McKenzie method

The concept McKenzie ( MDT = Mechanical diagnosis and therapy) is a method of physical therapy. The New Zealand physical therapist Robin McKenzie ( born in 1931, died on 13 May 2013), she has developed. In 1981 he published his concept, which he called Mechanical Diagnosis and Therapy (MDT ) and is formed by the now standardized in 36 countries.

McKenzie's core message is: " anatomical diagnoses " are the spine and joints rarely possible and unhelpful for treatment. It is more effective to classify complaints after which therapy helps the person concerned. MDT McKenzie is primarily a self- practice of the patient and reduces manual techniques to a minimum. Only when the particular clinical picture customized exercise program is not sufficient in intensity, the McKenzie therapist helps by having certain steps in order to intensify the exercise effect. McKenzie believes that victims neck and back pain can reduce long term self-treatment. To this end, he calls for a therapeutic autonomy and personal responsibility.

A diagnostically relevant in this context is the phenomenon occurring in the course of the treatment pain - centralization. The pain takes place here in sections and persistently from the extremities back and can be significantly stronger near the spine. If this phenomenon occurs, it is considered good prognosis and direction for further therapy. The McKenzie study was classified as reliably in studies. Studies, they estimate a similarly effective as other common methods. Recent studies suggest that the MDT treatment in certain subgroups of patients back is more effective than chiropractic treatment. The McKenzie method is used worldwide, for example, the lower back pain, neck pain and discomfort in the joints.