MDT Perspective: Chemicals Won't Fix a Mechanical Problem!

"I have had back issues for a number of years which had gotten to the point that I could no longer even make it through the market without terrible back and leg pain. I had numerous injections in my back to help alleviate the problems. This would work for a few months then it was a shorter time frame that the injections would do any pain relief. At first the doctor recommended physical therapy, but in my head it made no sense to pursue it. How could I do all kinds of exercises when I couldn’t even walk without pain? After a few years of feeling that life was not good or enjoyable because I was so uncomfortable I decided to give physical therapy a try. Well, I am shocked at what a difference it has made. After just a few visits I noticed relief!! My physical therapist also noticed that I had another issue that the doctor never picked up on. I am retired and planning a trip to the beach where I will be happy to walk the beach and pick up seashells without pain. I can now enjoy life and make it through the market again thanks to Maccio PT!" -Sharon

"This patient had over 6 injections and was prescribed Gabapentine and TENS, which had no effect on pain or function. Once a McKenzie (MDT) evaluation was performed it became clear that this patient's pain was mechanical in nature, not chemical, and when the corrective movement was prescribed the patient improved rapidly despite a 4 year worsening history. This is a common presentation that we see far too often and one of the most important reasons to consult with a skilled MDT clinician before pursuing long term pain management. We find 80% of chronic neck and back pain is fixable once properly understood." - Joseph R. Maccio, DPT, Dip. MDT

Hefford C. McKenzie classification of mechanical spinal pain: Profile of syndromes and directions of preference. Manual Therapy 2008; 13: 75-81.

May S, Aina A. Centralization and directional preference: a systematic review. Manual Therapy 2012;17: 497-506.

Maccio Physical Therapy, PLLC

The Capital Regions ONLY Certified

McKenzie Spine and Extremity Clinic

1 New Hampshire Ave, Troy, NY 12180

(518) 273-2121 www.macciophysicaltherapy.com

THE POWER TO CONTROL PAIN

MDT and Golf: Staying Focused One Step at a Time

"The Maccio Physical Therapy Clinic is a success story in itself. It’s more than a clinic, it’s a warm and inviting atmosphere where you almost begin to heal when you first walk in. The reception area is friendly and efficient and the therapists are capable, efficient and considerate. They care and that is part of my success story. I was a whole clinical work case in one person. I walked in with leg problems, developed back issues, a shoulder problem and then a hip problem. Each issue was handled caringly and relief ensured. Despite treatment progressing for each different problem, the original issues were never forgotten and I was treated as a whole person.

Thanks to the care and professionalism of Samantha Woitkoski, I am functioning in all the above areas in a normal life enhancing fashion. Sam is a great therapist and the Maccio team all part of a wonderful therapeutic environment." -William

MDT Slam Dunk!

"I started to suffer the worst pain over one year ago when I was playing basketball. It’s been a tough time because I couldn’t walk, stand or sit. The doctors in my hometown told me that I couldn’t play basketball anymore, which was a disaster to me.

At Maccio Physical Therapy, my therapists taught me how to get over the pain and how to get rid of the tightness along my leg. They brought my life back to normal. Most importantly, I went back to the basketball court! Now I am as good as before and I started to go to the gym and try to keep a healthy body. Thanks for healing me and helping me! Thanks for bringing basketball back to my life!" -Chen

Rapidly Reducing Pregnancy Pain with MDT

"At 24 weeks pregnant, I was referred to Maccio Physical Therapy by my midwife after experiencing intense pain from my pubic symphosis. My pain was unbearable consistently a level ten. I felt there was no hope and the next 16 weeks would be the same. It was hard to get in the car, dress myself, walk and even sit. After my first visit and one simple physical therapy movement, I felt better already. I continued my movement and the results were amazing. My pain lessened, my walk pattern improved and I gained more control back. I am very happy with my experience here at Maccio. My physical therapists were very kind, listening and supportive. Thank you so much!" -Amy

"This patient presented with pelvic girdle pain and low back pain due to pregnancy. As a physical therapy student, we were taught in school to work on strengthening, stretching, and stabilizing exercises for pregnancy patients with back pain which could take 10+ weeks to improve the patient's symptoms. This being my first time treating pregnancy pain, I was expecting this to be a long slow progress of relieving the patient’s symptoms. At the initial evaluation and a thorough MDT assessment, a single movement direction was determined to help treat this patient’s symptoms and I was amazed at how rapid the patient’s pain decreased on day one! If the patient’s pain was treated with traditional physical therapy, treatment most likely would be a longer slower process to minimize the patient’s symptoms. It is very encouraging, as a future physical therapist, to know through MDT, I can help my patients find a way to decrease their symptoms and get back to their life in no time!"

                                             -Leanne Egan, sDPT (student physical therapist)

"Over the last several years Maccio Physical Therapy, a Certified McKenzie Clinic, has had the opportunity to work closely with our local Mid-Wife clinics, that began referring women with pregnancy related lower back and pelvic pain. This opportunity has led to a very successful relationship and an 80% success rate in pregnancy related pain, which has previously been dismissed as non-treatable leading to very painful and stressful pregnancy. The use of MDT has been found to be safe and successful in the research and within our patient sample often rapidly effective, causing significant reduction in pain in just 24 hours."

                                             -Joseph R. Maccio DPT, Dip. MDT

Olusola A, Arinola S, Olusegun O. Effects of the McKenzie protocol on pregnancy-related back pain, Journal of Experimental and Integrative Medicine, 6,3, 2016

Murphy DR, Hurwitz EL, McGovern EE. Outcome of pregnancy-related lumbopelvic pain treated according to a diagnosis-based decision rule: a prospective observational cohort study, Journal of Manipulative and Physiological Therapeutics, 32,8, 2009

  

Picking the Right Type of Treatment Makes All the Difference

"When I first came here I was in pain even after a cortisone shot. I didn’t know what to expect when I came here as I had physical therapy before- which didn’t help. The only thing that helped was the “shot” but this time it did not.

I’m telling you, after 3 visits I was out of pain! These guys showed me how to do moves to relieve my pain whenever I did experience pain down my arm from my neck. They literally gave me my life back.

Thank you so much! I would highly recommend this place to anyone I meet with neck and back pain."-Lori

The Power to Control Your Pain with MDT

"I have struggled with knee and ankle pain for two years. I had problems with everything from standing bending and walking. After two short weeks of continuing exercises my pain diminished. With the help of my physical therapist, my ankles now feel awesome. I never thought of how good and free they feel without the sharp and aching pain. It has been a wonderful experience being free and bouncing on my step again. Everyone was so nice here and I had a wonderful experience in this place." -Jennifer

The Importance of Looking for Directional Preference

"I’ve had a disease called Ankylosing Spondylitis (or A.S. for short) for over 40 years. It is a type of arthritis that affects the spine. It starts with pain from the lower back and progresses onward to the neck. The spine’s bones (called vertebrae) fuse together causing rigidness and stiffness. The disease usually creates additional diseases. For me, I developed Pelvic Pain Syndrome about 20 years ago. I was prescribed Elmiron and took it 3 times a day for 15 years.

Last year I was sent to Maccio Physical Therapy in Troy, NY to see if they could help with the pain. After a few minutes with Joe Maccio Jr. we started doing back bends which right away helped ease the pain and discomfort. After one year doing back bends 2-3 times a day the pain from this disease diminished by 90%. I’m so glad I came to Maccio Physical Therapy and will forever be grateful to Joe Maccio Jr." - Peter