McKenzie Method
The McKenzie Method, also called Mechanical Diagnosis and Therapy (MDT), is a system for evaluating and treating spine and other musculoskeletal conditions by finding how your symptoms respond to specific positions and repeated movements. Our clinicians in El Paso, Texas, use it for neck pain, back pain, pinched nerves and other spinal problems, whether they are new or years old.
Finding the mechanical source of your pain
The method was developed by New Zealand physical therapist Robin McKenzie and is internationally recognized. Rather than handing you generalized exercises, your therapist performs a detailed movement assessment to learn how your symptoms respond to certain positions and repeated movements.
That tells us the mechanical source of your pain and lets us build a strategy around how your body responds. Because every patient is different, no two plans are exactly alike.
Conditions it is commonly used for
During your first therapy session, your therapist decides whether the McKenzie Method is right for your condition and talks with you about the expected time frame for recovery.
What patients often want from it
Self-management
Personalized home exercises that give you more independence in managing your condition.
Movement and posture
Improved spinal mobility, better posture and better daily function.
Staying better
The goal is long-term recovery, not temporary symptom relief, and lowering the risk of pain coming back.
Who guides your care
Several of our clinicians hold McKenzie certification.
Harry Koster
Harry Koster, PT, OCS, Cert. MDT is credentialed in the McKenzie Method.
John Moreno
John Moreno, PT, DPT, OCS, Cert. MDT is MDT certified.
Anthony Durant
Anthony Durant, PT, DPT, ECS, Cert. MDT, FMSK®, R-EDX® is MDT certified.
Before your McKenzie evaluation
Is it only for back pain?
No. It is used for neck pain, low back pain, sciatica, disc problems, pinched nerves, chronic spinal problems, postural dysfunction and joint stiffness.
Is it an option before injections or surgery?
If you are looking for conservative treatment options first, we recommend an evaluation with our team to find out whether the McKenzie Method is right for you.
Do I need a referral?
Texas allows direct access to physical therapy, so in many cases you do not need a referral to begin. Call us and we will help verify your insurance requirements before your first visit. Most insurance coverage is accepted.
McKenzie Method in El Paso, Texas
Call our Edgemere or Physicians clinic, or request an appointment, and we will find a time to see you in El Paso, Texas.
We see patients at our Edgemere and Physicians clinics in El Paso, Texas.