Physical therapists at The Polyclinic have been successful in relieving pain – even when other physical therapists, as well as chiropractors, massage or exercise, have all failed – using mechanical diagnosis and therapy (MDT).  This approach, first described by a New Zealand-based physical therapist named Robin McKenzie, starts with a safe yet comprehensive assessment of your pain, the location of your pain, and how it is affected by movement and posture.   Many times, this system has worked even in cases where X-rays have shown the presence of pinched nerves or advanced arthritis. 

Published studies in prestigious journals such as Spine, Archives of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, Journal of Orthopedic and Sports Physical Therapy, have dealt extensively in this method’s reliability and efficacy in assessing and treating low back pain, MDT is also used for arm and leg pain, for conditions ranging from tendinitis, sprains, carpal tunnel syndrome, frozen shoulders, and the like.

The temporomandibular joint, or TMJ (the joint the attaches connects your jaw to your skull) can sometimes cause pain during chewing, eating or speaking. The joint can in a lot of cases also benefit from a well-designed therapeutic exercise program. If you have TMJ pain, ask your dentist if you can benefit from physical therapy. Certain kinds of headaches can also benefit from MDT.  If your physician determines that your headache is likely the result of a neck injury or problem, a program consisting of neck exercises and posture training can help eliminate headaches entirely.

The McKenzie Method utilizes a problem solving approach that relies on exercise and education, teaching patients to effectively self-manage their pain and decrease disability. This Method is effective: A recent internal study showed that on the average, patient with low back pain at The Polyclinic Physical Therapy reported 89% reduction of pain, and 68% reduction of disability in 5 visits. More information about the McKenzie Method is also available at http://www.mckenziemdt.org/.