Part A – The Lumbar Spine 

Course Overview

This 28 hour course introduces the theory and concepts of the McKenzie Method of Mechanical Diagnosis and Therapy (MDT), as it is applied to the musculoskeletal system. 

The focus of this course, which is the first in the McKenzie education series, is the assessment, classification and management of patients with lower back problems and related referred pain and / or functional limitations.

The first part of the course is completed as an online learning module. The online  module must be completed prior to attending the remaining three days of face to face teaching. 

The principles of MDT and how they apply within the biopsychosocial framework, is the key focus of this course.  Participants will explore and practice the MDT assessment, classification and management process through lectures, workshops, discussions and patient demonstrations. 

The MDT classifications of Derangement, Dysfunction and Postural syndromes are described in detail and appropriate management plans are considered, with an emphasis on patient education and self-treatment. 

Indications for the use of clinician procedures are also discussed and hands on techniques demonstrated and practiced.  Subgroups not fulfilling the criteria of the McKenzie syndromes are introduced and the basis for their differential diagnosis is outlined.

Patient demonstrations are used to illustrate the reassessment process and allow participants to get a realistic impression of the impact of the MDT system on different patient presentations, over 2-3 treatment sessions.

The course includes an illustrated manual and reference list. 

Course Goals

This course will provide participants with the introductory knowledge and basic skills to begin to:

  1. Describe and discuss the principles of MDT and how they fit within the biopsychosocial framework, for patients with lumbar spine problems and functional limitations. 
  2. Appropriately apply the McKenzie Method of MDT to patients with lumbar spine problems.
  3. Distinguish between the MDT syndromes (Derangement, Dysfunction, Postural) and OTHER subgroups and provide appropriate management plans for each. 
  4. Identify when the application of external forces is required, using MDT’s concept of ‘Progression of Forces’.
  5. Recognise how to assist patients to design and apply the therapeutic processes to achieve their goals, taking into account any personal or environmental barriers to recovery.

Total Course time: 7 hours online, 21 hours live course

Course Fees

$945.00 incl GST

  • 10% discount off both course fees is offered to non-members who book and pay for 2 courses at the same time (A+B, A+C, B+C, B+D, C+D) 
  • 15% discount off all course fees is offered to non-members who book and pay for 4 courses at the same time (A+B+C+D)
  • 30% discount off the course fee is offered to final year undergrad students who book for a Part A course - must provide evidence of undergrad student status and proof of indemnity insurance e.g. via APA membership.
  • 10% discount off the course fee is offered to MIA members who book and pay for any Part A-D course
  • 50% discount off the course fee is offered to Credentialed/Diplomaed members who book and pay for any Part A-D course - this allows these members to meet the requirement for remaining on the Clinician Locator.

Practical Sessions

During the practical sessions, participants are requested to wear suitable clothing, allowing easy access to the spine.

Professional Indemnity Insurance

As this is a practical course that may involve performance of exercise and manual therapy procedures on other participants, attendees are required to have suitable professional liability insurance.

Order of Courses

  • Part A must be completed first and Part D last. 
  • Participants may choose the order in which they complete Parts B and C. 
  • Full completion of Parts A-D is a prerequisite for the International Credentialling Exam.