Robin McKenzie Against The Tide
Robin McKenzie Against The Tide
$30.00
Against The Tide – the compelling autobiography of internationally acclaimed physiotherapist Robin McKenzie OBE CNZM and his struggles to have his ground-breaking theories and principles of musculoskeletal care accepted by the medical fraternity. Viewed as radical at its inception, rejected and even derided by the established medical wisdom of the day, the McKenzie Method® of Mechanical Diagnosis and Therapy®, is now one of the most studied diagnostic and treatment systems for musculoskeletal pain in the world, has since received international recognition and acclaim, is taught and practised by medical professionals globally, and might legitimately be described as the prototype for the ideal non-invasive treatment protocols as promulgated in National Clinical Guidelines.
Author of the best-selling Treat Your Own Series, for Robin McKenzie the patient was at the heart of everything. The barriers that McKenzie faced in promoting a simple and effective treatment option seem irrational and extraordinary, and the reader is left puzzling over why the journey that has resulted in relief and cure for so many was so arduous, yet marvelling at the intrepid character of the man that travelled that hard road.
The Mckenzie Method Story
By placing a patient’s back in a controlled extended position, the patient reported their back pain beginning to disappear.
Knowing he was on to something, he started testing this with other patients, and got similar results.
After 10 hard years of collecting data, and 1000s of patient trials, Robin McKenzie introduced to the medical world proof of his discovery – they were shocked.

Introducing: The McKenzie Method.

Over the following decades, the McKenzie Method would turn into a global phenomenon, with Robin McKenzie becoming one of the world’s most renowned physiotherapists and the McKenzie Method being in use by tens of thousands of Physiotherapists worldwide.
But he needed a way for patient’s to be able to easily maintain this back position for longer periods of time. So, Robin had his wife, Joy, hand-make a prototype on his kitchen table, and the very first McKenzie Method lumbar roll was born.
In 1980, the first “Treat Your Own Back” book was published, allowing people experiencing back pain to treat their own back pain using the highly successful and proven McKenzie Method treatment techniques.
It has since sold over 5 million copies worldwide.
The new Signature Super Lumbar roll captures the success of that first roll made on Robin’s kitchen table, now with over 60 years of refinement and perfection – and still made in New Zealand.
Be a part of the McKenzie story with your very own McKenzie Method Lumbar Roll
Lower Back Exercises to Pair With Your The Mckenzie Lumbar Roll
Try these exercises in conjunction with your Mckenzie Lumbar Roll for best results:
An extract from the book: ‘Mckenzie Method Treat Your Own Back’
Lie face down (Position 1), and then place your hands under your shoulders in the press-up position (Position 2). Now you are ready to begin the exercise.
As you straighten your elbows, push the top half of your body up as far as pain permits (Position 3). It is important that you completely relax the pelvis, hips and legs as you do this, and remember to keep breathing normally.
Keep your pelvis, hips and legs hanging limp and allow your low back to sag. • maintain this position for a second or two, then lower yourself to the starting position. • repeat this movement cycle in a smooth rhythmical motion and try to raise your upper body a little higher each time, so that in the end your back is extended as much as possible, with your arms as straight as possible (Position 4).
Once your arms are straight, remember to hold the sag for a second or two as this is the most important part of the exercise. A more effective sag can be achieved by breathing all the way out while relaxing your low back, hips and legs. The sag may be maintained for longer than one or two seconds if you feel the pain is reducing or centralising.

Robin McKenzie is globally recognised as an authority on the treatment and prevention of back pain.
His method of Mechanical Diagnosis Treatment is used extensively in more than 27 countries.
2 reviews for Robin McKenzie Against The Tide
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Axel De Coster –
A wonderful journey through the career of one of the most influential physiotherapist ever. Robin McKenzie’s story should serve as an example of perseverance for people who want to show their discoveries but fear to be criticised.
Ralph –
Robin Mckenzie led a charmed life and developed MDT by astutely observing his patients in his physiotherapy practice in New Zealand. He worked hard to disseminate his methods throughout the world and established the McKenzie Institute. I personally benefited from treatment by an MET trained physiotherapist for low back / hip pain. I enjoyed reading about the man who made my relief possible and was happy to learn that he found time to enjoy life and do some sailing as well as raise four children with his wife Joy, who sounds like a wonderful woman.