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USING “THE MCKENZIE METHOD” FOR BACK PAINTony Lombardi, Physical Therapist, uses method for treatmentDecember 10, 2003 --
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Back pain is usually produced by a combination of stresses over time rather than by one specific incident. Two common causes of pain include the high frequency of flexion (or bending) in our lifestyles and chronic poor posture - creating a slow but steady breakdown of healthy back tissue including ligaments, muscles and discs. Eventually a stressful but normal activity may cause tissue failure and then pain results. It is often confusing to decide which pain treatment option will be the most efficient – heat, ice, medication, rest, physical therapy, or injections. Among the many forms of treatment for cervical, thoracic and lumbar pain, one has a high success rate using physical therapy to relieve or control the symptoms. This most common sense and successful physical therapy approache is called the “McKenzie Method.” The McKenzie Method is successful due in part to its evaluation process, most often performed by physical therapists. During the evaluation, the patient gives a thorough history, allowing the clinician to get a good idea of any problems, even before a physical exam is performed. The patient is then given an extensive examination including a posture exam and a range-of-motion (ROM) assessment. During the repetitive ROM their response is carefully monitored. The whole process reveals a full understanding of both what is needed in a home exercise program and what movements/positions need to be avoided by the patient. Posture correction using proprioceptive exercises and education are also at the forefront of this program. Another strong point in this system is that is also focuses on prevention. Once a person develops back pain symptoms, there is an about 80% chance that symptoms will reoccur, with each successive episode becoming worse. Before a patient finishes physical therapy, they are instructed on an exercise program to keep symptoms from returning, usually one or two simple exercises. Even if the symptoms return, the patient will have the knowledge of how to treat the situation before it becomes a bigger problem. The McKenzie Method strives to give patients the tools they need to treat themselves. Therefore, when a painful episode occurs, the patient will know what to do to help treat the problem. On average, the goal is to seek full relief of symptoms within six visits to a therapy clinic, but this can vary depending on how long the condition has manifested, the severity of the problem, and patient motivation. To obtain more information on the McKenzie Method, see www.mckenziemdt.org or ask your physician for a consultation with a skilled professional.
Tony Lombardi, P.T., is certified in the McKenzie Method and is one staff in The Bellevue Hospital’s Physical Therapy Department. He may be reached during normal business hours at (419) 483-4040, Extension 4279. |
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