Part A – MDT: Lumbar Spine

An introduction to the concepts and applications of the McKenzie Method® of Mechanical Diagnosis and Therapy® (MDT) focusing on the lumbar spine. Principle format is lecture, discussion and live patient demonstrations.

Course Outline includes:

• Epidemiology and predisposing factors
• Evidence for MDT in the lumbar spine
• Classification, examination and management of Derangement, Dysfunction, and Postural syndromes, and subgroups of OTHER
• Understanding pain and disability drivers and their relationship to MDT Classification
• Pathoanatomical considerations, movement and loading
• MDT Procedures: Rationale, clinical reasoning and application
• Patient demonstration, analysis and discussion

Instructional Level: Basic
Profession Eligibility Details: click here

Course Structure and Schedule:

The typical Part A course structure is 2 sessions online followed by 2 days in a clinic setting. Session 1 (the first online component) allows you to work at your own convenience and learn from an interactive blend of visuals, audio and video, but still participate in the live course that is so integral to the McKenzie educational programming. Session 2 is held online (typically on a Tuesday or Wednesday evening starting at 3pm through until 8pm or on a Saturday or Sunday morning from 7:30am until 12:30pm) and taught live by the course instructor. Sessions 3 and 4 are typically held in a clinic setting or depending on the course, they may be held online. Sessions 3 and 4 typically run 8am until 5pm on a Saturday and Sunday.

Total Hours: 28 contact hours (eduational hours not including breaks)
Delivery Method(s): 4 Sessions (a combination of online and in-person, or fully online)

Course Fees:
$695.00 (Purchase a PLUS Plan and SAVE $100.00 on a future Part B or C course.)

Course Resources:

• One time download of a digital, fillable course manual (pdf version). Course participants are responsible for downloading and storing manual appropriately as a $15.00 charge will apply for additional downloads.
• MDT Procedure Videos (Access provided from the course start date expiring 110 days from the end date of course. 365 day access is available with a valid PLUS Plan.)
• MDT Comprehension Self-test (Access provided post-course)

Part A Information and Tips:

• Some pre-course/session prep may be required prior to or during the course. Prep details will be made available approximately 10 days prior to the start of the course.
• Live instructed online courses/sessions require the student be visibly present and actively participate throughout the course. Attendees are required to use computer equipment with both camera and audio capabilities.
• Fully online courses require the registrant to recruit an asymptomatic patient model for the pratical sessions. Please read the individual course description for further details.
• MICanada courses are not recorded.
• In-person courses attire is business casual; appropriate for lab that can easily allow you to move and provide exposure to back, trunk or extremities
• The full textbook, THE LUMBAR SPINE: Mechanical Diagnosis & Therapy, can be purchased through The Physio Store.

Part B – MDT: Cervical and Thoracic Spine

This course examines how McKenzie MDT applies to the cervical and thoracic spines, utilizing the same teaching format as Part A and also begins with a comprehensive online session, followed by a three-day live course.

Course Outline includes:

• Pathophysiology and biomechanics of the cervical spine
• Subjective / objective assessment
• Review and treatment of the three syndromes
• Cervical headache and trauma ('whiplash')
• Complications, contraindications and outcome predictors
• Thoracic spine: anatomy, pathology, examination and treatment
• Patient demonstration, analysis and discussion

Prerequisite: Completion of Part A
Instructional Level: Intermediate
Profession Eligibility Details: click here

Course Structure and Schedule:

The typical Part B course structure is 2 sessions online followed by 2 days in a clinic setting. Session 1 (the first online component) allows you to work at your own convenience and learn from an interactive blend of visuals, audio and video, but still participate in the live course that is so integral to the McKenzie educational programming. Session 2 is held online (typically on a Tuesday or Wednesday evening starting at 3pm through until 8pm or on a Saturday or Sunday morning from 7:30am until 12:30pm) and taught live by the course instructor. Sessions 3 and 4 are typically held in a clinic setting or depending on the course, they may be held online. Sessions 3 and 4 typically run 8am until 5pm on a Saturday and Sunday.

Total Hours: 28 contact hours (eduational hours not including breaks)
Delivery Method(s): 4 Sessions (a combination of online and in-person, or fully online)

Course Fees:
$695.00

Course Resources:

• One time download of a digital, fillable course manual (pdf version). Course participants are responsible for downloading and storing manual appropriately as a $15.00 charge will apply for additional downloads.
• MDT Procedure Videos (Access provided from the course start date expiring 110 days from the end date of course. 365 day access is available with a valid PLUS Plan.)
• MDT Comprehension Self-test (Access provided post-course)

Part B Information and Tips:

• Some pre-course/session prep may be required prior to or during the course. Prep details will be made available approximately 10 days prior to the start of the course.
• Live instructed online courses/sessions require the student be visibly present and actively participate throughout the course. Attendees are required to use computer equipment with both camera and audio capabilities.
• Fully online courses require the registrant to recruit an asymptomatic patient model for the pratical sessions. Please read the individual course description for further details.
• MICanada courses are not recorded.
• In-person courses attire is business casual; appropriate for lab that can easily allow you to move and provide exposure to back, trunk or extremities
• The full textbook, THE CERVICAL AND THORACIC SPINE: Mechanical Diagnosis & Therapy, can be purchased through The Physio Store.

Part C – MDT: Advanced Lumbar Spine and Extremities – Lower Limb

This course focuses on advanced McKenzie MDT principles and practical application for the lumbar spine and an introduction for the lower limb. Upon completion of the course, you will be given access to additional videos of MDT Procedures relevant to this phase in the curriculum.

Course Outline includes:

• Centralization of pain and recovery of function
• Exercises not taken far enough vs. inadequate time for reduction
• Patient instructions and exercises performed 'actively'
• Extension and flexion principles
• Extension in the presence of a lateral shift
• Adherent nerve root, sacroiliac and hip joints
• Technique practice and clinician confidence
• Patient demonstration, analysis and discussion

Prerequisite: Completion of Part A
Instructional Level: Advanced
Profession Eligibility Details: click here

Course Structure and Schedule:

The typical Part C course structure is 1 or 2 sessions online followed by 2 or 3 days in a clinic setting. Courses can vary depending on the available access to the hosting clinic facilities. Sessions 1 and 2 are typically taught live online by the course instructor. Sessions 3 and 4 are typically held in a clinic setting or depending on the course, they may be held online. Sessions 1 and 2 typically take place 1 or 2 weeks before Sessions 3 and 4. Please see below for some typical course schedules. Fully online courses require the registrant to recruit an asymptomatic patient model for the pratical sessions. Please read the individual course description for further details.

Total Course: 28 hours
Standard Course Timeline*: 4 Sessions (a combination of online and in-person, or fully online)

TYPICAL SCHEDULE 1:	Typical Start and End Time
Saturday / Online	7:30am - 12:30pm
Sunday / Online	7:30am - 12:30pm

Saturday / In clinic	8:00am - 5:00pm
Sunday / In clinic	8:00am - 5:00pm

 

TYPICAL SCHEDULE 2:	Typical Start and End Time
Saturday / Online	7:30am - 12:30pm
Friday / In clinic	2:00pm - 8:30pm

Saturday / In clinic	8:00am - 5:00pm
Sunday / In clinic	8:00am - 5:00pm

 

Course Fees:
$795.00

Course Resources:

• One time download of a digital, fillable course manual (pdf version). Course participants are responsible for downloading and storing manual appropriately as a $15.00 charge will apply for additional downloads.
• MDT Procedure Videos (Access provided from the course start date expiring 110 days from the end date of course. 365 day access is available with a valid PLUS Plan.)
• MDT Comprehension Self-test (Access provided post-course)

Part C Information and Tips:

• Please review your Part A course manual. Please make a list of any content that is still unclear or note any challenges you have encountered using the approach in your clinical practice to discuss during the course.
• Some pre-course/session prep may be required prior to or during the course. Prep details will be made available approximately 10 days prior to the start of the course.
• Live instructed online courses/sessions require the student be visibly present and actively participate throughout the course. Attendees are required to use computer equipment with both camera and audio capabilities.
• Fully online courses require the registrant to recruit an asymptomatic patient model for the pratical sessions. Please read the individual course description for further details.
• MICanada courses are not recorded.
• In-person courses attire is business casual; appropriate for lab that can easily allow you to move and provide exposure to back, trunk or extremities
• The full textbook, HUMAN EXTREMITIES: Mechanical Diagnosis and Therapy, can be purchased through The Physio Store.

 

• Make a list of any areas you still have questions about or that challenge you
  

Part D – MDT: Advanced Cervical & Thoracic Spine and Extremities - Upper Limb

This course focuses on advanced McKenzie MDT principles and practical application for the cervical and thoracic spine and an introduction for the upper limb. Upon completion of the course, you will be given access to additional videos of MDT Procedures relevant to Parts A – D curriculum.

