McKenzie Approach
What is the McKenzie approach?
The McKenzie method is an internationally recognized approach that emphasizes patient autonomy during rehabilitation. Mainly known for the management of low back pain, including sciatica, the McKenzie technique can be used to treat many other pathologies including :
- Disc problems (herniation, bulging, degeneration)
- Sprains
- Facet syndrome
- Spondylolisthesis
- Neck pain
- Joint problems
How is it used?
It allows the patient to take action and responsibility for managing symptoms and helps prevent potential relapses in the future. The method is based on the manifestation of symptoms during different movements. During the evaluation, the therapist looks for a direction of movement that eliminates or reduces the patient’s pain. We are talking about a preferential direction, which will be used during the treatment sessions and in the exercise program given to the patient. The management of the patient is therefore guided by the responses of his or her symptoms to the different movements assessed.
The McKenzie approach has been proven effective through various studies and is complementary to other approaches used in physiotherapy (manual therapy, muscle and myofascial release, muscle control exercises, etc.). It is a specialized approach used mainly for problems related to the spine, but it can also be used for pain in the periphery.