INTEGRATED KINETIC NEUROLOGY: An applied neuroscience approach
Throughout standard physiotherapy education, we get an insight into the neurology of the brain and body, but sadly are not given practical tools to address this neurological component. Of course with our clients that have more neurologically driven conditions, we may change our thought patterns to address things from a top-down perspective. However, do we ever really take time to consider how potential neurological imbalances may be impacting our clients with common musculoskeletal conditions.
Through an IKN lens, our goal is to address neurological imbalances on a simplistic level and integrate this with facilitation of balance through the musculoskeletal system to greatly enhance the regeneration of resources and thus lead to improved movement and threat modulation.
Having practical tools to work through local areas of pain or injury, and reintegrating this by bringing back as much symmetry as possible through the physical body & neurological system can greatly enhance recovery. Let’s take a common musculoskeletal complaint like hip pain with running. As a therapist or trainer, we address ROM restrictions, strength deficiencies around the hip, and throw as many hands-on techniques at the hip as possible. Despite utilizing a range of tools, our client still demonstrates the same discomfort once they hit mile 5 of their run.
From an IKN understanding, when we experience pain or stress, we fall into what we call a “disconnected state,” on a physical level and a neurological level. We spend all our time directing treatment through the physical layers, but forget to consider how the nervous system is the governor of all other systems can delay recovery. So, if on a sensory/neurological level we are still disconnected, we may never respond appropriately or hold any long-lasting change to more local techniques.
So what do we do about this? We need measurable tools to show clients how disconnection in these systems can drain their resources and delay recovery. We only have a certain amount of resources and so if we have to move ourselves in a heavily compensated state, then this is not an ideal environment to create and sustain change. We need to meet the client where they are. We cannot just dive right into working with the neurological system, but engage the client in the process and have them feel the changes. When we can empower the client with this simple understanding and simple tools to address the brain and body to bring about integration, then we can build a system so resourceful that we can respond to any threat we face down the road. This is the future of therapy. Making the complex simple to empower our clients to create long-lasting change on multiple levels.
What are you going to learn:
Read more about this course and its approach on our course page here.
