New research highlights benefits of McKenzie Method 

Effective chiropractic requires the use of a treatment approach that addresses a patient’s specific issues or conditions. Research often helps identify which methods may work best for certain musculoskeletal complaints, and many of the studies published in the past several years highlighted positive effects when the McKenzie Method of Mechanical Diagnosis and Therapy (MDT) was used for several pain-based conditions. 

McKenzie Method overview

The McKenzie Method was developed in the 1950s by New Zealand physiotherapist Robin McKenzie. The McKenzie Institute USA describes the approach as one that offers practitioners guidelines for both patient assessment and the creation of individualized treatment plans based on each patient’s specific needs. 

“The key differential is when the McKenzie Method assessment should be used versus McKenzie Method treatment,” explained practice owner Jordan Duncan, DC. Out of the roughly 55,000 DCs practicing in the U.S., more than three percent (1,715 providers) are certified in the McKenzie Method. Duncan is one of the few trained to use this approach. 

“Treatment within the McKenzie Method is used when patients fit into specific classifications (derangement, dysfunction, or postural syndromes) based on assessment,” said Duncan, adding that approximately 75% of chiropractic patients fit into one of the three syndromes. When used to diagnose, the assessment’s application is fairly broad. “The assessment is a diagnostic tool that can be used on all patients with musculoskeletal pain.”  

McKenzie Method for pain

“The McKenzie Method can be applied to pain in any area of the body,” said Duncan, “including neck pain, back pain, headaches, shoulder pain, elbow pain, wrist/hand pain, hip pain, knee pain, ankle/foot pain, pain between joints and sciatica.” New research supports the McKenzie Method’s positive impact on musculoskeletal pain.  

For example, one December 2022 study involved 58 patients with sacroiliac joint dysfunction. Some were treated with Mulligan Mobilization Technique and the rest were treated with McKenzie exercises. McKenzie exercises were determined to be more effective for reducing pain and disability. They also enhanced patients’ functional movements.  

A 2023 study compared the McKenzie back program to conventional physical therapy and stretching exercises for subjects with back pain due to lumbar disc prolapse. The McKenzie back program was found more beneficial for providing more pain relief. The group receiving treatment via the McKenzie Method had a nearly 7% decrease in their Oswestry Disability Index scores compared to an almost 5% decrease in the physical therapy group. 

Other studies report positive results when this method is utilized in the treatment of nonspecific neck pain and cervicogenic headaches. This suggests the McKenzie Method offers patients pain relief from a variety of conditions. 

More than a musculoskeletal treatment

Many additional studies report pain-based benefits when using the McKenzie Method. Yet, for those who have built a practice around it, it is so much more than just a treatment for musculoskeletal issues and conditions. 

“Utilizing the McKenzie Method as a decision-making tool allows the provider to better understand the presentation in front of them,” says Duncan. “The information obtained through assessment helps them know when to use hands–on procedures, allows them to be much more precise in their exercise prescription, helps them provide more accurate functional advice, helps determine whether or not imaging findings are relevant to a patient’s problem, helps them know when to treat the spine or extremity in an extremity case, helps determine when an injection might help, and much more.”  

It provides additional patient benefits as well. “The McKenzie Method emphasizes education and active patient involvement,” Duncan says, “which is crucial for long–term self-management and prevention, and has the added benefit of promoting self-efficacy and patient empowerment.”  

Final thoughts

Several research studies have borne out the efficacy of the McKenzie Method of Mechanical Diagnosis and Therapy for easing musculoskeletal pain. It is a versatile approach that can work for many types of pain and also actively involves the patient, making it a potentially valuable tool for any DC.