of individualized exercises that emphasize patient involvement. The method is recommended by healthcare professionals across the country who are committed to ensuring that patients are pain free as quickly and cost effectively as possible.

Goals of the McKenzie Method:

Elimination of pain
Return of function
Prevention of recurrence

McKenzie Method Provides Benefits for:

Back, neck and extremity problems
Nonspecific pain of spinal origin

Assessment

The McKenzie Method is widely recognized as a reliable method of assessing the spine and determining if undiagnosed pain is mechanical in origin. Research has shown the McKenzie assessment procedures are as reliable as diagnostic imaging in determining the source of back and neck problems and in quickly identifying responders and non-responders to the method.

The method has proven effective for the majority of patients assessed as responders. The initial mechanical exam can classify most patient conditions according to the location of pain or limitation resulting from certain movements or positions. It can also establish a patient's directional preference and determine movements likely to help abolish the pain and restore function.