McKenzie Method of Pain Relief and more
Step 1: Assessment
The McKenzie Method begins with a comprehensive and logical step-by-step process to evaluate your problem quickly. Your therapist will take a detailed history and then ask you to do certain movements, and assess any symptom changes. Fundamental to the McKenzie Method is repeated end range movement testing, together with sustained postural loading to determine the effect on your symptoms.
The therapist is trained to interpret the effect of these movements and postures on your symptoms and what may be happening in your body. This is known as a mechanical assessment. (Yes, the body is a like an engine and the therapist is like the mechanic!) This mechanical assessment can ‘classify’ most conditions by the level of pain or limitation that results from these movements or postures.
Step 2: Treatment
When appropriate, the McKenzie Method takes advantage of your own movements and forces to abolish your pain and restore your function. A series of individualized exercises derived from your responses during the assessment is prescribed. The emphasis is on you, the patient, being actively involved. This can minimize the number of visits to the clinic. Ultimately, most patients can successfully treat themselves when provided with the necessary knowledge and tools. If your problem has a more difficult mechanical presentation, a qualified McKenzie therapist can provide advanced hands-on techniques until you can self-manage.
Step 3: Prevention
By learning how to self-treat the current problem, you gain hands-on knowledge on how to minimize the risk of recurrence and to rapidly deal with symptoms if they recur, putting you in control of your treatment safely and effectively. The likelihood of problems persisting can more likely be prevented through self-maintenance.