By Craig Liebenson, DC …. and comments in (parenthesis), links, and pictures added by Kevin G. Parker, D.C. .
The Role of Manipulation in Rehabilitation
Video of Dr. Craig Liebenson Link: “Modern Spine Care” (MSC)
According to Karl Lewit, M.D. (author of Physical Medicine and practices in a hospital near downtown Prague) segmental dysfunction (stuck fixated joint) is the key reflex change associated with pain.1
Image 1-Excess scar tissue with no motion(stuck joint) #2 shows joint motion=Healthy joint tissue
“Thus, assessing and treating joint dysfunction is the first line of treatment.”-Karl Lewitt, M.D. (wow!)
“He who treats the sight of pain is lost…”-Karel Lewit, M.D.
[Karl Lewitt, M.D.- graduated from Medical University in Prague and practices that same town in Czechoslovakia. He had an emphasis in neurology and has a best seller the second edition of Physical Medicine. Dr. Lewitt was fascinated with the dynamics of chiropractic science and manipulative techniques. Over the years he studied osteopathy as well as chiropractic to advance his skills. He has published over 250 professional articles in numerous languages and speaks comfortably in English, German, French, Russian, and Czechoslovakian. He has lectured at numerous chiropractic conferences and is standard text in chiropractic colleges throughout the world.]
Unfortunately, many times relapse occurs due to the sources of joint overstrain having gone undiagnosed.
By far the most important such perpetuating factor is the presence of faulty movement patterns. Thus, remedial exercise and activity modification advice are the second line of treatment after manipulation. (Ergonomic changes to your work station and learning appropriate core strengthening routines)
In recurrent or chronic cases, Lewit says the key is to identify the faulty pattern (gait, lifting, respiration, spinal statics, etc.), then find the “key link” that is “chained up” to the pattern.1,2
Many of these patterns can be assessed through simple tests of key movement stereotypes developed by Janda (hip extension, hip abduction, trunk flexion).2
[Dr. Vladimir Janda-I (Kevin G. Parker, D.C.) had the pleasure and privilege to attend Dr. Janda’s classes and workshops at LACC (now SCU) 1987-89. He sadly passed away November 25, 2002. Dr. Janda graduated from medical school at the Charles University in 1952, where he later chaired its hospital’s Department of Rehabilitation Medicine. He became a full professor at the university in 1983, specializing in neurology and physical medicine and rehabilitation. He is considered the “father of Czech rehabilitation” in Prague.
Dr Vladimir Janda-Timeless Quotes and Concepts
Dr. Janda worked with the International Federation of Manual Medicine and the International Federation of Manual Therapists. He was able to transmit his ideas equally well to scientists, medical physicians, physical therapists and chiropractors. He also spoke multiple languages.
Janda was initially trained as a neurologist who later specialized in manual medicine (Muscle and Joint Manipulation) and rehabilitation; he was uniquely qualified to explain the complex nature of chronic pain syndromes in a manner that integrated neurologically based principles with manual techniques. His books have been translated into four languages in numerous editions. He also published nearly 200 papers, and served as an advisor to the World Health Organization (WHO), helping to prepare the third WHO report on rehabilitation in 1981 in Geneva.]
[another side note: Dr. Janda taught Dr. Stuart McGill (one of the world’s best when it comes to understanding the back and spine) how to assess different kinds of movement disorders and syndromes.] Link on Dr. McGill article by me:
Recent evidence showing the relationship between key stabilizers, such as the multifidus and transverse abdominous and back pain, lends credence to this approach.3-8
Rehabilitation of the Motor System
The goal of treatment is to improve performance and the function of the movement patterns first cortically and then subcortically.
This is important because most injuries occur following exposure to unexpected perturbations. (postural perturbations- a small unexpected change in the physical balance system)
Bogduk says, “After prolonged strain, ligaments, capsules, and IV discs of the lumbar spine may creep, and they may be liable to injury if sudden forces are unexpectedly applied during the vulnerable recovery phase.”9
[Dr. Nikoli Bogduk– is an anatomist and surgeon from Queensland Australia. He is an internationally known expert in the pain management world–and the world of anatomists. He and his cohorts were the first to document the presence of nociceptive nerve fibers (pain fibers) in the human disc in the late 80’s. His discovery revolutionized the management of axial complaints (spine) and has offered us great insight into the nature of the spinal discs and facet joints as pain generators. The result has been a tremendous increase in the number of pain management techniques. As important, we now have a scientific basis the axial complaints of our patients and can better explain to them the reason why pain exists even though objective studies (MRI, CT, X-ray, EMG, etc) do not show fractures, disc herniations or nerve damage.]
A continuum of care incorporating a gradual transition from passive to active care approaches can be used to facilitate a “weak link.”
