The McKenzie Method is not merely extension exercises. In its truest sense, McKenzie is a comprehensive approach to the spine based on sound principles and fundamentals that when understood and followed accordingly are very successful. The total system of patient care known as the McKenzie Method of Mechanical Diagnosis and Therapy is an approach that is trusted and used by practitioners and patients all over the world for common back and neck problems. Most low back pain is "mechanical" in origin, meaning that an applied force caused the pain. A basic philosophy of McKenzie's theory is that the reverse force can probably abolish the pain and restore function. McKenzie 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 McKenzie Method promotes the body's potential to heal itself without medication, heat, cold, ultrasound, needles, surgery or a force dependent on the practitioner. It also addresses a growing demand from patients and third party payers for professional rehabilitation services that develop the patient's self-treatment skills in a cost-effective and time-effective manner.
How Does McKenzie Method Work?
The first is the McKenzie exercise activity prescribed based on patient presentation and assessment. The goal of McKenzie therapy is to centralize the pain, or move the pain from the leg into the low back, as low back pain is generally better tolerated than leg pain. Second, education of the patient is critical also. It is integral for the patient undergoing the McKenzie method of treatment to know what to do to manage any future low back pain episodes. Education of the patient is considered 'mission critical' in order to realize sustained pain relief.