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ADMH Physical Therapy Department First Canadian Clinic
to Achieve McKenzie Institute Certification
In December 1997, the Physical
Therapy Department of the Arnprior & District Memorial Hospital
(ADMH) became the first Canadian clinic to be recognized for its
excellence in the McKenzie method of spinal care. It achieved
international certification from the prestigious McKenzie
Institute, joining other clinics world-wide that have met the
Institute’s high-quality standards.
The McKenzie spinal mechanical
assessment and treatment method focuses on the identification of
movement loss and pain in response to positions and repeated
movements. The system of analysis recognizes the presence of
disc degeneration, arthritis, slippage of vertebrae, sacro-iliac
and hip problems, among other conditions.
The McKenzie method of spinal care
evolved from a chance discovery of the 1950s. Robin McKenzie, a
physical therapist in New Zealand, was able to treat a chronic
low back pain and sciatica simply by moving the spine in certain
directions. Since that time, this method of mechanical
diagnosis and therapy has evolved with scientific research.
To achieve the recognition, ADMH
Physical Therapy Department staff reviewed the criteria and
found they had met the strict credentialling requirements as
outlined by McKenzie Institute International, a charitable
trust. Sheila McBride, Director, travelled to New Zealand in
1994 to take the three-month McKenzie Diploma program—another
requirement. She has since become a McKenzie Institute
International, Canadian and US Branch faculty member, teaching
weekend courses to physiotherapists throughout North America.
The department’s other physical therapist has achieved a
standard level of McKenzie training. As well, the clinic must
have an automated treatment table (called a REPEX), which helps
to reposition the disc and stretch soft tissue to eliminate
pain.
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