McKenzie.method.integrative.physical.therapy.Anchorage.Alaska

MDT The McKenzie Method is not merely extension exercises as many incorrectly believe. In its truest sense, McKenzie is a comprehensive evaluation and treatment approach for the spine (and also the extremities). It is based on sound principles and fundamentals that when understood and followed accordingly are very successful. In fact, most remarkable, but least appreciated, is the McKenzie assessment process. Unique to the McKenzie Method is a well-defined approach that leads to the simple classification of disorders. It is based on a consistent "cause and effect" relationship between historical pain behavior as well as the pain response to repeated test movements, positions and activities during the assessment process. A systematic progression of applied mechanical forces (the cause) utilizes pain response (the effect) to monitor changes in motion/function. The underlying disorder can then be quickly identified through objective findings for each individual patient.

The McKenzie classification system provides a reproducible means of separating patients with apparently similar presentations into definable sub-groups (syndromes). Once this is done it can is used to determine appropriate treatment. McKenzie has named these three mechanical syndromes: Postural, Dysfunction and Derangement. Postural: End-range stress of normal structures Dysfunction: End-range stress of shortened structures (scarring, fibrosis, n.root adherence) Derangement: Anatomical disruption or displacement within the motion segment (such as a lumbar disc). All three mechanical syndromes – postural, dysfunction, and derangement – occur in the cervical as well as thoracic and lumbar regions of the spine. They can also occur in the extremities as well. Each distinct syndrome is treated according to it's unique nature with mechanical procedures utilizing movement and positions. The Derangement syndrome where the phenomenon of "centralization" occurs is the most common and it is at the root of many patient's Sciatic and Low Back Pain.

Well-trained McKenzie practitioners will be able to identify those more difficult cases where advanced McKenzie techniques might benefit the patient versus those patients whose diagnosis is non-mechanical in nature. Patients of non-mechanical origin are then quickly referred for alternate care, thus avoiding unnecessary periods of inappropriate or expensive management and failed treatment. McKenzie treatment uniquely emphasizes education and active patient involvement in the management of their treatment in order to decrease pain quickly, and restore function and independence. This can minimize the number of visits having to be made to the clinic. If a problem is more complex, self-treatment may not be possible right away. However, a McKenzie trained clinician will know when to provide additional advanced hands-on techniques until the patient can successfully manage the prescribed skills on their own. Ultimately, most patients can successfully treat themselves when provided the necessary knowledge and tools. An individualized self-treatment program tailored to the lifestyle of the patient puts the patient in control safely and effectively. This is an essential part of the treatment philosophy.

Preventive. Patients gain an education learning to self-treat the problem. The application of these skills and behaviors will minimize the risk of reoccurrence and allow patients to rapidly manage themselves when symptoms occur. The goal is to have the patient be independent in managing their own symptoms so that they no longer have to get "treated" any time they have pain. They themselves will be armed with the education and proper exercises to manage the symptoms, independently.

At Integrative Physical Therapy we have staff Certified by the USA McKenzie Institute to use this approach. Ironically it was their own battle with Low Back Pain that lead to them seeking out this training. The result was getting both themselves and their patients better, faster than with any other approach. The natural progression was to delve further and further into the training leading to the Certification.