Course Outline includes:

• Establishing correct diagnosis and identifying multiple diagnoses
• Recognizing appropriate vs. inappropriate changes
• Progression of forces in treatment
• Reactivation / functional restoration
• Patient compliance and reassessment
• Indications for use of advanced manual therapy techniques
• Application of advanced clinician techniques

Prerequisite: Completion of Part A, B and C*
Instructional Level: Advanced
Profession Eligibility Details: click here

Course Structure and Schedule:

The typical Part D course structure is 1 or 2 sessions online followed by 2 or 3 days in a clinic setting. Courses can vary depending on the available access to the hosting clinic facilities. Sessions 1 and 2 are typically taught live online by the course instructor. Sessions 3 and 4 are typically held in a clinic setting or depending on the course, they may be held online. Sessions 1 and 2 typically take place 1 or 2 weeks before Sessions 3 and 4. Please see below for some typical course schedules. Fully online courses require the registrant to recruit an asymptomatic patient model for the pratical sessions. Please read the individual course description for further details.

Total Course: 28 hours
Standard Course Timeline*: 4 Sessions (a combination of online and in-person, or fully online)

TYPICAL SCHEDULE 1:	Typical Start and End Time
Saturday / Online	7:30am - 12:30pm
Sunday / Online	7:30am - 12:30pm

Saturday / In clinic	8:00am - 5:00pm
Sunday / In clinic	8:00am - 5:00pm

 

TYPICAL SCHEDULE 2:	Typical Start and End Time
Saturday / Online	7:30am - 12:30pm
Friday / In clinic	1:30pm - 8:00pm

Saturday / In clinic	8:00am - 5:00pm
Sunday / In clinic	8:00am - 5:00pm

 

Course Fee:

$895.00 Starting in 2025, the course fee includes a one time challenge of the online Credentialling Exam within 24 months of the Part D (Canada only). MICanada will not provide a refund or course credit for anyone that selects not to challenge the Credentialling Exam.

Course Resources:

• One time download of a digital, fillable course manual (pdf version). Course participants are responsible for downloading and storing manual appropriately as a $15.00 charge will apply for additional downloads.
• MDT Procedure Videos (Access provided from the course start date expiring 110 days from the end date of course. 365 day access is available with a valid PLUS Plan.)
• MDT Comprehension Self-test (Access provided post-course)

Part D Information and Tips:

• Please review your Part A course manual. Please make a list of any content that is still unclear or note any challenges you have encountered using the approach in your clinical practice to discuss during the course.
• Some pre-course/session prep may be required prior to or during the course. Prep details will be made available approximately 10 days prior to the start of the course.
• Live instructed online courses/sessions require the student be visibly present and actively participate throughout the course. Attendees are required to use computer equipment with both camera and audio capabilities.
• Fully online courses require the registrant to recruit an asymptomatic patient model for the pratical sessions. Please read the individual course description for further details.
• MICanada courses are not recorded.
• In-person courses attire is business casual; appropriate for lab that can easily allow you to move and provide exposure to back, trunk or extremities
• The full textbook, HUMAN EXTREMITIES: Mechanical Diagnosis and Therapy, can be purchased through The Physio Store.

PART D Eligibilty for Clinicians that took Part C before 2011:
If you completed Part A to C prior to 2011 before the extremities were incorporated, we require you to:

• Audit Part C before taking Part D or successfully complete the Part C Comprehension Test by 80% or higher
• Purchase Plus Plan to gain access to and complete the updated A and B online components prior to the course.

MDT: Advanced Extremities

This intensive two day course will focus on more advanced principles and practical application through clinical reasoning, problem solving, analysis of case studies, assessment and treatment of patients, and technique work.

The goal of this course is to build on prior knowledge gained from the introduction of extremities in Parts C and D to:

• Appropriately apply the McKenzie Method of Mechanical Diagnosis and Therapy to patients with extremity problems;
• Distinguish between the McKenzie Syndromes (Postural, Dysfunction, and Derangement) as applied to the extremities;
• Provide appropriate management regimens for each of the syndromes;
• Identify when force progressions and force alternatives are required for the resolution of symptoms using McKenzie's 'progression of forces' concept;
• Design and apply appropriate MDT management for patients presenting with extremity symptoms to enable them to achieve their management goals.

Prerequisite: Completion of Part D
Instructional Level: Intermediate
Profession Eligibility Details: click here

Typical Schedule
Saturday-Sunday	8am until 5pm

Total Hours: 14 contact hours (eduational hours not including breaks)
Delivery Method(s): 2 Sessions (in-person or fully online, please seee individual course description for details)

Course Fee:
$500.00 (PRO Plan members save 10%)

Course Resources:

• One time download of a digital, fillable course manual (pdf version). Course participants are responsible for downloading and storing manual appropriately as a $15.00 charge will apply for additional downloads.
• MDT Comprehension Self-test (Available late 2024)

Part AE Information and Tips:

• Some pre-course prep may be required prior to the course. Prep details will be made available approximately 10 days prior to the start of the course.
• Live instructed online courses/sessions require the student be visibly present and actively participate throughout the course. Attendees are required to use computer equipment with both camera and audio capabilities.
• MICanada courses are not recorded.
• In person course attire is business casual; appropriate for lab that can easily allow you to move and provide exposure to back, trunk or extremities
• The full textbook, HUMAN EXTREMITIES: Mechanical Diagnosis and Therapy, can be purchased through The Physio Store.

