McKenzie Method® of MDT

Woman stretching

Offering an evidence-based patient management system to eliminate pain in fewer visits

As a physical therapist at the MercyOne Genesis Devils Glen Physical Therapy, Abby Hovey, DPT, Cert. MDT is trained to assess and diagnose all areas of the musculoskeletal system.

What is the McKenzie Method® of MDT?

McKenzie Method® of MDT is an evidence-based patient management system to eliminate back, neck and extremity pain in fewer visits compared to traditional treatment.

The key distinction is its initial assessment - a safe and reliable way to reach an accurate diagnosis and only then make the appropriate treatment plan. Certified MDT clinicians are able to rapidly determine whether the method will be effective for each patient.

Robin McKenzie, who founded the McKenzie Method, believed that certain movements and postures could often abolish pain and restore function. Also, McKenzie believed most patients could be empowered to treat themselves, requiring fewer medical interventions and fewer physical therapy sessions.

What to Expect

  • Treatment begins with a MDT evaluation, typically 40 minutes in length, to discuss your symptoms and understand your unique history.
  • Often, only one exercise is prescribed on the first visit to aid in a clear understanding of the your mechanical and symptom response related to that exercise.
  • You will learn about postures, positions, and activities to temporarily avoid.
  • Conditions with a difficult mechanical presentation may initially require a hands-on intervention.

Why Choose the McKenzie Method?

The emphasis of the McKenzie method is to encourage the patient to be actively involved in their own care. This can also minimize the number of clinic visits required. The McKenzie Method promotes the body’s remarkable ability to heal itself without medication, surgery or passive modalities such as heat, ice, or ultrasound therapy.

Once the patient has learned to treat themselves with specific movements and postures, often the same procedures can be used to prevent recurrence. This is key as research demonstrates spinal pain has a tendency to recur.

Make an Appointment

Contact us today to learn more about the method and set up an appointment for an MDT assessment.