PHYSIOTHERAPY

FOR THE DOCTOR

Clinical researchers are largely agreed on the value of exercise in the rehabilitation of musculoskeletal problems. They are also discovering that to be effective, exercise needs to be highly individualized to both the particular patient and their condition. When this is done, movement becomes a very powerful tool in the rehabilitation of mudsculoskeletal problems.

Here is what else the research tells us:

• Up to 50% of chronic and 70% of acute low back pain are rapidly reversible using simple symptom specific exercises that the patient can do by themselves (Long 1995, Sufka 1998,Werneke 1999, Aina 2004).
  
• Many conditions previously thought to have an inflammatory pathology, such as tendonitis, are now known to have a degenerative or mechanical cause that is best treated by specific exercises (Jozsa and Kannus 1991, Khan 1999).
  
• An active treatment approach that involves empowering the patients to participate in their own recovery shows superior results to treatment where the patient adopts a dependent role (Lorig 1989, Lorish 1997).
  
• Passive modalities such as heat, TENS, and ultrasound have not been found effective in treating or preventing musculoskeletal problems (van der Windt 1999, Nordin and Campello 1999).

Questions?

For more information on the McKenzie approach please go to the McKenzie Institute website.

Copyright 2009 Colin Davies Physiotherapy

PHYSIOTHERAPY

WHAT IS THE MCKENZIE METHOD?

There is good news for people with muscle and joint pain. Researchers are increasingly listing physiotherapy as one of the most important and beneficial ways of treating the common problems that affect our musculoskeletal system. The researchers warn us however that the only type of physiotherapy that truly helps is the sort that involves specialized exercises and postural instruction. This is why Pacific Spirit Pilates endorses the McKenzie Method. Developed by New Zealand physiotherapist Robin McKenzie, the McKenzie Method is an assessment and treatment system that involves patients’ active participation in their recovery. The McKenzie Method is one of the most researched physiotherapy treatment systems and is used extensively in countries all around the world. The McKenzie programme has 3 stages.

1. Assessment: The assessment protocol is unique to the McKenzie Method. It begins with the gathering of a thorough history, followed by testing of movements to identify distinct patterns of pain response. These guide the clinician in identifying the underlying pain generator.
2. Treatment: Using the information from the assessment, the clinician prescribes specific exercises and postures to form an individualized treatment plan. The patients are empowered to treat themselves.
3. Prevention: The exercises which helped to resolve the problem can be adapted to help prevent its return.

For more information on The McKenzie Method please click here.

THE MCKENZIE INSTITUTE

The McKenzie Institute is an international research and educational organization that was formed by Robin McKenzie to further the development of his rehabilitation philosophy. There are branches in over thirty countries around the world to meet the growing demand for knowledge by both clinicians and their patients.