McKenzie Exercise

McKenzie Method Assessment

Ben Parr — Mon, 16 Mar 2009 12:02:48 -0700

When a patient’s pain symptoms can be made better or worse by adopting various, differentiated active positions, it is said that a patient has a directional preference of movement for treatment. The identification of a directional preference through mechanical means is the hallmark of the McKenzie Method (which is often referred to Mechanical Diagnosis and Therapy or MDT).

McKenzie Therapy Classifications

Ben Parr — Mon, 16 Mar 2009 12:01:24 -0700

The Mechanical Diagnosis and Therapy system has three broad treatment classifications: postural, dysfunction and derangement syndromes. Each classification treats a distinct underlying cause of disablement. There are also sub-classifications in each group.

McKenzie Method Practitioner Qualifications

Ben Parr — Fri, 13 Mar 2009 11:48:27 -0700

The McKenzie Method is well-known throughout the spine community and most surgeons and physical therapists have some familiarity with it. However, familiarity may not be equal to expertise. Patients who are interested in or have had McKenzie Therapy prescribed for them may wish to determine the level of training a practitioner actually has.

Back Extension

spine-health — Fri, 04 Jan 2008 07:52:18 -0800

Definition

Back extension is a type of stabilization exercise used in back rehabilitation programs that involves bending the spine backwards. If a patient feels more comfortable when hips are rotated forward with an extended curve in the low back, then an exercise regimen that promotes low back extension (extension biased exercise) may be beneficial.

Movements that utilize back extension include standing, walking and prone press-up type exercises.

Back Exercise for Pain Relief

spine-health — Wed, 12 Dec 2007 00:18:36 -0800

One of the keys to recovering from an episode of back pain or surgery, and to help avoid future recurrences of back pain, is to pursue appropriate rehabilitation and exercise. A comprehensive exercise regimen should include a combination of stretching, strengthening and aerobic conditioning of the back and body. This requires a basic understanding of the types of muscles that need to be conditioned.
There are three types of muscles that support the spine:

Physical Therapy Exercise for Pain Relief

spine-health — Wed, 12 Dec 2007 00:18:36 -0800

More Physical Therapy Info

Exercise Ball Therapy

Physical Therapy Benefits

Rehabilitation and Exercise

Core Strength Exercises

Chiropractic Treatments for Whiplash

spine-health — Wed, 12 Dec 2007 00:07:12 -0800

More Chiropractic Info

Chiropractic Back Treatment

Spine Decompression

Selecting a Chiropractor

Chiropractic Manipulation

Because each individual case of whiplash is different, it is not possible to generalize about the chiropractic whiplash treatment.

McKenzie Therapy for Mechanical Low Back Pain

spine-health — Tue, 11 Dec 2007 23:04:47 -0800

Of the many frustrations back pain patients face, the lack of a standardized or uniform treatment approach is high on the list. Especially for those patients with longer-lasting symptoms of sub-acute pain (lasting between six and twelve weeks) or longer than twelve weeks (chronic back pain), treatment approaches are very inconsistent.

What is the McKenzie Method for Back Pain and Neck Pain?

spine-health — Tue, 11 Dec 2007 23:04:47 -0800

The McKenzie Method involves more than just exercise

Many people know about the McKenzie Method of physical therapy and exercise for back pain or neck pain, but aren’t sure exactly what the goals of the program are and what the exercises entail.

Pain Relief from McKenzie Treatment

spine-health — Tue, 11 Dec 2007 23:04:47 -0800

Successful treatment of mechanical low back pain syndromes has two dimensions.

The first is the McKenzie exercise activity prescribed based on patient presentation and assessment. The goal of McKenzie therapy is to centralize the pain, or move the pain from the leg into the low back, as low back pain is generally better tolerated than leg pain.
read more

Back Strengthening Exercises

spine-health — Tue, 11 Dec 2007 23:04:46 -0800

Just like reinforced steel can bear more weight than sheet aluminum, a strong, well-conditioned back can withstand more stress, and protect the spine better, than a back that has not been conditioned through exercise. Conditioning through flexibility and strengthening back exercises not only helps the back avoid injury, or minimize the severity of injury if the spine is traumatized, it also can help relieve the pain of many back conditions.

The McKenzie Method for Neck and Back Problems

spine-health — Tue, 11 Dec 2007 23:04:46 -0800

The McKenzie Method approach to exercises and neck and back problems

Practitioners who use this approach emphasize that the McKenzie Method is a specific approach to spinal problems, not only a set of exercises for back pain or neck pain. While there are specific exercises a McKenzie trained practitioner may use, the method also includes the overall philosophy and some special procedures: