The McKenzie Method of Mechanical Diagnosis & Therapy> was developed by physiotherapist Robin McKenzie from New Zealand. The Method was developed from a chance observation back in the 1950's when a patient inadvertently lay on the treatment bed in an arched position.

Physiotherapists may choose to undertake training in the McKenzie Method after they have completed their undergraduate training and are working as physiotherapists. The training and education in the McKenzie Method is provided by the McKenzie Institute. McKenzie Institutes are located in over 26 countries around the world.

Like many systems or methods in other areas of speciality, many misconceptions or myths surround the McKenzie system. The following are a few examples:

1. It involves doing push up or extension exercises. WRONG!

The McKenzie Method is a system of assessment to identify the correct exercise or exercises that will help with the individual's problem. The extension in lying exercise or push up type exercise is one of many exercises that are prescribed by trained McKenzie therapists. However, this exercise is one of the most common exercises prescribed, so unfortunately the McKenzie Method has become known for this exercise.

2. It does not involve "hands on treatment" WRONG!

The McKenzie Method empowers the patient to self- manage. In many circumstances the patient is able to reduce their pain and improve their movement just by doing an exercise. However, if no change occurs with independent exercise, the therapist can add overpressure to the exercise with the aim or reducing the pain and therefore allowing the patient to self-manage with their exercise at home.

There are a few clinical presentations where the patient will require immediate hands on help in order for them to be able to exercise independently at home.

3. It is only used for back problems. WRONG!

Robin McKenzie initially started developing the method for back problems however it is also used for cervical and thoracic problems. It can also be used to assess peripheral joint problems. The key thing to realise is that the McKenzie Method is an assessment tool or system that can be used to assess any pain in order to first of all determine if it is a mechanical problem and if so, to determine the correct one to two exercise for the individual.

4. It can only be use for disc problems. WRONG!

The McKenzie Method uses the assessment to classify a patient's pain into one of 3 syndromes. As most tissues within the body have a nerve supply, it is impossible to precisely identify the tissue at fault. The McKenzie therapist looks at the patient's response to repeated movements in order to determine the best exercise. The tissue is not issue. Most patients really don't care what structure is at fault as long as their pain goes away.

Once a therapist attends a McKenzie Part A course, some of the common myths started to disappear. The McKenzie Institute recommends therapists to complete the basic training course Part A - D and then undertake the credentialing exam. Credentialed therapists have a basic level of understanding of the McKenzie Method in comparison to the Diploma of the McKenzie Method which is the advanced level.