The McKenzie Method® of Mechanical Diagnosis and Therapy® (MDT) is an approach for the management of spinal and extremity problems. It consists of a reliable and research-based process for the assessment and treatment of musculoskeletal conditions, which encourages active patient involvement and participation in the management of their complaint.  The McKenzie System is one of the most widely recognised approaches to managing musculoskeletal conditions worldwide. The management strategy recognises the biopsychosocial nature of musculoskeletal complaints and encourages effective patient management.

The McKenzie assessment results in a determination of patient classification and a subsequent treatment plan that matches this classification. By understanding the behaviour of the presenting complaint, the clinician is able to formulate a treatment strategy that is logical, easy to implement and has a predictable effect on the patient’s symptoms. It allows the clinician to quickly recognise which patients can benefit from treatment, thus reducing the need for expensive and time-consuming imaging. The assessment process also allows for the identification of presentations that may require alternative management strategies or further investigation.

The McKenzie Method® provides clinicians with:

• A reliable, logical assessment process
• A clear understanding of the problem
• A safe, easy and effective treatment plan that puts the patient in control
• Improved patient adherence by empowering the patients
• Tools to address drivers of pain and disability, and to approach the patient holistically within a biopsychosocial framework