McKenzie Method
MOVEMENT. ASSESSMENT. UNDERSTANDING.
McKenzie Method
Physical Therapy
in Evanston.
Understand what changes your pain.
Find a clearer direction for treatment.
When back, neck or joint pain keeps interrupting your day, you deserve to understand what your examination shows and why a treatment is recommended.
Online scheduling through Skillz’s patient portal.
Care starts with a careful assessment.
Understanding comes before your exercise plan.
MDT-credential clinician
A 60-minute PinPoint Evaluation
A plan you can understand
THE McKENZIE METHOD
Your response to movement
helps guide your care.
The McKenzie Method, also called Mechanical Diagnosis and Therapy (MDT), is a system for assessing and managing problems involving the spine and joints.
Your therapist looks at how positions and repeated movements affect your symptoms and mobility. Those findings help determine whether MDT fits your needs and which treatment approach to recommend.
The aim is to help you move more comfortably and learn how to manage symptoms between appointments. [1]
YOUR FIRST VISIT
Start with a PinPoint Evaluation.
Set aside 60 minutes to discuss your concerns, assess your movement and understand the next step.
- 01
Tell us what has changed.
We discuss where you feel symptoms, what brings them on, previous treatment and the activities you want to return to. Bring questions about walking, sitting, sleep or exercise.
- 02
See how your body responds.
Your examination may include movement, strength and nerve-function checks. When appropriate, Aime uses repeated movements or held positions to observe changes in your symptoms and mobility.
- 03
Understand the findings.
We explain what the examination suggests, what remains uncertain and whether MDT is a useful option. You should understand the reason behind your recommended care.
- 04
Leave with a clear next step.
If exercise is appropriate, you learn what to do, how often and what changes to report. Your response helps us adjust the plan. Findings may also point to a different approach or further medical evaluation.
Bring your questions. We’ll work through them with you.
WHAT WE LOOK FOR
A change in pain can
tell us something useful.
We pay attention to where you feel symptoms, how intense they are and whether your movement changes.
These responses guide care. They do not, by themselves, prove which anatomical structure is causing pain.
Does a particular movement help?
Some people respond favorably to movement in a specific direction. The direction and exercise dose depend on the individual assessment.
Is pain retreating from the arm or leg?
In some spinal problems, symptoms move from farther down an arm or leg toward the spine during testing. This is called centralization. It is one response your therapist may monitor.
Not everyone shows this pattern. New or worsening symptoms need reassessment. [2]
IS IT RIGHT FOR YOU?
Start with your symptoms.
Let the assessment guide the choice.
MDT may be considered for several types of musculoskeletal pain. A diagnosis or scan result alone does not determine whether it will help.
Back pain & sciatica
Low-back symptoms, with or without pain extending into the buttock or leg.
Neck pain
Neck symptoms that interfere with turning, sitting, working or daily activity.
Other joint pain
Shoulder, hip, knee or other joint symptoms that warrant a closer examination.
If MDT does not fit your presentation, we explain the alternatives. Treatment should follow the findings. [2]
MEET YOUR CLINICIAN
& Therapy
Aime Maranan, PT, Cert. MDT
Founder & Lead Physical Therapist · Skillz Physical Therapy
Aime is credential in Mechanical Diagnosis and Therapy through the McKenzie Institute. At Skillz, she brings that assessment-based approach to care for people with back, neck and joint concerns.
Her role is to examine your symptoms, explain the findings and help you understand your options. Ask how the proposed plan relates to the activities that matter to you.
BETWEEN APPOINTMENTS
Know what to do
when you get home.
Your home plan should be specific enough to use in everyday life. Before you leave, ask:
- Which movement should I practice, and how often?
- What response should I look for?
- When should I stop and contact you?
- How will we measure progress toward my goals?
We reassess how you respond and update the plan as care progresses. Learning to manage symptoms is a goal of MDT. Results and visit needs vary. [1]
Is the McKenzie Method just back-extension exercises?
No. MDT is an assessment and management system. Exercises are selected from your response to examination. The same movement is not appropriate for everyone, and care may include education or hands-on treatment. [3]
Can MDT help if I have already tried physical therapy?
A new evaluation can review what you tried, how you responded and whether a different treatment direction is appropriate. Previous treatment does not tell us, on its own, whether MDT will help. Bring your prior exercise plan and any relevant reports.
Will I need an MRI before my appointment?
An MRI is not routinely required to begin an MDT assessment. Your history and examination help determine whether further testing or medical advice is needed. Bring existing imaging reports if you have them. [1]
How many visits will I need?
We cannot give a reliable visit count before evaluating you. Your symptoms, goals, examination findings and response to care help determine the plan. We review progress and explain when a change in approach is needed.
What if my symptoms do not respond to MDT?
We reassess rather than continuing an exercise simply because it was prescribed. Aime may adjust your treatment, consider another physical therapy approach or recommend further medical evaluation. [2]
Can I use insurance or pay privately?
Skillz offers insurance and private-pay options. Coverage, network status and out-of-pocket costs depend on your plan. Contact the clinic to confirm benefits and current evaluation pricing before your visit.
How do I schedule a PinPoint Evaluation?
Use the booking button to open Skillz’s patient portal and follow the scheduling steps. You can also call (847) 859-6240 for help choosing an appointment or discussing payment questions.
SKILLZ PHYSICAL THERAPY · EVANSTON
Take the next step
with a clearer plan.
Book a PinPoint Evaluation to discuss your symptoms, understand the findings and explore whether the McKenzie Method fits your needs.
Prefer to speak with us? (847) 859-6240
Learn more about MDT