Masterclass

MDT: Management of Radicular Syndrome

This 2-day fully ONLINE course presents the theory and application of Mechanical Diagnosis & Therapy as applied in the examination and treatment of patients with spinal and/or related radicular symptoms. Emphasis will be placed on the evaluation and management of lumbar and cervical radiculopathies.
The pathologies that can lead to radiculopathy will be described and the clinical elements of each discussed. The role of injections and surgery will be discussed, including the role of MDT in postoperative management. The differential diagnosis of other causes of symptoms in the limbs will be explored.
Material will be presented through a mix of oral presentations, interview presentations, case study analysis and group problem solving.  Clinicians who have some experience in the application of MDT in the context of spinal pathologies, will find this course particularly interesting and challenging.

Course Objectives
Through active participation in the training, participants will develop their ability to:

1. Describe the natural history of degenerative changes involving the spine and their relationship to the pathology of the nerve root.
2. Discuss the natural history of spinal disorders and the role of conservative treatment and surgical treatment.
3. Compare and contrast the signs and symptoms of somatic pain referred to the limb, from that arising from the involvement of a nerve root.
4. Identify patients with radicular symptoms that will respond to MDT management and set up an individualized management program.
5. Identify patients with radicular symptoms who do not respond to MDT and who require further medical investigations, interventions and / or surgical evaluations.

Prerequisite: Clinicians currently licensed to practice in Canada with completion of Part C or higher
Instructional Level: Advanced
Mode of Delivery: Online

Total Hours: 14.5 contact hours (eduational hours not including breaks)

Course Days	Course Start and End Time
Saturday	8:00am - 4:00pm Eastern
Sunday	8:00am - 4:00pm Eastern

*Please adjust the times accordingly for your local time zone. For further details please refer to the specific course page by clicking on the appropriate course link below.

Course Fee:
$500.00 (PRO Plan members save 10%)

Course Resources:

• One time download of a digital, fillable course manual (pdf version). Course participants are responsible for downloading and storing manual appropriately, as a $15.00 charge will apply for additional downloads

Masterclass Information and Tips:

• Some pre-course prep may be required prior to the course. Prep details will be made available approximately 10 days prior to the start of the course.
• Live instructed online courses/sessions require the student be visibly present and actively participate throughout the course. Attendees are required to use computer equipment with both camera and audio capabilities.
• MICanada courses are not recorded.

MDT Workshops

From time to time, MICanada will offer special MDT Advanced Workshops. These workshops have been specifically designed to provide MDT trained practitioners with an opportunity to refine their techniques and improve their clinical reasoning capabilities using a combination of lecture, case studies and role playing. 

The format and content will differ for each workshop. However, each workshop will have very specific educational objectives, specifically designed to strengthen your MDT knowledge and skills and to further refine your own abilities in applying these principles.  The shorter workshops will primarily take place online. The longer workshops will typically be held in a live classroom setting.  

Longer workshops count toward continuing education requirements for Diploma and Credentialled MDT Clinicians. Attending a two-day workshop will enable Dip or Cert MDT clinicians to fulfill their CCES requirement and maintain their status on The McKenzie Institute Canada Provider Locator.

MDT Workshops may include any combination of:

• Practice of techniques
• Advanced Case studies, role playing, and problem solving
• Open forum discussion of issues clinicians face applying MDT
• Patient assessment & problem solving (varies depending on type of workshop)
• Live instruction
• What’s new in MDT - latest research and trends.

Typical Workshop Length: 2 hours to 2 days. Each event varies so please read the description provided under each workshop listing.

Prerequisite: Please refer to the individual event listing, as pre-requisite may vary, depending on the course content.

Instructional Level: Please refer to the individual event listing, as the instruction level will vary depending on the content of the workshop.

Eligibility Details: Please refer to the individual event listing, as the instruction level will vary depending on the content of the workshop.

*Click on the course link below for specific details on each event.

Workshop Fees: The fees vary depending on the type of course offered. Please see the individual event listing for full details on price and content. Audit (Retake)fee is not applicable.