The McKenzie Method of Mechanical Diagnosis and Therapy (MDT) is an inclusive, evidence-based process of examiniation, evaluation, diagnosis, prognosis, intervention, and prevention targeted at patient education and independence to take control of painful spinal and extremity problems.

Answer "yes" or "no" to the following questions to see if MDT is an option for you.

• Are there periods in the day when you have no pain? Even 10 minutes?
• Do you only have pain when you move your arm and shoulder?
• Are you generally better with your arm at your side or supported accoss your body?
• Are you generally worse during or after prolonged periods of holding your arms in a raised position such as driving, painting, welding, hedge trimming, etc?
• Is your pain produced or made worse when you lie on your affected shoulder?
• Is the pain confined to areas above the elbow?
• If you have pain in the upper or lower arm, does it sometimes stop completly even though you may still have pain in the shoulder?
• Have you ever had several episodes of shoulder pain over the past months of years?
• Is you shoulder pain-free between episodes?
• Are you able to move your arm freely in all directions without pain between episodes?

If you answered "yes" to 4 or more of these questions ask a physical therapist about MDT today to help get you back to doing what you love pain-free. With the help of MDT you can see results in as little as 2-3 visits, have experienced clinicians use sound treatment interventions that are based on evidence to create a tailored plan of care just for you, and minimize expensive procedures such as needles, injections, and surgeries.

If you are unable to seek help from your physical therapist right away try these tips to help and ease some of the shoulder pain you may be feeling.

• Rest
• Ice (if the injury just occured) for a maximum of 20 minutes
• Heat (if the injury occured a while ago)
• Stretch the effected shoulder
• Limit use of NSAIDs such as Aleve or Advil

Call us today for a free 10-minute phone consultation with out certified MDT physical therapist.

References from mckenzieinsituteusa.org and fishertitus.org