I realise that I may be preaching to the converted, but I have often heard the Physiotherapy profession accused of being expensive and not offering much value. After qualifying and along the years since then, I have personally also wondered at times (especially when a patient and I aren’t getting the desired results), what is really happening to cause the symptom? Or what are we truly aiming for when trying to release muscle tension or improve strength. Why is the muscle tight or why did it become weak? Is the treatment approach correct? Is it aiding healing? Is there even tissue damage that needs to heal?
It was only when I had my own knee problem in 2017 and conventional physiotherapy had failed me, that my search for a real answer, lead me to the McKenzie Method of Mechanical Diagnosis and Therapy.
It opened a world to me where I could finally say that my treatment approach is truly informed by evidence and structured to a point where if we don’t see results within a session or 2, we do not need more time and more money, we need to sharpen up the adherence or adjust the diagnosis.
In summary, The McKenzie Method is a biopsychosocial approach of musculoskeletal care emphasizing patient empowerment, responsibility and self-treatment spanning all stages from acute to chronic conditions. I value the focus on “what patients need” rather than “what therapists want to do” or “what patients assume they need”, while the cost-efficiency of making progress in-between sessions rather than only during sessions, is a phenomenal bonus!
After having qualified as a credentialled McKenzie clinician in November 2022, I know that I have improved my assessment, reasoning and treatment skills along this road over the 4 years leading up to my examination, and I would like to invite any person who feels that treatment has failed them – whether you were seen by me, another physiotherapist, or a different profession altogether, to book a session and see what The McKenzie Method of Mechanical Diagnosis and Therapy can do for you. I would love to see if your mind is blown as mine was several years ago.
In the meantime, you may be interested in taking this quiz or reading more about this method.
Your health and physical wellbeing should be a priority deserving of quality care. Make sure to discuss any concerns you may have directly with your preferred physiotherapist, so that you can receive the appropriate guidance for your unique situation.