The McKenzie Method is a form of Medical Diagnosis and Therapy (MDT) used for assessing musculoskeletal pain. Musculoskeletal pain can be caused by problems with muscles or your skeletal alignment. Patients with this type of chronic pain can feel it in their back, neck, joints, and other parts of their body.

The McKenzie Method uses four steps: assessment, classification, treatment, and prevention. Patients rely on this type of treatment to help relieve their pain. As a patient in Bozeman, your doctor will assess your condition, determine a classification for your diagnosis, prescribe you a plan of treatment, and work with you to prevent pain in the future.

Do I Need to See a Chiropractor?

If you suffer from chronic bodily pain, you are a good candidate for chiropractic treatment. Typical symptoms that chiropractic care addresses include:

  • Spinal pain
  • Back, neck, and shoulder pain
  • Migraines and tension headaches
  • Sleep apnea and insomnia
  • Digestive disorders
  • Arthritis

One of the most effective forms of chiropractic therapy is the McKenzie Method. This assessment will identify the problem areas in the body without invasive and expensive examinations like x-rays or ultrasounds. Instead, the doctor tests your body through a series of movements and uses patient feedback to make a diagnosis. Bypassing diagnostic tools like imaging exams keeps this form of therapy cost-effective and low-maintenance for Bozeman residents.

What Makes the McKenzie Method Different?

The McKenzie Method was developed by Robin McKenzie, a physiotherapist from New Zealand. The practice has been in use for more than 30 years. Unlike other medical treatments that rely on expensive exams and drugs, MDT chiropractic therapy heals the body and through corrective stretches and exercises. This method is preferable because it quickly reduces pain, restores normal function to joints, minimizes recurrence of pain, and reduces trips to a doctor’s office.

When it comes to MDT, there are three types of classifications which are referred to as ‘syndromes.’ The three syndromes include derangement, dysfunction, and posture.

  • Derangement means that a joint is deviating from its normal articulation. This syndrome is the most general of the three.
  • Dysfunction means that tissue is damaged and not moving the way it is supposed to. This is characterized by a limited range of motion and chronic, localized pain.
  • Posture syndrome is caused when improper posture or stance that causes pain. This is also relatively common for those who enjoy activities that require for the arms to be in front of the body, such as cooking.

When performed by a trained chiropractor in Bozeman, MDT can help eliminate your chronic pain.

What are the McKenzie Method Exercises?

Based on the classification of your diagnosis, your treatment will vary. The exercises for the McKenzie Method may include repetitive movements, hands-on techniques, and other treatments. Examples include:

  • Lying prone
  • Standing extension
  • Flex to floor
  • Lying supine

Each of these movements will help demonstrate the patient’s mobility. The exercises demonstrate to the doctor where the structural problems lie, and the root of the pain.

After a few visits time with their chiropractor, many patients can perform these exercises at home. Generally, therapy is most effective when done five to six times a day. In addition to at-home exercises, your doctor may suggest you come into a chiropractic clinic in Bozeman once or twice a week for a check-in. The most important part is that the patient is actively working on their treatment program and performing the exercises properly. Improper exercise can make pain worse, so following your chiropractors exercise instructions is imperative.

What Can I Expect During My First McKenzie-Focused Appointment?

Before any treatment begins, your doctor will assess your condition. Usually, the assessment will last anywhere from 30 to 45 minutes. During this time, your chiropractor will ask you about your health history and what symptoms you are having. Then, you will undergo a physical examination. The physical exam includes a series of repetitive motions that demonstrate your level of mobility. These movements may include bending joints, moving limbs, and performing various stretches.

Once your assessment is complete, your doctor will explain the results and identify how the McKenzie Method and other chiropractic care can help you improve. Together with your doctor, you will develop an exercise routine that will work the body properly. Your chiropractor will also go over an at home treatment plan. This way, you can continue your therapy in the comfort of your living room in Bozeman.

Choose Reza Chiropractic Clinic for Chiropractic Therapy

To learn more about the McKenzie Method and how it can lead to a life free of pain, contact Reza Chiropractic Clinic today at (406) 920-1807 or reach out to us online. Our head chiropractor, Dr. Reza Ghassemi, received his Bachelor of Arts in Biology from Sierra Nevada College and continued his education to become a licensed chiropractor in the state of Florida and Nevada. He is a Certified Interactive Metronome Provider, a Certified Kinesiotaping Practitioner, a Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist, and a USA American Weight Lifting Level One Coach. Our clinic helps Bozeman residents with chiropractic adjustments, kinesiotaping, nutritional counseling, lifestyle advice, corrective exercises, and personal training.