The McKenzie Method 

Mechanical Diagnosis and Therapy, also known as The McKenzie Method, is often misunderstood as a set of exercises.  It is actually a process that is backed by more than 60 years of research to assess and manage spinal and extremity musculoskeletal disorders.

MDT is a comprehensive assessment and management approach based on sound and logical principles that focuses on the patient and their potential to self-manage and recover their previous level of function.

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A key feature of the method is the initial assessment - a safe and reliable format to reach an accurate classification by assessing the pain response to movement to determine a mechanical pattern.  Only then can an appropriate management plan be developed, taking into account all the various factors that can influence the patient’s experience of pain. Expensive tests such as MRI’s are often unnecessary.

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It is important to work with a credentialed PT so that you know you are getting a therapist with a thorough knowledge of the nuances of this system. Certified MDT clinicians spend over 100 hours of training and many years of practice to hone these skills effectively.  ​Some therapists use a little of the method, but not completely as it is intended. At Smith Physical Therapy, we have been credentialed with the McKenzie Institue for over 20 years. We practice the method as intended, as we have found it to be the most effective way to help our patients