McKenzie Method / MDT

How the McKenzie Method Can Help You Get Relief

Have you been suffering from back or neck pain? Is your shoulder or knee bothering you? Has someone recommended the McKenzie Method, but you aren’t sure what that means? We have the answers to all your questions!

The McKenzie Method is a highly effective and reliable assessment process intended for all musculoskeletal problems. The original focus of the McKenzie Method was spine-related, including pain associated with sciatica, sacroiliac joint pain, arthritis, degenerative disc disease, muscle spasms, and intermittent numbness in hands or feet. The system expanded decades ago to include the extremities (i.e., shoulder, knee, ankle, etc.)

If you are suffering from any joint, muscle, or nerve issues, then a McKenzie assessment may be right for you! Call GoodLife Physical Therapy today at either our Orland Park, Homer Glen and Evergreen Park, IL locations to make an appointment and let our McKenzie-trained therapist guide you back to your normal activities!

GoodLife PT is one of the only certified McKenzie Method Clinics in Illinois!

We are proud to be one of the only certified McKenzie Method Clinics in Illinois. Our clinic has met the additional requirements established by the McKenzie Institute, including attending a 360-hour clinical residency training program and passing advanced written and practical examinations. Maximize your results and recover stronger and faster with MDT at GoodLife PT.

What is the McKenzie Method?

The McKenzie Method is a safe and effective technique to treat musculoskeletal problems, including pain, loss of mobility, and weakness. World-renowned expert physical therapist Robin McKenzie developed it in the 1950s.

The treatment principles of the McKenzie Method promote the body’s ability to repair itself and do not involve the use of medication, needles, or surgery. The McKenzie therapist uses an exercise-based assessment and treatment approach to provide a comprehensive plan that patients can independently resolve their condition.

How do McKenzie Therapists determine what you can do for relief?

Our McKenzie-trained therapists will start with an initial assessment to thoroughly assess your condition. Before any treatment is considered, your McKenzie therapist will categorize your condition into one of three broad treatment classifications:

Postural syndrome
Dysfunction syndrome
Derangement syndromes

Postural Syndrome

A postural syndrome is the result of prolonged postures or positions. Pain is local and reproduced when positions are sustained for extended periods of time. Pain relief is immediate when you change your position.

Dysfunction Syndrome

The dysfunction classification is used to describe some sort of restriction in the tissue. The discomfort is due to tissue shortening, scarring, or adherence to connective tissue. Pain is intermittent and only at the end range of movement.

Patient education is critical for this syndrome because the patient must understand that successful treatment takes time and requires persistence. It is also important to clarify that the process may be uncomfortable because resolution comes by “stretching” the adhesions or scar restricting your movement.

Derangement Syndrome

The derangement classification is the most common syndrome that presents clinically, and it describes an “obstruction” to movement. The classic sign of derangement is sensitivity to specific movements and relief from other movements. The term “directional preference” is described in the research as a reliable sign for a positive outcome.

It is common for you to experience a rapid reduction of symptoms and an immediate improvement in mobility. Often this will happen during the initial assessment and, in some cases, be eliminated on day one.

Each classification is based on your underlying cause of pain and dysfunction, and the specific treatment direction is clarified.

How a McKenzie therapist can help you find relief

The McKenzie Method begins with a comprehensive, and step-by-step process to evaluate your condition. Your McKenzie-trained therapist will interpret the effect of movements and postures on your symptoms to determine which of the three broad classifications you belong to. This evaluation is known as a mechanical assessment.

Next, your therapist will thoroughly explain your condition to you, and you will be advised and educated on what you can do to help yourself. Your program is forced on how you can correct or improve your limitations and thus decrease or eliminate the pain and functional problems.

What can you expect from your McKenzie Therapist?

Our McKenzie therapists will teach you the principles to control your symptoms and manage your program independently at home. You will be provided with a series of individualized exercises based on your responses during the assessment.

Most patients can treat themselves when provided with the necessary knowledge and tools. If your problem is more difficult for whatever reason, our qualified McKenzie therapists will provide advanced techniques until you can manage your condition independently.

Contact us for an appointment.

The McKenzie Method focuses on treatments for the independence of patients. Our therapists will provide you with tools that promote your independence now and even future recurrences.

The McKenzie Method is based on results. Contact GoodLife Physical Therapy, at our Orland Park, Homer Glen and Evergreen Park, IL physical therapy practices today for a comprehensive assessment and learn what steps you can take to alleviate your pain once and for all!