Mckenzie Method

What is The McKenzie Method?

FYZICAL Therapy and Balance Centers of Harborcreek, PA, has the unique distinction of having a full time certified McKenzie Provider in the clinic. The McKenzie Method (also called Mechanical Diagnosis and Therapy or MDT) is focused on empowering the patient to self-treat using simple, individually prescribed, exercises and postures.

The McKenzie Method or Mechanical Diagnosis and Therapy (MDT) is a comprehensive system of assessment, treatment and prevention of mechanical spinal and extremity pain developed in New Zealand by physical therapist Robin McKenzie. The McKenzie Method is a patient-centered approach with active patient involvement and education that is supported by sound scientific principles and current best research. Unlike other methods, the McKenzie Method is focused on empowering the patient to self-treat using simple, individually prescribed, exercises and postures. Healthcare practitioners and patients all over the world use the method for back pain, neck pain, shoulder and arm pain. The McKenzie method is now seen as a front line alternative to opioid prescription for its rapid resolution of sciatica, lower back pain, neck pain, shoulder and arm pain.

How it Works

It Starts with the Assessment
The assessment process is unique to the McKenzie Method. It begins with the gathering of a thorough history, followed by testing of movements and positions to identify distinct patterns of pain response and functional changes. This guides the clinician in identifying the underlying pain generator.

The Treatment
Using the information from the assessment, the clinician prescribes specific exercises and postures to form an individualized treatment plan. The patients are empowered to treat themselves on day 1!

Prevention
By learning how to self-treat the current problem, patients gain hands-on knowledge on how to minimize the risk of recurrence and to rapidly deal with a recurrence if one occurs. The exercise that is used to resolve the current problem can be effectively used for prevention.

About Jamie Mattswell, DPT, Cert. MDT

Jamie is the Clinic Director of FYZICAL Harborcreek. She is 1 of 12 McKenzie Certified Providers in the region. She joined our FYZICAL team in 2018 in our Corry clinic before opening the Harborcreek clinic in March of 2022. She graduated from Gannon in 2015 with her Doctorate in Physical Therapy.

Jamie specializes in neck and back pain, balance and dizziness, headaches, and post-surgical rehabilitation. She is focused on staying up-to-date on the latest treatment techniques and technology available to provide the best level of care to our patients. 

When she is not at FYZICAL, Jamie likes to spend her time playing hockey, cheering on the Cleveland Browns, and playing with her dogs!