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The McKenzie Method® Services

The McKenzie Method® – also known as Mechanical Diagnosis and Therapy (MDT) – has superior functional outcomes for back, neck, and extremity problems.

Male physical therapist provides care to a male patient.

The McKenzie Method®

The McKenzie Method® – also known as Mechanical Diagnosis and Therapy (MDT) – has superior functional outcomes for back, neck, and extremity problems. It emphasizes education and active patient involvement to quickly decrease pain, restore normal function, prevent recurrence, and minimize other medical interventions.

The McKenzie Method® Process

A successful solution depends on properly identifying the problem – pain is a symptom, not a diagnosis. The certified McKenzie therapist uses a comprehensive process to find the underlying cause of pain. Research has shown the initial McKenzie assessment is often as reliable as costlier diagnostic imaging (e.g., X-rays, MRIs) in identifying the problem and quickly determining whether the patient will respond to McKenzie treatment. The process begins with a thorough history and testing of movements to identify patterns of pain response. Once the patterns of movement are assessed, an active treatment plan is developed. As the active motions and exercises progress, pain decreases and function increases.

When provided the necessary knowledge and tools most patients can successfully treat themselves, minimizing the number of clinic visits and putting patients in control of their treatment. Patients who stick to the prescribed treatment protocols are less likely to have persistent problems or need additional medical treatments.

  • A hiker with a backpack stands on a rocky trail beside a cliff, looking out over a green, mountainous landscape under a blue sky with scattered clouds. A safety rope runs along the cliff edge.
    “They treat you like family here. I get one-on-one time with the therapists where the focus is completely on my plan. It is very individualized, and I appreciate that.”

    Dawn Neibarger, Covenant Health Therapy Center Patient
  • Three women in medical scrubs stand smiling behind an older man sitting in a chair. They appear to be in a medical office, with a poster of hands and wrists anatomy visible on the wall.
    “The entire team was phenomenal. They pushed me, and even small exercises, like picking marbles out of Play-Doh, helped me do more than I ever expected.”

    David Brenner, Covenant Health Therapy Center Patient
  • Two women stand smiling in front of a blue therapy table in a medical or physical therapy clinic. One wears a striped sweater and a name badge; the other wears a burgundy top and jeans. Curtains and windows are in the background.
    “They listened. They explained everything, and they helped me get my life back. Their support made a difficult situation feel manageable.”

    Alyssa Roy, Covenant Health Therapy Center Patient

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