McKenzie Therapy / (MDT) – Mechanical Diagnosis and Treatment

McKenzie Therapy, otherwise known as (MDT) – Mechanical Diagnosis and Treatment, is an internationally researched neuromusculoskeletal pain management system used by Indy Muscle & Joint Clinic to increase function, decrease pain, and teach self-management strategies for common back, neck, and extremity conditions in athletes and nonathletes. 

Are you in pain, losing range of motion, not getting better?

Commonly painful movements are avoided when an injury has occurred, this is called fear avoidance behavior. But injuries heal and people may be left with joint stiffness, muscle tension and compensation due to fear avoidance behavior during the healing process. Tissue health of joints in the neck, back, and extremities rely on movement through full ranges of motion to maintain strength, stability, and mobility. For athletes, performance, recovery, and resiliency depend on the ability to move fully and pain free in all ranges of motion. Accessing full ranges of motion may become more difficult when full ranges are not used often or an injury has occurred, as a result pain may present. 

How does McKenzie Therapy/Mechanical Diagnosis and Treatment work?

All thorough history and examination are preformed prior to treatment so that red flags and serious pathology are ruled out. The next step is to determine movements/exercises that provide relief, decrease symptoms, and increases function of the complaint. The patient will then work with a clinician in over the course of 3-5 visits to get out of pain, improve function, and then continue care as needed to prevent future occurrences. The focus in office during the treatment will be talking about pain and the context behind it and then building confidence so the patient has the tools to take care of this problem if it occurs again. 

Common symptoms that indicate a derangement or dysfunction within the spine and would necessitate seeing a healthcare professional may include pain in the back/neck, down the back of the leg, down the arm, numbness or tingling in the toes or fingers, or significant loss of range of motion. 

Are you ready to take control of your pain?

To take control of your pain, find a healthcare provider who will listen to your goals and work with you to achieve them. Here at Indy Muscle & Joint Clinic we do exactly that while following evidence-based guidelines to deliver the best treatment possible. To learn more about MDT or to schedule a consult call Indy Muscle and Joint clinic today. 

John Theriot