Doctors and other medical professionals can give you medication, treatment, and advice that can help you heal from an injury or illness, but ultimately your own body has to repair itself. The McKenzie method of physical therapy recognizes this and empowers patients to take control of their own healing process. A McKenzie physical therapy provider, like those at Hands-On Physical Therapy, will design a therapy regimen that will include exercises and stretches to repair and rebuild your body. Here are three things you should know about the exercises used during McKenzie physical therapy:

1. They are assigned after careful diagnosis.

Your physical therapy provider will first diagnose you through careful observation and manipulation of your body, including the muscles and joints. McKenzie physical therapists tend to rely on direct observation and communication with the patient about their symptoms, rather than machine diagnosis. Once your therapist understands the cause of your pain, they will decide which exercises will suit you best.

2. They must be done regularly.

Your physical therapist will have you perform some of your assigned exercises during your therapy appointment, which will allow them to observe your form. They will make any corrections necessary, since improper form can cause the exercises to be ineffective. Once you understand your routine, you'll be assigned some homework to do until your next appointment. It's very important that you carry out all the exercises assigned to you on the proper schedule. If you skip your homework, you're only hurting yourself, as this will set back your recovery.

3. They can be performed without special equipment.

Since you'll be expected to continue doing your exercises at home, all the exercises assigned to you will be possible without special equipment. Most of them are bodyweight exercises that utilize the resistance of gravity in order to condition your muscles slowly over time. You may occasionally need to use a wall or chair to complete certain exercises, but any equipment you need will be items typically found in every home.

Your physical therapist will design a recovery plan that is individually tailored to your needs. It will take into account your overall level of physical fitness, the severity of your injury, and your progress so far. You should always listen to your therapist first and foremost and attend all scheduled appointments so they can monitor your progress. This list of exercise facts can simply give you an idea of what to expect out of your treatment.