McKenzie Method

What is the McKenzie Method®?

The McKenzie Method of Mechanical Diagnosis and Therapy® is used to diagnose and treat musculoskeletal pain, particularly in the spine and extremities. It emphasizes patient education, self-treatment and active involvement in rehabilitation.

Through specific exercises and postural awareness, it aims to promote recovery, prevent recurrence and empower patients to manage their conditions effectively.

Who can benefit and how?

Anyone suffering from pain and discomfort in the neck, back and extremities due to arthritis, muscle or nerve issues, sciatica or degenerative disc disease can benefit from Mckenzie Method® treatment. Our specialists give you the tools you need to relieve pain and stiffness on your own, without needing injections, surgery or specialized equipment.

Why choose Sentara?

Our experts are trained and certified in the McKenzie Method. Our specialists assess your movements to understand what causes pain and prescribe movement therapy. We use the McKenzie Method as part of a customized spine injury and back pain rehabilitation program.

Service and treatments

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Assessment

Sentara's physical therapy specialists evaluate your symptoms to see if McKenzie therapy is right for you. Our specialists will talk with you about your history and have you make certain movements to see if you experience symptoms and see how your body responds.

Classification

We identify the mechanical issues to decide which movements should become part of your treatment. Your mechanical diagnosis may be:

Derangement syndrome: Pain that occurs when vertebrae move abnormally due to disc injury (problem with cushioning discs between the spine's vertebrae)
Postural syndrome: Discomfort caused by stress on soft tissues when your body is in certain positions
Dysfunction syndrome: Pain or movement problems that occur from scar tissue or nerve issues

Treatment

Once we’ve classified your condition, our experts design specific exercises and postures for you and tell you which movements and postures to avoid. We teach you how to do these exercises on your own and at what frequency to prevent pain and injury from happening again.

Find a location

Schedule an appointment

Ready to start a therapy program? If you're a new patient, please call us at 855-852-9066 to schedule your first appointment. Existing patients who have seen a therapist within the last three years can call or schedule online with MyChart.

Schedule with MyChart