How Do You Treat Back and Neck Pain?
Physical therapists are highly skilled in treating acute and chronic pain in the back and neck. In addition to providing immediate relief, DPTs determine why there is pain in the first place and how you can prevent it in the future. Here is a little more about a highly effective technique we use to promote the body’s potential to heal itself.
What is the McKenzie Method®?
The McKenzie Method®, also known as Mechanical Diagnosis and Therapy® (MDT), is globally recognized as a leading treatment for back, neck and extremity issues.
The goal of MDT is to, “promote the body’s potential to heal itself without medication, heat, cold, ultrasound, needles, surgery or endless visits to the clinic.”
What is unique about the mckenzie method?
Complete Evaluation
The distinction of this method is actually what happens before any treatment ever begins. A thorough evaluation is completed by a certified McKenzie practitioner to reach an accurate diagnosis. In a congested healthcare system, this imperative step is often glossed over, but determining the correct source of pain is absolutely essential in effectively treating the problem.
“The evidence has shown that the initial McKenzie assessment procedures performed by competent MDT clinicians are as reliable as costly diagnostic imaging (i.e., X-rays, MRIs). ”
Self-Treatment
The ultimate goal of The McKenzie Method® is to equip patients with the knowledge and techniques they need to prevent pain and treat themselves. MDT Practitioners want to empower patients to use their own ability for movement and minimize trips to the clinic.
Step 1 - Assessment
Step 2 - Classification
Step 3 - Treatment
Step 4 - Prevention
What happens during treatment?
Based on the individual evaluation, a series of exercises are used to move and ultimately eliminate pain. The goal is to centralize pain, which means bringing it back to where it originated whether that is the center of the low back, neck or specific joint. The patient goes through various movements such as extension or flexion or right/left lateral shifts to move the pain. Patients who respond favorably can treat themselves safely and effectively in the future.
Visit The McKenzie Method® website to learn more and find a practitioner near you!