The McKenzie Method®

What Is The McKenzie Method®?

The McKenzie Method® is a research-supported system for evaluating and treating spine and joint pain. Instead of focusing only on symptoms, it identifies the mechanical cause of your pain and uses movement to guide treatment.

At Pinnacle Hill Chiropractic, our McKenzie Method®–trained providers use this approach alongside chiropractic care to create a targeted and efficient plan for recovery.

The goal isn’t just short-term relief—it’s better mobility, reduced pain, and understanding of how to manage your condition long-term.

How the McKenzie Method® Works

The McKenzie Method® uses a structured test-and-retest approach to determine how your body responds to specific movements.

Movement-Based Assessment

Your provider evaluates how your symptoms change with repeated movements and positions.

Directional Preference

We identify which movements reduce your pain and which make it worse, helping guide treatment.

Ongoing Reassessment

Your response is monitored at every visit to ensure your care stays effective and personalized.

This process allows us to quickly identify the most effective treatment approach and begin targeted care right away.

What Is Centralization?

A key concept in the McKenzie Method® is centralization—a sign that your condition is improving.

Centralization occurs when pain that has spread into the arms or legs begins to move back toward the spine.

Examples include:

  • Sciatica moving from the calf back toward the low back
  • Arm pain from the neck shifting toward the shoulder

This is a strong indicator that treatment is working and that healing is progressing in the right direction.

Benefits of the McKenzie Method®

Key benefits of The McKenzie Method® include:

  • Highly individualized care based on your response to movement
  • Identifies movements that reduce or worsen pain
  • Provides targeted exercises to speed recovery
  • Reduces reliance on passive treatments
  • Effective for both acute and chronic conditions
  • Focuses on long-term function and prevention
  • Supported by decades of clinical research

Because this method teaches you how to manage your own symptoms, many patients experience faster improvement and fewer recurring flare-ups.

Prevention-Focused Care

The McKenzie Method® empowers patients with tools to manage and prevent future pain.

You’ll learn how to:

  • Recognize early signs of a flare-up
  • Understand how posture affects your spine
  • Use specific movements to control symptoms
  • Prevent recurring back or neck pain
  • Maintain long-term spinal health

Many patients leave care feeling confident managing their condition independently.

Common Injuries and Conditions We Treat with the McKenzie Method®

This approach is commonly used to treat:

Spine-Related Conditions

Movement & Postural Issues

  • Recurrent or episodic spine pain
  • Work-related or posture-related pain

Extremity Joint Pain

  • Shoulder pain
  • Hip pain
  • Knee pain
  • Ankle pain
  • Elbow and wrist pain

If you’re unsure whether the McKenzie Method® is right for you, our providers can help determine the best approach during your evaluation.

Who Can Benefit from the McKenzie Method®?

The McKenzie Method® can help many different types of patients. It is especially helpful for people who:

  • Individuals with recurring back or neck pain
  • Patients with lingering joint or extremity pain
  • People whose pain changes with movement or position
  • Those who prefer an active, exercise-based approach
  • Patients who want tools to manage symptoms at home
  • Individuals looking to reduce fear around movement

This approach is ideal for patients who want to take an active role in their recovery.

Our Treatment Approach

At Pinnacle Hill Chiropractic, the McKenzie Method® follows a structured, movement-based approach tailored to your specific condition and response to treatment.

Your care may include:

  • A detailed movement-based assessment
  • Identification of your directional preference and pain pattern
  • Targeted home exercises based on your response
  • Ongoing reassessment at each visit
  • Integration with chiropractic adjustments when appropriate
  • Education to help you manage symptoms independently

Meet Our McKenzie Method® Trained Providers

Our experienced chiropractors are trained in ART® and other advanced soft tissue techniques to help you achieve lasting relief and optimal performance.



Dr. Sarah Tirimacco

Dr. Timothy Daly

Ready to Get Started?

If you’re dealing with pain or limited movement, we’re here to help.

Schedule an appointment to find out if the McKenzie Method is right for you.

Frequently Asked Questions About the McKenzie Method®

No. While some patients benefit from extension movements, others may require different directions. The McKenzie Method® identifies what works best for your body.

General exercise programs are often standardized. The McKenzie Method® is based on how your symptoms respond, making it highly individualized.

Yes. You’ll leave each visit with targeted movements designed to reduce symptoms and improve progress between appointments.

Some temporary discomfort during testing can occur and helps guide diagnosis. Your provider carefully monitors your response and avoids movements that cause lasting worsening.

No. While commonly used for disc issues, it is also effective for neck pain, sciatica, posture-related pain, and recurring spine conditions.

Many patients notice changes within 1–3 visits, especially when centralization occurs. Results vary depending on the condition.

For additional information, please refer to our Patient Information page.