Post Rehab Tip #14 - When do I use McKenzie or back extension exercises?

McKenzie or back extension exercises are best used with clients diagnosed with lumbar disc herniation. The goal of McKenzie exercise is to centralize radiating pain into the low back and then eliminate the pain. In recent years I have noted the shotgun use of McKenzie exercise on all lumbar post rehab clients. The McKenzie exercise concept should be used with discogenic clients in a very structured process. There are 3 exercises associated with the McKenzie concept. They are:

1) Prone Lying

2) Prone Prop

3) Prone Press-Up

These exercises, properly used with strategies to minimize spinal flexion and prolonged sitting, will make a significant difference in managing the post rehab lumbar disc herniation client after their discharge from physical therapy or chiropractic care. Click the link below to watch my demonstration of the McKenzie exercise sequence.

Dr Mike