McKenzie Institute International

Our Story

The McKenzie Method of Mechanical Diagnosis & Therapy (MDT) and The McKenzie Institute International (MII). Robin McKenzie changed the way patients worldwide treat back and extremity issues. The McKenzie Method of Mechanical Diagnostics and Therapy (MDT), developed by Robin in the 1950s, has become a standard in the field. Robin devoted his professional life to the study of musculoskeletal disorders and their treatment and his theories are now supported with scientific evidence. It was in 1956 at his clinic in Wellington, that Robin McKenzie first observed by chance a remarkable event which has changed the nature of treatment administered for the alleviation of back pain worldwide. This serendipitous event led to the development of the theories and practice that have become the hallmark of the McKenzie protocols for assessment and treatment of mechanical disorders of the spinal column and extremities. “My first experience with what I have chosen to call the 'Centralisation Phenomenon' occurred in 1956. A patient, 'Mr Smith', who had pain to the right of the low back, extending into the buttock and thigh to the knee, had undergone treatment for three weeks without improvement. He could bend forwards, but could not bend backwards. I told him to undress and lie face down on the treatment table, the end of which had been raised for a previous patient. Without adjusting the table, and unnoticed by any of the clinical staff, he lay face down with his back overstretched for some five minutes. After some time, when I entered the room I was aghast to find him lying in what at that time was considered to be a most damaging position. On enquiring as to his welfare, I was astounded to hear him say that this was the best he had been in three weeks. All pain had disappeared from his leg. Furthermore, the pain in the back had moved from the right side to the centre. In addition, his restricted range of extension had markedly improved. After standing upright, the patient remained improved with no recurrence of leg pain. The position was adopted again the following day and resulted in complete resolution of central low back pain. The movement of pain from the leg or buttocks to the middle of the back is now known as the centralisation phenomenon." - Robin McKenzie This chance clinical observation then led Robin to begin systematically evaluating the effects that simple movements and positions had on his patients’ back pain. A clear assessment process gradually emerged. This system, now known as the McKenzie Method of Mechanical Diagnosis and Therapy (MDT), has achieved worldwide recognition and is now regarded as part of “normal” management for low back pain. His vision was that all patients with musculo-skeletal pain be taught how to manage their own pain. The McKenzie Method® of Mechanical Diagnosis and Therapy® (MDT) has evolved into a biopsychosocial system of musculoskeletal care, emphasizing patient empowerment and self-treatment. This system of diagnosis and patient management is an evidence based assessment and management protocol, that can be applied to acute, subacute and chronic conditions of the spine and the extremities. It offers a reliable and practical approach that puts the patient’s needs first and guides the clinician in meeting those needs

The MDT assessment framework enables clinicians to triage patients accurately and efficiently to the appropriate services required. It allows the early identification of non-musculoskeletal problems or contra-indications to therapy, where immediate referral to other care providers may be 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 their needs.

The unique combination of education, postural advice and the application of specific individualized exercises enable the majority of patients to effectively self-manage their condition. This process promotes patient empowerment, increases satisfaction with treatment and has been shown to be cost-effective.

For more information about the McKenzie Method® of Mechanical Diagnosis and Therapy® visit: www.mckenzieinstitute.org