Who Is McKenzie—and How Can They Help My Back Pain?

Alicia Baughman, PT, DPT, OCS, Cert. MDT, Area Leader

If you’ve been dealing with back pain, you might have heard your physical therapist mention something called the McKenzie Method. And if you’re wondering who this McKenzie person is and how they’re supposed to help your back feel better—you’re not alone.

Let’s break it down.

What Is the McKenzie Method?

The McKenzie Method of Mechanical Diagnosis and Therapy (MDT) was developed in the 1950s by Robin McKenzie, a physiotherapist from New Zealand. His approach is now recognized around the world as a trusted method to treat not just back pain, but also pain in the neck, arms and legs.

The goal is to help your body heal itself—using movement, not just hands-on treatment.

How Does It Work?

There are four steps in the McKenzie Method:

Assessment – Your therapist learns what movements cause or ease your pain.
Classification – They figure out why you’re hurting—usually from a movement or position.
Treatment – You’ll get a simple plan that includes certain exercises and posture tips.
Prevention – You’ll learn how to keep pain from coming back.

In short, McKenzie therapy works to find what causes your pain—and teaches you how to fix it.

What Makes McKenzie Different?

This method is different because it’s very personalized. Your physical therapist looks closely at your symptoms and how they change with movement. Then, they create a plan that fits you.

Your plan might include:

Repeating certain movements or holding certain positions
Avoiding postures that make your pain worse
Hands-on help, if needed
Easy home exercises you can do yourself
Regular check-ins to see how you’re improving
Tips for staying pain-free in the future

Most importantly, you learn how to manage your pain on your own, instead of relying only on your therapist.

Is Every PT Trained In McKenzie?

While many physical therapists use elements of the McKenzie Method, not all are certified MDT (Mechanical Diagnosis and Therapy) providers. To become certified, therapists must complete a series of advanced courses and pass a rigorous certification exam through the McKenzie Institute.

To know if your provider is certified, just ask! You’re looking for the designation Cert. MDT (behind their name.

Where Can I Find a Certified McKenzie PT?

At LHM Physical Therapy, many of our clinics have therapists who are certified in the McKenzie Method. Even when used along with other treatments, this approach can be a powerful tool to help you feel better—faster.

👉 Click here for a list of our clinics that offer McKenzie Physical Therapy

Want to Learn More?

Here’s a helpful resource from the McKenzie Institute:

What Is the McKenzie Method?

If you’re tired of back pain and want a better way to treat it, reach out to our team to determine if the McKenzie Method could be the solution you’ve been looking for.