Chiropractic Care & the McKenzie Method

The Doctor of Chiropractic specializes in spinal musculoskeletal disorders designed to restore normal movement to minimize pain and suffering. Gentle manipulative therapy often helps a patient return to a productive status. The chiropractor helps patients reduce work-related injuries, learn proper lifting procedures, and perform therapeutic stretching exercises.

The doctors at Functional Health Associates also specialize in using the McKenzie Method, typically a physical therapy approach to treating your joints. The McKenzie Method educates patients to use self-management skills to control and resolve symptoms and to reduce recurrence and severity of future attacks.  Above all, it puts you in control of your spinal pain rather than it controlling you.

Conditions the McKenzie Method may benefit:

    • Low Back Pain
    • Sciatica
    • Neck Pain
    • Shoulder Pain
    • Knee Pain
    • Hip Pain
    • Tennis Elbow
 

Goals of McKenzie:

    • Reduce pain and deformity
    • Maintain improvements with education and posture advice
    • Restore full function
    • Prevent recurrences
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McKenzie Method FAQ

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 diagnose and recommend the appropriate treatment plan.

Certified McKenzie clinicians have a valid indicator of whether and how the method will work for each patient.

Assessment: The process begins with a thorough history and testing of movements to identify distinct patterns of pain responses that are: reproducible, objective, reliable, and reflect the characteristics of the underlying pain generator.

Treatment: The basis of the McKenzie Method treatment takes advantage of the patient’s movements and forces to abolish the pain and restore function. A series of individualized exercises are prescribed based on the patient’s responses during the assessment.

Preventive strategy: Most patients who respond favorably can successfully treat themselves and minimize the number of visits to the clinic. They must be provided the necessary knowledge and tools to put them in control of their treatment safely and effectively.

Patients who stick to the prescribed treatment protocols are less likely to have persistent problems. By learning how to self-treat, patients learn how to minimize the risk of recurrence. They also learn how to quickly manage themselves if symptoms do occur. 

Assessment is the first step! Pain is a symptom – not a diagnosis. While every patient can benefit from the McKenzie Method, not all patients will be suitable for mechanical therapy – and this is determined quickly so that alternative treatments can begin as soon as possible. Research has shown that the McKenzie initial assessments are as reliable as costly diagnostic imaging to determine the source of the problem and quickly identify who will respond to the treatment.

The McKenzie Institute USA, www.mckenziemdt.org, provides the only US sanctioned training. The Program of Certification consists of a four-part series of courses and a Credentialing Examination (Cert. MDT ). Additionally, a Diplomate (Dip. MDT ) may be earned.

You can find out more about the McKenzie Method here:

https://mckenzieinstitute.org/patients/what-is-the-mckenzie-method/