Happy 80th Birthday, Robin McKenzie!

April 20, 1931 was an important day in history. But perhaps it wasn’t important for the reasons that you think.

This is the date of birth for one Robin McKenzie, a physiotherapist from New Zealand. Mr. McKenzie’s astute clinical observations lead him to develop the McKenzie Method of Mechanical Diagnosis And Therapy. In 1981, he published his first text on MDT as it applies to the assessment and treatment of the lumbar spine, and since then has released books on MDT applied to the spine and extremities. He has contributed a unique and innovative approach to patient classification (and focus on self treatment) which has continued to gain research support over the years.

Not only has McKenzie laid the foundation for an assessment and treatment paradigm, he has provided the world with the first true “patient-centered” competent self care approach for musculoskeletal problems.

This didn’t come without great challenges and resistance from many angles, from outside his profession and from within.

As Einstein once noted, “Great spirits have often encountered violent opposition from weak minds" and McKenzie has certainly faced some significant opposition from groups that have eventually embraced his thinking. He has written extensively about these challenges in “Against The Tide”.

I began my MDT training in 1994, completed the credentialing process in 1996, and then subsequently completed the Diploma program in 1998. At that time, I was one of 150 or so clinicians worldwide to have completed the highest level of training in the McKenzie Method. Now, those numbers are over 330. I have had the good fortune to speak with him on a number of occasions, and have also proudly worked as the Editor of the McKenzie Institute USA Journal and the inaugural McKenzie Institute International Journal.

I have also had the honor of having McKenzie read and review my own work, “RunSmart: A Comprehensive Approach To Injury-Free Running”.

I can say, without question, that Robin McKenzie’s approach to patient care has changed the world in which I live. It has provided a new pair of glasses through which to view life. It has changed how I perceive my role in the patient’s care. McKenzie has inspired me to become a better clinician, to always seek to foster patient independence and to be the patient's advocate. His work has made me challenge my beliefs and thoughts as both a clinician and as a person, for which I will be forever grateful and appreciative.

Robin, on this day, in this time of celebration, I raise a glass to toast your 80th birthday. Best wishes for your birthday and many more to come! Cheers!