McKenzie Method & self treatment guides

A reflective piece on the self-treatment guides created by the late Robin McKenzie. A true pioneer and leader in our profession who was passionate about the treatment of musculoskeletal pain disorders. His work in renown world wide for ‘repeated movements’ and ‘directional preferences’ commonly known as the McKenzie Method of Mechanical Diagnosis and Therapy. His wisdom and pearls from years of patient management have been distilled into self-treatment guides. This blog reviews five of his books involving self-treatment of the neck, back, shoulder, hip and knee.

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Cervical Motor Control Part 3 - Does Posture Matter?

This week we continue to explore the research about motor control deficits in the cervical spine. Before discussing rehabilitation principles we are going to look at some new research about the role of sitting posture and how this impacts the action and load on muscles in the neck. 

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Cervical Motor Control Part 2 - Assessing More Than Deep Neck Flexors

Part 2 focusses on the range of clinical tests we have to measure both coordination and endurance of the deep cervical extensors and flexors. The aim of this blog is to expand our knowledge beyond the craniocervical flexion test and how they lead into rehabilitation principles.

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Treatment Strategies for Cervicogenic Dizziness

This is the forth (and final) sequel to three previous blogs on sensorimotor dysfunction, the distinguishing features and differential diagnosis of cervicogenic dizziness, this blog aims to explore the treatment strategies for cervicogenic dizziness.  Identifying deficits in sensorimotor function is only the beginning of a new approach to manage of whiplash associated disorders and cervicogenic dizziness, as we discover more about this dysfunction in cervical afferent function. 

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Cervical Radiculopathy Part 2 - Assessment & Diagnosis

This blog is dedicated to the physical examination for cervical radiculopathy. We discuss the current clinical prediction rule, neurodynamic tests and neurological examination involved in making this clinical diagnosis. 

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Cervical Radiculopathy Part 1 - Clinical Presentation

This is the first of a three part series on cervical radiculopathy. Cervical radiculopathy occurs when the cervical nerve roots are compressed resulting in pain, paraesthesia, and weakness into the upper extremity. The first step in making this clinical diagnosis is understanding dermatomal pain patterns indicative of nerve root pain. 

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