3-100 Wallace Street
Nanaimo, BC
About Us
Our
Philosophy
Assessments and Treatment: The McKenzie Method is a philosophy of active patient involvement and education that is trusted and used by practitioners around the world for neck, back, and extremity problems.
Step 1 Assessment: Unique to the McKenzie Method is a process that begins with a thorough history and testing to identify distinct patterns of pain responses that are: reproducible, objective, reliable, and reflect the characteristics of the underlying pain generator. The most common and meaningful pattern of pain response is Centralization, which is defined as a patient’s referred or radiating pain promptly reversing, returning to the center of the spine , and then usually abolishing.
If centralization occurs, it provides a rational guide to the most optimal treatment strategy for a specific patient. While every patient can benefit from the McKenzie Method of assessment, not all patients will be suitable for mechanical therapy, and this can be determined quickly so that alternative treatments can begin as soon as possible.
Step 2 Treatment: When appropriate, a series of individual exercises are prescribed based on the individuals Directional Preference that will centralize or abolish pain.
Step 3 Prevention: Most patients who do respond favorably to MDT can successfully treat themselves – and minimize the number of visits to the clinic- when provided with the necessary knowledge and tools putting them in control of their treatment safely and effectively.
Meet Our Team
Robert Jacobsen
Registered Physiotherapist
I graduated from the University of Manitoba in 1977 and then spent the first 10 years of my career honing my clinical skills at a variety of clinics around Canada. For the past 20+ years I have focused on the assessment and treatment of spinal disorders and post-concussion syndromes. Before moving to Nanaimo I spent 7 years as the Triage Clinician for the Spine Neurosurgical Program at Foothills Hospital.
In addition, I am the only Credentialed McKenzie Therapist on Vancouver Island. The McKenzie Method is a philosophy of active patient involvement and education that is trusted and used by practitioners around the world for neck, back, and extremity problems.
In my free time you can find me out on my Stand Up Paddleboard.
Maggie Murphy
Maggie a special interest in assessing and treating biomechanical problems involving the lower extremity. She got her start in the orthotic industry as the Western Canadian Manager for Footmaxx, where she was directly involved in training doctors how to assess and treat their clients. She then found her true passion in working directly her own clients. She has over 15 years’ experience in the orthotic industry to insure her clients receive the best possible solutions for their foot and leg complaints.
Maggie is also trained in the use of the BTE Multi Cervical Unit which is an evidence based tool which objectively evaluates cervical active range of motion (ROM) and isometric strength in multiple different positions. These measurements are used to create an individualized dynamic strength program that is performed on the machine with guidance. It is the most effective and complete system for the assessment and rehabilitation of patients suffering from chronic neck pain. It has been accepted worldwide as ‘The Missing Link in Neck Rehabilitation’.
More recently Maggie completed the training with Theralase to be certified in Cold Laser Treatment.
She is a mother of 2 lovely daughters and grandmother to 4 wonderful grandchildren. In her free time, you will find her in her kayak in the lake, Trikking on the E&N or Travelling to another destination on my bucket list.
