The McKenzie Method is a system of mechanical diagnosis and therapy developed by Robin McKenzie in the 1950s. It uses repeated end-range movements and postural adjustments to reduce pain and improve function. Research has shown the McKenzie Method to be more effective at reducing pain and disability from back pain compared to other treatments like pain medication or massage. It also results in fewer healthcare visits long-term. The McKenzie Method relies on classifying patients into syndromes based on their response to movements to determine a treatment plan.

1. THE MCKENZIE METHOD
MECHANICAL DIAGNOSIS
AND THERAPY
By: Lindsay Tuhacek

2. OUTLINE
 History of Manual Therapy
 The Prevalence of Spinal Pain
 The Causes of Pain
 The McKenzie Approach
 The Lumbar Spine
 Classification and Diagnosis
 Research
 Conclusion

3. THE HISTORY OF MANUAL THERAPY
 The idea of Manual Therapy was first introduced by
Hippocrates(460-370 B.C.)
 He practiced medicine on the basis of inductive
reasoning.
 McKenzie Method was developed by Robin
McKenzie, a practicing physiotherapist.
 1956-Accidental hyperextension gives new
meaning to directional preference.
 20 years of trial and error to develop the McKenzie
Method.
• (McKenzie 2009)

4. THE HISTORY OF MANUAL THERAPY
 1977-The first workshop for Mechanical Diagnosis
and Therapy(MDT).
 1982-The McKenzie Institute was formed.
 Currently there are 26 separate branches
throughout the world and growing.
 Institute offers a Program of Certification which
includes a 4 part credentialing examination.
 The final stage is a Diploma in MDT.
 Eligibility to take the exam include: Bachelors
degree in health care field and current
licensure.(MD, DO, DC, PT)
• (McKenzie 2009)

5. THE PREVALENCE OF SPINAL PAIN
 Activity-related disorders of the spine are
experienced by approximately 50-80% of the adult
population at some point(s) in life.
 The peak prevalence of this pain is between ages
40-50 years.
 Disability due to back/neck pain has dramatically
increased in the last 10 years.
 Many individuals are treated with medications when
the nature of most disorders are not inflammatory.
 Most spinal disorders develop insidiously upon the
repetitive movements we do on a daily basis.
• (McKenzie 2009)

6. THE CAUSES OF PAIN
 Most tissues in the body possess a system of
nociceptive receptors(nerve endings).
 These receptors are the body’s warning system.
 Ex: Telling us when a joint has moved past its normal
range of motion(ROM).
 Pain is produced either by a chemical or
mechanical stimulation.
 The McKenzie Method is a way to treat mechanical
pain only.
 The Bent Finger Syndrome.
 Directional Preference.
• (McKenzie1990)

7. THE MCKENZIE APPROACH
 Lifestyle plays a major role in the development of
these conditions.
 MDT attacks the lifestyle factors that contribute to
the onset, recurrence and progression of these
disorders.
 Modification of behavior and patient awareness of
their habits will decrease the incidence of pain.
 Patients are given directional preference exercises
to use when pain arises.
 Patient control will decrease doctor visit, health
care costs, visits to the E.R., and decrease
disability rates.

8. RESEARCH
 Journal of Athletic Training
 A study was done with individuals with low back pain
and the effects of different therapies such as: pain
meds, massage, educational booklet and spinal
mobilization.
 Conclusion:
 The results showed that trends favored the McKenzie
Method at intermediate term follow-up for pain and
disability as well as work absences.
 The McKenzie treatment group also tended to have
fewer health care contacts in the 12 months after the
study compared to all other groups.
• (Basanich,B.M., Verscheure, S.D.Journal of Athletic Training, 2006)

9. THE LUMBAR SPINE
Lumbar extension
Lumbar flexion
(McKenzie 2009)

10. CLASSIFICATION AND DIAGNOSIS
(McKenzie 2009)

11. RESEARCH
 Journal of Rehabilitation Medicine
 Gathered data on the effects of the McKenzie Method
vs. advice only in working adults.
 Conclusion
 After 6 months low back pain and leg pain were better in
the McKenzie group than the advice only group.
 After 12 months the McKenzie Group had a better
disability index.
(Markuu, Paatelma et al, Journal of Rehabilitation Medicine, 2008)

12. RESEARCH
 Journal of Manipulative and Physiological Therapy
 50 patients with spinal pain
 Assessed by 14 PT’s trained in the McKenzie Method
 Conclusion: reliability was .84 for syndrome
classification
 McKenzie assessments performed by persons trained in
the McKenzie Method allow for reliable classification of
patients with spinal pain.
• (CLARE, H.A, ADAMS, R, MAHER, C.G, JOURNAL OF MANIPULATIVE AND
PHYSIOLOGICAL THERAPEUTICS, 2005).

13. CONCLUSION
 The McKenzie Method is an effective form of
manual therapy.
 Studies have proven its effectiveness
 The medical profession should pay more attention
to manual therapies such as the McKenzie method
to manage back pain.
 More information on the McKenzie Method can be
found at www.mckenziemdt.org.