The McKenzie method is trusted and used by certified McKenzie therapists and their patients in over 35 countries for back, neck and extremity problems.  The McKenzie method continues to be the most researched and scientifically documented method of non-surgical spine treatment available. 

One feature that distinguishes the McKenzie method from conventional chiropractic or physical therapy is its initial "assessment", a safe and reliable means to accurately reach a diagnosis.  Only after this detailed and systematic assessment can the therapist recommend the appropriate treatment plan. 

Rarely is time or money wasted in performing expensive tests.  Therapists who are certified by the McKenzie Institute have completed a rigorous training and testing program and can be trusted to apply the assessment at a high level of skill. This assessment is a proven and valid indicator to know very quickly whether and how the method will work for each patient.

Unique to the McKenzie method, the assessment begins with a thorough history and testing of movements and positions to identify distinct patterns of pain responses and changes in mobility as various movements are tested. A "directional preference" can often be identified, enabling the patient to self-treat using this principle in a structured way in daily life by means of individualized exercises, postures and movement strategies.

The McKenzie method can often identify a specific force (directional preference) that can reduce or even abolish the pain and restore lost movement.  The core idea of the McKenzie method is to guide the patient systematically through an assessment in which the patient applies this force himself or herself by means of exercises, positions or movements while the therapist monitors their reaction. 

The McKenzie method is a comprehensive approach to spine therapy based on modern scientific understanding. It is capable of producing excellent results even when other forms of treatment have failed. Teaching a patient to understand his or her back pain is important because studies show that back pain can recur (The best predictor of future back pain is a prior episode of back pain). Therefore, teaching a patient to understand, manage and prevent future episodes of pain and disability is at the center of the McKenzie method.

The McKenzie system emphasizes patient education and empowers the patient to decrease pain quickly and restore function thus minimizing the number of office visits and reducing cost.  Most patients who use the McKenzie method need only a handful of sessions in the office.  They become self-reliant and learn to effectively treat themselves. Another benefit is that those patients who do not respond positively can be quickly identified (usually in 3-5 visits) and can be directed to another form of treatment, imaging or specialist evaluation.

Mitchell F. Miglis, DC, Certified by McKenzie Institute USA

1385 S. Wickham Rd., Melbourne, FL (321) 676-1321