What is the McKenzie Method?

The McKenzie Method is a philosophy of active patient treatment that emphasizes intervention and prevention. It provides the patient with life-long pain management skills.

Also known as mechanical diagnosis and therapy (MDT), McKenzie is based upon a consistent "cause and effect" relationship between mechanical forces and pain response often accompanied by a change in motion/function.

If your back or neck can be treated with the McKenzie Method, you will know right away, on the first visit.

McKenzie credits the patient's ability to learn the principles and empowers them to be in control of their own symptom management, which can reduce dependency on medical intervention.

The McKenzie Method promotes the body's potential to heal itself without medication, heat, cold, ultrasound, needles, surgery or a force dependent on the practitioner. It also addresses a growing demand from patients and third party payers for professional rehabilitation services that develop the patient's self-treatment skills in a cost-effective and time-effective manner.

To correctly reach any diagnosis or successfully treat using McKenzie, professionals must be adequately trained. The McKenzie Institute USA manages a Program of Certification consisting of a four-part series of courses and a Credentialing Examination. Eligible practitioners may then opt to pursue the 11 week Diploma Program, the highest level of training.

Sheri LeCompte, P.T., is one of only four clinicians certified in MDT in the state of Kentucky.