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McKenzie method physiotherapy in Etobicoke
An assessment and treatment approach for back pain, sciatica and neck pain that finds the movements that ease your pain and teaches you to manage it yourself.
Who the McKenzie method can help
The McKenzie method, also called Mechanical Diagnosis and Therapy (MDT), was developed by New Zealand physiotherapist Robin McKenzie. It is used most for spinal pain.
Low back pain and sciatica
Including leg pain from a disc problem. See back pain and sciatica.
Neck pain and arm pain
Including arm pain from a pinched nerve. See neck pain and headaches.
Recurring back or neck pain
For people whose pain keeps coming back and who want to manage flare-ups themselves.
Some shoulder and knee problems
The same assessment can be used for some joint problems in the arms and legs.
How it works
An active approach: you learn what helps and do it yourself between visits.
Assessment
We take a detailed history, then test how repeated movements and positions change your pain.
Find your pattern
We look for the direction of movement that eases your pain or moves it back toward the spine (centralization).
Your exercises
You get a small number of specific exercises and posture advice to do several times a day at home.
Self-management
As you improve, we teach you how to deal with flare-ups yourself and how to lower the chance of the pain coming back.
Combined with other treatment
McKenzie exercises are often the main part of treatment, but not the only part. When they suit your condition, we also use:
- Manual therapy. Joint mobilization and soft tissue techniques
- Mechanical traction (spinal decompression). Cervical and lumbar traction with intermittent pulling cycles, always combined with manual therapy and McKenzie exercises, often for arm or leg pain from a pinched nerve or disc
- Core and strengthening exercise to support the spine
- Pain relief. TENS, interferential current (IFC) and ultrasound, used alongside exercise
- Acupuncture with Xuemin (Simon) Li, R.TCM.P., if you would like to add it
When to seek urgent care: go to the emergency department or call 911 if back pain comes with loss of bladder or bowel control, numbness around the groin, or rapidly worsening leg weakness.
Common questions
What is centralization?
When pain that spreads into the leg or arm moves back toward the spine with certain movements. It is usually a good sign, and it helps guide which exercises to use.
Is it just exercises from the internet?
No. The exercises are chosen from your assessment and checked at each visit. A movement that helps one person can make another person's pain worse.
How many visits will I need?
It depends on your condition. Most people can tell within the first few visits whether they respond to the McKenzie approach. If you don't, we change the treatment.
Do I need a doctor's referral?
No. In Ontario you can see a physiotherapist directly. Some insurance plans require a referral, so check your plan.
Is it covered by insurance?
Yes, as physiotherapy. We direct bill most extended health plans, WSIB and auto insurers.
Book your assessment
100 Humber College Blvd, Suite 210, near Etobicoke General Hospital. Free parking. Serving Etobicoke, Rexdale, West Humber and nearby areas.