Masterclass: MDT Management of Radicular Syndrome

MDT Masterclass: MANAGEMENT OF RADICULAR SYNDROME

This 2-day 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.

MDT Masterclass: Management of Radicular Syndrome
2 Sessions Online / MOUNTAIN TIME
Scheduling Note: European-based instructor results in an early start time.
Session 1 SAT 01NOV, 2025: Online live with instructor 6:00AM–1:30PM (MT)
Session 2 SUN 02NOV, 2025: Online live with instructor 6:00AM–1:30PM (MT)
Schedule notes: The course needs to start early in MT because the instructor is located in the Netherlands which is 8 hours ahead. Its are early start and early finish for everyone located in AB!

Fee: $500.00
Instructor: Hans van Helvoirt PT, Dip. MDT (MI Netherlands)
Facilitator: Fiona MacKenzie PT, Dip. MDT (MI Canada)
Note: For further details please refer to course page on the MICanada website.
Register at: www.mckenzieinstitutecanada.org

FEEDBACK FROM FELLOW CLINICIANS FROM PAST MASTERCLASS:
• This was a very informative course that furthered my knowledge and understanding of this topic. The instructor(s) did an excellent job. Thank-you!
• Hans was a wonderful instructor. He is able to adeptly transfer his knowledge while encouraging critical thinking from the participants at the same time. He and Fiona also make a great team! Thank you!
• Very well organized and full of information and backed with research /studies.
• I am no longer nervous or afraid to move clients with radiculopathies; I look forward to it.
• The updated research and Hans vast clinical experience on the topic enhanced my knowledge and understanding.

Course Outline includes:
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.

The McKenzie Institute Canada is a not-for-profit organization and one of the 28 global branches of McKenzie Institute International. In addition to those countries with branches, the Institute also presents its education programme in another 12 countries.


ASSESS, DIAGNOSE and TREAT with CONFIDENCE
MDT is a comprehensive biopsychosocial classification system that enables clinicians to reliably classify specific sub-groups and successfully match the classification to the appropriate treatment. The MDT system identifies if the patient is unsuitable for mechanical therapy. A full history (with or without examination) can exclude patients with serious pathology or non-mechanical pain that require medical referral or non-mechanical treatment approaches. With a thorough knowledge of the three syndromes (derangement, dysfunction and posture) a trained clinician can identify directional preference, centralization or other consistent mechanical responses in keeping with the MDT syndromes and their predicted response to treatment. Once the syndromes are ruled out, the clinician can more accurately identify other diagnoses such as SIJ, spinal stenosis, symptomatic spondylolithesis or non-mechanical presentations unsuitable for mechanical therapy [Danish Institute for Health Technology Assessment (1999) American College of Occupation and Environmental Medicine (2005)].

The McKenzie Institute Canada is a not-for-profit organization, one of 28 branches of the McKenzie Institute International. The McKenzie Institute offers a post-graduate Credentialling Program in Mechanical Diagnosis and Therapy® delivered by McKenzie Institute accredited experts. MICanada is the only sanctioned provider of MDT education in Canada, responsible for organizing and supporting MDT training across the country. In Canada alone, hundreds of clinicians take our courses annually as they progress through the McKenzie Institute Credentialling program to becoming Certified MDT clinicians.