School of Physiotherapy

School of Physiotherapy

University of Otago

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keeping them physical
Wellbeing through excellence in movement and care

Page updated 04/06/2008 by Bruce Knox

Certified McKenzie Clinics

Wellington and Dunedin

The McKenzie Method of Mechanical Diagnosis and Therapy®

• Self management strategies
• Education
• Advice on posture, pain avoidance and prevention

For an Appointment in Dunedin Call (03) 479 5757
For an Appointment in Wellington Call (04) 463 5257

The McKenzie concepts of treatment are designed in order that the patient may treat themselves. With the McKenzie Method of Mechanical Diagnosis and Therapy® people who’ve been suffering from back/neck pain for years can now lead normal, fulfilling lives.

DEVELOPED IN NEW ZEALAND,
ACCEPTED AND PRACTISED WORLD-WIDE

This unique method to assess and treat the spine is widely recommended as an appropriate choice for common back and neck problems.

The total system of patient care known as the McKenzie Method is an approach that is trusted and used by practitioners and patients all over the world for common back and neck problems.

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.

Assessment

Unique to the McKenzie Method is a comprehensive and logical step-by-step process to evaluate the patient's problem quickly. This mechanical examination can “classify” most patient conditions by the level of pain or limitation that results from certain movements or positions. A McKenzie assessment can eliminate the need for expensive and/or invasive procedures.

The McKenzie initial assessment procedures are proving to be as reliable as costly diagnostic imaging (i.e., x-rays, MRIs) to determine the source of the problem and quickly identify responders and non-responders.

Treatment

McKenzie treatment prescribes a series of individualized exercises. The emphasis is on active patient involvement, which minimizes the number of visits to the clinic. Ultimately, most patients can successfully treat themselves when provided the necessary knowledge and tools. For patients with more difficult mechanical problems, a certified McKenzie clinician can provide advanced hands-on techniques until the patient can self administer.

Preventive Strategy

By learning how to self-treat the current problem, patients gain hands-on knowledge on how to minimize the risk of recurrence and to rapidly deal with recurrence if it occurs. The likelihood of problems persisting can more likely be prevented through self maintenance.