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What
to expect when coming in for a McKenzie assessment:
Assessment
Disorders appropriate for McKenzie:
 | Low back pain with or without leg pain, numbness, tingling, burning |
| Neck pain with or without arm pain, numbness, tingling, burning |
| Headaches |
| Pain arising from the muscles or joints in the arms or legs |
Note: Patients who have long standing symptoms and those who have not responded to other treatment approaches may benefit from the McKenzie system.
When you come in for a McKenzie assessment, you will receive a thorough examination that is designed to identify the underlying cause of your pain. The assessment focuses on how specific movements or positions affect your pain. This gives the therapist relevant information about what is producing your pain and what you need to do to reduce and abolish it. It is usually possible to predict the course and outcome of treatment in one to two sessions.
If, following your assessment, it appears that you will not respond to this approach, your doctor will receive a written report outlining the examination findings and suggestions for future management.
Treatment
During the initial assessment session, you will be instructed on specific guidelines about what to do to start your recovery process. This many include:
| Explanation of your problem |
| Instruction in sitting, standing or lying postures |
| Simple exercises to do throughout the day |
Typically, you may require 3 to 5 follow-up treatment sessions. In these visits, your therapist will check how you are performing the exercises and teach you any necessary modifications. Your therapist may also change or adapt specific exercises as you progress. Any changes or modifications to your exercise program will be guided by your response to the exercises.
The Importance of Exercise and Activity
The McKenzie system is based on the patient actively taking part in his/her treatment to resolve his/her problem with the therapist as the teacher and guide. The patient is empowered to bring resolution to his/her symptoms. The current literature on musculoskeletal problems suggests that a patient will recover faster when he/she takes an active roll in the treatment, rather than lying passively and having a treatment performed on him/her. When a patient is instructed on what causes and reduces the pain, he/she has the tools to fix the current problem and prevent future
recurrences.
Supplies
Lumbar rolls and McKenzie's "Treat Your Own Back" book are integral parts to the treatment of low back problems.
Lumbar rolls, cervical rolls and "Treat Your Own Neck" book are used in the treatment of cervical problems.
These items are available from Orthopedic Physical Therapy Products online at http://www.optp.com.
Another book you may find useful was written by Robin McKenzie and Craig Kubey entitled 7 Steps To A Pain-Free Life. You can find this book at your local major chain bookstore.
For more information on the McKenzie system, go to: http://www.mckenziemdt.org
To schedule an appointment or for more information:
Address: 2171 Executive Dr. Suite 450, Addison, IL. 60101
Phone: 630-282-5588
Fax: 630-282-5587
E-mail: outpatientclinic@cptrehab.com
Clinic Hours: Monday & Wednesday - 7:00am - 3:30pm, Tuesday & Thursday 8:00am - 7:00pm, Friday - Saturday 7:00am - 12:00pm (noon)
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