Treating or alleviating subacute and chronic back pain can be a difficult
process, to say the least. Some
spinal rehabilitation methods may work wonders for one patient but do little for another. Part
of the problem originates that back pain can be caused by one or multiple
sources, and each source can create similar symptoms. In order to streamline
the process of identifying what is causing a patient’s back pain,
and therefore treat it with more efficiency, McKenzie Therapy –
or the McKenzie Method – was developed.
Pain Assessment with McKenzie Therapy
The McKenzie Method begins with a unique assessment of a patient’s
back pain that involves deliberate motions that either reduce or increase
the amount of pain experienced. The motions are meant to mimic the movements
the patient would ordinarily go through in day-to-day life, such as sitting
at an office chair, climbing out of a raised bed, lifting light workloads,
etc. Although it may be uncomfortable at certain points, McKenzie Therapy
is a great way to direct a physical therapist’s attention to the
right spots on a patient’s back that are actually causing the pain,
soreness, and limited mobility. This method can successfully identify
skeletal fractures, muscular tears, inflammatory diseases, and more.
After Assessment, Treatment
A patient who undergoes McKenzie Therapy might be treated for their back
pain just through the actual process of going through motions. In many
cases, the pain is only identified. This makes subsequent treatments easier
and more effective, however. In this way, McKenzie Therapy can be seen
as a comprehensive starting point for back pain therapy, no matter what
the actual treatment method or methods should be.
Keep in mind that the McKenzie Method is not for everyone. For people with
known injuries or medical conditions, intentionally locating pain points
may worsen the patient’s health or cause inordinate complications.
Only a professional physical therapist should be consulted if you are
considering using McKenzie Therapy.
At ProFysio Physical Therapy, all of our Aberdeen physical therapists
are both fellowship trained and are Doctors of Physical Therapy. You can
trust our team to assess your back pain correctly and find a suitable
treatment method, whether it is McKenzie Therapy or not. Call
732.333.6360 to
schedule your consultation – we accept most
insurance plans!