McKenzie exercise

McKenzie exercise

Mechanism of Action:

The McKenzie method – developed by Robin McKenzie, a New Zealand physiotherapist in the 1950s – is a globally recognized and widely used method for treating various spinal problems. It is most commonly used to treat disc-related conditions (protrusion, prolapse, disc herniation), as well as pain and numbness radiating to the arms and legs. During an examination based on the McKenzie method, the McKenzie therapist (a specially trained physiotherapist) repeats specific postures and movements with the patient and deduces the underlying cause of the condition from changes in pain. Based on this, they create a personalized McKenzie treatment program, consisting of a few simple movements that can easily be performed at home or at work. Through active exercises, the patient can alleviate their own pain, thus influencing the outcome of the problem, and can also manage any recurring pain on their own.

The McKenzie physiotherapy exercises are easy to learn and are complemented by lifestyle advice (proper posture, sitting, working, lifting).

For example, in the case of a herniated disc, targeted movements can reposition the displaced disc so that it no longer presses on the nerve root. Patients perform these movements at a specific frequency, while certain movements must be avoided altogether (requiring significant self-discipline). The McKenzie exercises are not pain-free. The body's feedback, the precise location, and the nature of the pain play a very important role in the therapy.

The method can be applied by physiotherapists and doctors who have completed courses taught by the International or Hungarian McKenzie Institute and hold a certificate for it.

Areas of Application for the McKenzie Method:

  • Herniated disc
  • Disc displacement
  • Pain radiating to the arm or leg
  • Numbness in the arm, hand, thigh, calf, or foot
  • Back, spine, or neck pain caused by poor posture
  • Contracture (limited joint movement in a specific direction and range), adhesions, or scarring causing back, spine, or neck pain.

Contraindications:

  • Spinal stenosis, spondylolysis, spondylolisthesis, central herniation, ruptured hernia,
  • Immediately after surgery or trauma
  • Local edema, cyst, hematoma
  • Degenerative spinal conditions involving tissue changes (e.g., SPA, Scheuermann)
  • Severe osteoporosis
  • Spinal tumors.

The treatment should not be performed under the influence of painkillers!