Find the Right Treatment with a Detailed Assessment
Back or neck pain can make it harder to sit comfortably, work, exercise, sleep, or keep up with your normal routine. Finding the right treatment starts with understanding what is limiting you and how your symptoms respond to movement. The McKenzie Method® of Mechanical Diagnosis and Therapy, also known as MDT, gives our physical therapists another way to assess certain back, neck, and musculoskeletal problems. At Meier & Marsh Physical Therapy, we use the McKenzie Method / Mechanical Diagnosis (MDT) in West Valley City, Tooele in Northpointe, Tooele on Main Street and Grantsville, UT when it fits your problem and evaluation findings. The McKenzie Method is the most researched and trusted evaluation and treatment system in the world.
Understanding the McKenzie Method in Simple Terms
The McKenzie Method is an assessment and treatment system commonly used for back and neck problems. It may also be used for certain symptoms involving the arms or legs.
During the assessment, our physical therapists look at how your symptoms respond to different movements and positions. Some movements may reduce or change your symptoms. Others may make movement easier or more difficult. These responses help us better understand your problem and determine which exercises and treatments may work best for you.
Rather than focusing only on where you hurt, our physical therapists consider your history, symptoms, movement, and response during the evaluation. This information helps guide the treatment and exercises prescribed for you.
When the McKenzie Method May Be Helpful
MDT may be helpful when pain or stiffness changes based on movement, position, or activity. Your physical therapist uses the evaluation to determine whether this approach fits your problem and which movements your symptoms respond to best.
An MDT assessment may be considered for:
- Low back pain
- Neck pain
- Sciatica or radiating symptoms
- Leg symptoms associated with a low back problem
- Arm symptoms associated with a neck problem
- Pain that changes with sitting or standing
- Symptoms that change with bending or other movements
- Recurring back or neck problems that interfere with work, exercise, or daily activities
The McKenzie Method is not the right treatment approach for every problem. Your physical therapist will use your evaluation and response to movement to determine how MDT fits into your care.
A Detailed Assessment Guides Your Treatment
Care at Meier & Marsh Physical Therapy begins with a comprehensive evaluation. Our physical therapists review your medical history, discusses your symptoms, and asks what you are having trouble doing. Maybe you want to sit through the workday comfortably, return to the gym, play a sport, or keep up with your family. We want to understand what you want to get back to doing.
During an MDT assessment, your therapist may ask you to perform certain movements or hold different positions while monitoring how your symptoms respond. This advanced assessment helps determine which movements affect your symptoms and which exercises and treatments are right for your specific problem.
Your treatment may include:
- Movement-based exercises selected from your evaluation
- Mobility exercises to improve the way you move
- Strengthening for work, exercise, and daily activities
- Education about movements and positions that affect your symptoms
- Functional training for the activities you want to return to
- Specific exercises to complete at home
Your physical therapy plan may also include hands-on care and other treatments based on your evaluation and goals. Your therapist regularly reassesses your response and adjusts treatment as you improve.
Clinical Expertise Focused on the Right Treatment
Specialty training in the McKenzie Method gives our physical therapists another way to assess certain back, neck, arm, and leg symptoms. By looking closely at how your symptoms respond to movement, your therapist can use that information to help prescribe the right exercises and treatment for your problem.
Treatment does not stay the same as you improve. Your therapist measures your progress, reassesses your movement and symptoms, and adjusts your exercises based on your response and goals.
We love our patients and treat you like family. That means listening to what you are experiencing, explaining what we find, answering your questions, and making sure you understand what you can do to get better.
A Free Resource to Help You Understand Your Pain
Have you ever wondered, “What is wrong with me?” Our physical therapist has written a book to help patients better understand their pain, symptoms, and how movement can affect the way they feel. As part of our commitment to educating and empowering our patients, we offer a free digital copy of the book. Enter your email below to receive your copy and learn more about understanding your symptoms and taking an active role in your recovery.
What to Expect with MDT at Meier & Marsh Physical Therapy
Your first visit begins with a detailed discussion of your symptoms, medical history, and what you want to get back to doing. Our physical therapist will assess your movement and may have you perform repeated movements or try specific positions to see how your symptoms respond.
If MDT fits your problem, your therapist will explain the findings and show you the movements or exercises selected for you. You may also receive specific exercises to perform at home so you can continue working on your recovery between visits.
Follow-up visits focus on how you are responding. Your physical therapist adjusts your exercises and adds strengthening, mobility work, or functional training based on your progress and goals.
Frequently Asked Questions
Improve the Way You Move with a Clear Plan
Back pain, neck pain, and related symptoms can interfere with work, exercise, family activities, and the things you enjoy. A detailed physical therapy evaluation can help determine what is limiting you and which movements and treatments your symptoms respond to best.
Contact Meier & Marsh Physical Therapy to schedule an evaluation and learn whether the McKenzie Method / Mechanical Diagnosis (MDT) in West Valley City, Tooele in Northpointe, Tooele on Main Street or Grantsville, UT fits your problem. Our physical therapist will listen to your concerns, complete a detailed assessment, explain what we find, and prescribe treatment based on your evaluation. Our goal is to help you improve the way you move and get back to normal.
Your Next Steps…
- Request An Appointment
- Receive A Custom Treatment Plan
- Work Hard and Progress In Your Recovery
- Recover & Enjoy Life Pain-Free
