The MDT Method at NRPT
The McKenzie Method, also called Mechanical Diagnosis and Therapy (MDT), is a system of assessment and care developed by physiotherapist Robin McKenzie. At Nick Rinard Physical Therapy in Portland, Oregon, we use this approach to understand how your symptoms respond to movement and to guide individualized treatment. The goal is to help you move better, return to the activities that matter to you, and learn ways to manage your symptoms.
Mechanical
We look at how your symptoms and movement change with daily activities, repeated movements, and sustained positions.
These responses help guide care. The assessment does not replace imaging or medical evaluation when those are indicated.
Diagnosis
Your history and examination help us classify the problem and choose an appropriate management strategy.
We explain the findings and reassess your response over time. If the presentation suggests you need further medical assessment, we discuss the next step with you.
Therapy
Treatment is matched to your findings and goals. It may include specific movements, exercise, education, and changes to activities that aggravate symptoms.
Hands-on treatment may be used when appropriate. The aim is to improve function and give you practical tools to manage your symptoms independently.
Assessment guides treatment
MDT emphasizes observing how symptoms respond to specific movements and positions, then using those findings to guide an individualized treatment plan.
The goal is to make the reasoning behind your treatment clear so you understand what you are doing and why.
What can an MDT evaluation help assess?
The McKenzie Method can be used to assess problems affecting the spine, joints, muscles, and tendons. Your history and examination help determine whether MDT-based treatment fits your symptoms or whether a different approach or medical evaluation is needed.
McKenzie Method: common questions
Are the McKenzie Method and MDT the same?
Yes. MDT stands for Mechanical Diagnosis and Therapy, the assessment and management system developed by Robin McKenzie. At NRPT, it guides how we evaluate symptoms and select an individualized treatment plan.
Is MDT always a back-extension exercise?
No. Your examination guides the choice of movement, exercise, and education. Different presentations can need different strategies, including gradual strengthening or activity progression.
What happens during an evaluation?
We discuss your symptoms, daily activities, and goals, then examine movement and function. Repeated movements or sustained positions may be used to see how symptoms and mobility respond. Read how treatment works at NRPT.
Will I learn exercises to use at home?
Self-management is a central part of MDT. When appropriate, your therapist teaches an individualized home program and explains how to monitor your response. Our self-treatment resources support the guidance you receive during care.
Learn more from The McKenzie Institute: What is the McKenzie Method? and What does it involve?
MDT physical therapy in Southwest Portland
Visit Nick Rinard Physical Therapy at 9700 SW Capitol Hwy, Suite 140, Portland, OR 97219. Ask a question or schedule an evaluation to discuss your symptoms and goals.
Schedule an EvaluationCall 503-244-6232
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