McKenzie Method Oakville, ON

McKenzie Method

The McKenzie Method© of Mechanical Diagnosis and Therapy© (MDT) is used for assessing and treating pain of the spine and extremities, and we are proud to offer this treatment method at Leaps and Bounds: Performance Rehabilitation. In fact, we are the only clinic in Oakville and surrounding area that has practitioners certified in MDT. This method, developed by world-renowned physiotherapist Robin McKenzie, addresses a growing demand from patients and third party payers for professional rehabilitation services that develop the patient’s self-treatment skills in a cost-effective and time-effective manner. Furthermore, it promotes the body’s potential to heal itself without medication, surgery or other passive modalities such as heat, ice or ultrasound therapy. The McKenzie Method© is a highly reputable and successful method that has been used by licensed physiotherapists for over 30 years. 

Due to the vast success of the McKenzie Method©, it isn’t surprising that it is accepted as the most research-tested approach across the globe. Our Oakville, ON physiotherapists are trained to examine and diagnose musculoskeletal issues, and the McKenzie Method© is a strong tool for helping determine a diagnosis. The method works by using a progression of mechanical forces to examine both the mechanical changes in the patient’s body, as well as any symptoms. This then classifies the patient into a spinal or extremity category, and the correct treatment plan can then be created with proper exercises, manual techniques, and patient education.

If you have any of the following:

  • Sciatica
  • Arthritic pain in hips or buttocks, shoulders or upper arms
  • Difficulty bending due to stiffness or pain in your lower back
  • Pain that starts in the back or neck and seems to spread to the buttocks or shoulders
  • Intermittent pins and needles or numbness in the feet or hands
  • Aching pain into the elbows or knees that hasn’t been assisted by treatment to these areas

then you may be assisted by a trained McKenzie clinician at Leaps and Bounds: Performance Rehabilitation in Oakville, ON. They are trained to assess and diagnose all areas of the musculoskeletal system and help you understand how you may be able to help yourself to improve your pain, stiffness or ability to do your work or daily activities.

What does it involve?

Step 1 – ASSESSMENT

MDT begins with the clinician taking a detailed history of your symptoms and how they behave. You will be asked to perform certain movements and rest in certain positions. The main difference to most other assessments is the use of repeated movements rather than a single movement. How your symptoms and range of movement change with these repeated movements provides the clinician with information that they can use to categorize your problem.

Step 2 – CLASSIFICATION

Each syndrome is addressed according to its unique nature, with specific mechanical procedures, including repeated movements and sustained postures. MDT is a comprehensive classification system and includes a smaller group of patients that cannot be classified into one of the three Syndromes but are into the ‘Other’ Subgroup which includes serious pathologies, non-mechanical causes, true chronic pain etc.

Step 3 – TREATMENT

Using the information from the assessment, the clinician will prescribe specific exercises and advice regarding postures to adopt and postures to temporarily avoid. If your problem has a more difficult mechanical presentation, a qualified MDT clinician may need to add hands-on techniques until you can self-manage. The aim is to be as effective as possible in the least number of sessions. Treatment that you can perform five or six times a day is more likely to be effective in a shorter period of time than treatment administered by the clinician once or twice per week. The emphasis is on you, the patient, being actively involved. This can minimize the number of visits to the clinic. Ultimately, most patients can successfully treat themselves when provided with the necessary knowledge and tools.

Step 4 – PREVENTION

By learning how to self-treat the current problem, you gain knowledge on how to minimize the risk of recurrence. You can also rapidly deal with symptoms if they recur, putting you in control of your treatment safely and effectively. Persisting problems are more likely to be prevented through self-maintenance than by passive care.

SEE HOW WE’VE HELPED OUR OAKVILLE, ON COMMUNITY GET BACK TO THEIR LIVES!

Pat is an excellent physio-therapist. His background in sports physio helps to tailor and individualize his approach. The Mckenzie certified physio approach is working for me and I’m feeling the positive results.

– John F.

What are the benefits of using the McKenzie Method©?

One of the most beneficial aspects of physiotherapy is patient involvement and education. The McKenzie Method© highly encourages both of these aspects, in order for you to better understand how our specialized treatment services are helping to achieve your goals. An important feature of the McKenzie Method© is the initial assessment that allows physiotherapists to reach a safe, reliable, and accurate diagnosis before creating a treatment plan. This also helps in making sure that both the therapist and your are on the same page from the very beginning.

If you are suffering from pain in your back, neck, arms, or legs, and you’d like to learn more about our implementation of the McKenzie Method©, then book an appointment at Leaps and Bounds: Performance Rehabilitation today. Our Oakville, ON-based physiotherapy practice would be happy to take you on as a patient and get you back to comfortably doing the activities you love!

Your Next Steps…

  1. Request An Appointment

  2. Receive A Custom Treatment Plan

  3. Work Hard and Progress In Your Recovery

  4. Recover & Enjoy Life Pain-Free!

PERFORM BETTER, RECOVER FASTER, STAY IN THE GAME!