What is MDT

The McKenzie Method® of Mechanical Diagnosis and Therapy® (MDT)

The McKenzie Method® of Mechanical Diagnosis and Therapy® (MDT) is an internationally researched and acclaimed system of assessment and management for spinal and extremity musculoskeletal disorders that has been widely used for more than 60 years.

The McKenzie Method® was developed by New Zealand Physiotherapist Robin McKenzie and is globally recognized as a leading treatment for back, neck, and extremity disorders.

A clinician trained in the MDT system is able to accurately assess, classify, and manage all complaints of the musculoskeletal system. An MDT evaluation is appropriate if a problem is coming from the spine, extremity joints, or soft tissues (muscles or tendons). An MDT trained clinician will be able to identify if an MDT assessment is indicated, what management strategy is best, and outline a predicted recovery pathway.

Pain is often “mechanical” in origin (rather than inflammatory), meaning that an applied force or sustained position causes one’s pain. A basic philosophy of the McKenzie method is that a patient’s symptoms can be rapidly abolished if a directional preference can be identified for that patient. Ultimately, The McKenzie Method® serves to identify the relationship between pain and positions the patient usually assumes when sitting, standing, and moving. When a position(s) or movement(s) create more or less pain, the patient is said to have a directional preference related to that position(s) or movement(s).

McKenzie® treatment prescribes a series of individualized exercises. The emphasis is on active patient involvement, which minimizes the number of visits to the clinic. Ultimately, most patients can successfully treat themselves when provided the necessary knowledge and tools. For patients with more difficult mechanical problems, a certified McKenzie clinician can provide advanced hands-on techniques until the patient can self-administer.

McKenzie credits the patient’s ability to learn the principles and empowers them to be in control of their own symptom management, which can reduce dependency on multiple medical interventions. Essentially, the McKenzie Method® promotes the body’s potential to heal itself without unnecessary medication or surgery.