Getting Credentialed in the McKenzie Method

Anthony here! So, I just recently got certified and credentialed for MDT and I wanted to take some time to talk to you guys a little about what it is and what it means for me as a physical therapist. First let’s talk about the credentialing process.
 
The process to get certified in the McKenzie Method consists of a few different components and classes. The classes are divided into five different sections, A, B, C, D, and a recently added section, E. Once those classes are completed the next step is signing up for the credential examination. The exam has three different parts, a written test, a lab form, and then a skills practical, after passing all that the last step is to claim your certification!
 
So mechanical diagnosis and therapy, or the McKenzie Method, involves understanding a method of treatment and applying that in its form to patients. The reason I like the McKenzie method is because it’s a hands-off approach, I know that sounds counterintuitive to what we do as physical therapists but if we can train a patient on how to understand their pain and find a movement that works for them, they can practice that movement in repetitions at home on their own and get better even when they’re not in the clinic.
 
Sometimes what happens is patients begin to rely on us doing manual therapy or stretching them out directly as their main source of getting better, this creates a dependency and while we will always be here for our patients, we want them to get better so they can live pain free independently and not need our constant help.
 
With the McKenzie Method we can train to minimize dependency, we always do manual therapy and stretching and massaging in our clinics but once we find that movement that works for them, they can work on relieving their pain at home and can continue even after they are finished at our clinic.
 
I’ve seen it work miracles; there are many different and effective forms of treatment don’t get me wrong, but with the McKenzie Method I’ve seen tons of results with neck and low back treatment. It’s why I wanted to get credentialed.
 
Come see me in the clinic or call if you have any other questions on the McKenzie Method and how we use it in our clinics!

- Anthony Durant, PT, DPT, Cert. MDT