Most musculoskeletal pain is mechanical in origin — meaning it results from abnormal or unusual forces and mechanics in the tissue, not from serious pathology like cancer or infection. The McKenzie Method of treatment is particularly effective at identifying the mechanical problem and developing a plan to correct it. The result: elimination of pain.

Unfortunately, too many people have spent years in therapy or moving from provider to provider without resolving a particular problem. This often happens because the patient was never properly assessed, and therefore never properly treated. The McKenzie Method is committed to ongoing assessment throughout treatment until meaningful results are achieved.

The treatment principles of this method promote the body's potential to repair itself, and do not involve medication, heat, cold, ultrasound, needles, or surgery.

"McKenzie trained clinicians teach patients the principles behind correcting their own pain — empowering them to be in control of their own symptom management, not dependent on ongoing passive treatment."

What does the McKenzie Method treat?

The McKenzie Method is intended for all musculoskeletal problems, including back, neck, and extremity pain (shoulder, knee, ankle, etc.), as well as sciatica, sacroiliac joint pain, arthritis, degenerative disc disease, muscle spasms, and intermittent numbness. If you are suffering from any of these issues, an MDT assessment may be right for you.

How does it work?

MDT works in three distinct steps:

1. Assessment

The McKenzie assessment begins with the trained clinician taking a detailed history about your symptoms and how they behave. A key component of the McKenzie system is the examination of repeated movements — the clinician may ask you to repeat certain movements in order to identify specific pain patterns.

2. Treatment

The valuable information gleaned from the assessment leads the clinician to recommend the most appropriate treatment for you. The clinician will prescribe specific exercises and postural advice, and a certified McKenzie clinician will provide advanced hands-on techniques to help you manage the problem.

3. Prevention

By learning how to self-treat your problem, you gain the knowledge and tools to minimise the risk of recurrence. Patients leave not just pain-free, but better equipped to manage their own spinal health long-term.

Let a Pinnacle physiotherapist help you at either of our locations. No referral required.