The McKenzie Method® of Mechanical Diagnosis and Therapy® (MDT) is an evidence based assessment and management protocol for patients with spinal and extremity problems. Mechanical Diagnosis and Therapy has been shown to be a reliable assessment system to categorize patients into mechanical sub-groups.
The MDT assessment enables clinicians to triage patients accurately and efficiently, particularly those with pain of spinal origin, to the appropriate services required. The assessment also identifies non-mechanical pain or contra indications to therapy where immediate referral onwards is necessary. Research has shown that the majority of patients with mechanical spinal pain respond well to specific exercises and experience fewer symptoms when treated with exercises individualized to the patient.
The unique combination of postural advice, and the application of specific individualized exercises when delivered by an MDT trained clinician enables patients to self-manage their condition. This process promotes patient empowerment, increases satisfaction with treatment and is also cost effective.
