University of Scranton - Department of Physical Therapy
Edmund M. Kosmahl, PT, EdD
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copyright 2000 Edmund M. Kosmahl
PT351 ORTHOPAEDIC PT
CENTRALIZATION AND PERIPHERALIZATION
These concepts are part of Robin McKenzie's system of classification
and treatment for spinal problems. Centralization means pain moves
up the extremity and toward the center of the spine. Even if the
pain becomes more intense, as long as it moves up the extremity and toward
the center of the spine it is centralizing. Peripheralization means
pain moves laterally away from the center of the spine and/or down the
extremity. McKenzie suggests that reduction of a disk derangement
is accompanied by centralization, and worsening of a disk derangement is
accompanied by peripheralization. Therefore, centralization is generally
thought to be desirable, and peripheralization is not.
CENTRALIZATION
PERIPHERALIZATION
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