McKenzie Method® · Low back pain
The McKenzie Program for low back pain in Spruce Grove: a movement-based assessment that finds the positions and exercises that ease your pain, and teaches you to manage your back yourself.
Tell us a little about what you need and our team will contact you to confirm a time.
Prefer to talk? Call 780-960-8711
What is the McKenzie Method®?
The McKenzie Method®, also called Mechanical Diagnosis and Therapy (MDT), was developed by New Zealand physiotherapist Robin McKenzie. It is a structured way to assess and treat back pain that uses your own movements, not machines, to understand what is going on.
Your physiotherapist looks at how specific repeated movements and positions change your symptoms. Those responses guide a personalized exercise plan, and you learn how to look after your back yourself.
Specific movements are repeated to see whether your pain eases, worsens or changes location.
Many people have one direction of movement that eases their pain. Your exercise plan is built around it.
When leg or buttock pain moves back toward the spine, it is usually a sign that you are on the right track.
How the program works
Conditions it may help
Benefits
You learn exercises you can do almost anywhere, with little or no equipment.
The focus is on giving you the tools to manage your own back, now and in the future.
How you respond in the first few sessions shows whether this approach suits your problem, or whether another treatment or a referral is needed.
You leave knowing what to do if your pain returns, so you can act early.
Your physiotherapist
Our physiotherapist, Josephine Vishal, has completed McKenzie Institute training in Part A (The Lumbar Spine). She combines McKenzie principles with other evidence-based physiotherapy, including manual therapy, strengthening and education, to suit your needs.
When to see a doctor first
Seek medical help right away if back pain comes with numbness around the groin or buttocks, new bladder or bowel problems, worsening weakness in your legs, fever or unexplained weight loss, or follows a serious fall or accident.
Common questions
It focuses on movements you do yourself. Your physiotherapist may add hands-on treatment when your assessment shows it will help.
It is commonly used for sciatica and leg pain that comes from the lower back. Your assessment shows whether your symptoms respond to specific movements.
It depends on your problem. Many people notice changes within the first few visits, and we review your progress at every appointment.
Yes. You can book directly with a physiotherapist in Alberta. Some health plans ask for a note before they reimburse.
McKenzie Method® and Mechanical Diagnosis and Therapy® are registered trademarks of The McKenzie Institute International. Sunrise Physical Therapy is not affiliated with The McKenzie Institute.
Spruce Grove
In clinic, at home or online, our team will help you choose the right next step.