Passive, semi-active, and active approaches might include:
Joint manipulation — passive
Trigger point therapy — passive
Post-isometric relaxation (PIR) of an overactive antagonist muscle — semi-active
Reflex activation of intrinsic stabilizers by propriosensory training — active
Once the “weak link” is facilitated the patient can be educated to isolate the muscle during specific training exercises.
These exercises are always performed in a “functional range” which minimizes joint strain and maintains coordination and proximal stability.
Such exercises should be progressed towards activities which closely resemble the patients activities of daily living (ADLs) or demands of employment (DE).
Rehabilitation involves a comprehensive prescription of advice, manipulation and exercise.2
The goal of advice is to reduce strain on the locomotor system.
The goal of manipulation is to restore function in a “key link” (i.e., segmental movement restriction) which is “chained up” with the pain generating structure (i.e., myofascial trigger point).
The goal of exercise is to stabilize the osteoligamentous system: in other words, to reduce stress at key joints/discs that is caused by abnormal movement patterns.
Abnormal movement patterns should be viewed as the main perpetuating factor of both segmental movement restriction (stuck fixated joint) and myofascial trigger points.
Dense random scarring of connective tissue
Normal Connective Tissue
Faulty movement patterns are common in our modern society with the prolonged time spent in constrained postures. This static overload causes predictable muscle imbalances and joint overstrain.
For instance, we have all observed tight upper trapezius, pectorals, and suboccipital muscles in our patients. At the same time, we have observed head forward, round shouldered, and stiff upper thoracic kyphosis frequently. That these are tied together is obvious.
Manipulation of the stiff upper thoracic kyphosis is needed. But, in many cases there will be relapse. Thus, it is also necessary to retrain static posture (i.e., Bruegger advice) and restore muscle balance.1,2
The Place of Manipulation
Manipulation is the quickest and simplest tool for restoring function in the locomotor system. Its reach extends well beyond the joints to include muscles, fascia and even skin.
What is its aim? To normalize a “bind” or resistance to motion which is interfering with normal function. This “bind” is what Sandoz called the pathological barrier. (stuck fixated joint)
This barrier phenomena is very poorly understood, yet it is the very basis for chiropractic’s most fundamental technique, the high-velocity short-amplitude thrust.
Additionally, if we don’t develop our understanding of manipulation to include other “release” techniques such as PIR, we are at risk of falling behind other professions as manipulation develops world-wide.
Palpation of the barrier in joints, muscles, fascia and skin is fraught with uncertainty. Notoriously poor interobserver reliability is considered the norm with our palpation.
Fortunately, intraobserver reliability and thus responsiveness of motion palpation has been shown to be more promising. Nonetheless, in rehabilitation, since measurable improvements in function, especially reduction in activity intolerances is our goal, manipulation has a vital role to play: in particular, manipulation of some “key link” which has been determined to be related to faulty function in our patients activities of daily living or job demand.
A classic example is a movement restriction of the sacroiliac joint impairing forward bending movements. Identification of a joint restriction must precede manipulative therapy or else treatment is “blind.” (stuck fixated joint)
Also, palpation must feel the “release” that occurs when manipulation has been successful. In thrust techniques we hear the cavitation and can perform a post-treatment palpation to confirm the improvement.
However, palpation of release becomes a sensitive ally in PIR, fascial and skin techniques as well. For example, in PIR or muscle energy techniques for joint restrictions we first take up the slack and engage the barrier.
Then we ask the patient to gently contract against our resistance away from the barrier. After a brief isometric effort, usually combined with synkinetic breathing and eye movements, the patient is asked to relax and we wait. We wait for a release of the barrier; when we feel it, we follow by taking up the slack to the new barrier.
Manipulation is essential to rehabilitation of the motor system.
“Remedial exercise is time consuming and time should not be wasted.” It is the manipulation of some “key link” which is related to the activity intolerance that is the most economical and often efficacious treatment.
Obviously, if abnormal movement patterns are “programmed,” relapse may occur and remedial exercise aimed at restoring muscle balance and healthy movement patterns in one’s ADLs and DE will be necessary.
Other good reads:
PAIN-Why Things Hurt-Lorimer Moseley
Fascia-The Secret Life of Fascia-Charles Poliquin blog 2011
Myofascial Release Technique-Active Release Technique (ART)
Muscle Trigger points vs Acupuncture points
Manipulation in Improving Motion and Joint Health ~Review of Medical literature
Back Pain-Insider Secrets revealed-San Fran Gate 2012
A New Gatekeeper for Back Pain
Fish oil-Neurosurgeon for the Pittsburgh Steelers
Exercise Makes Us Feel Good-NY Times 2011
Inflammation-13 Tips To Fight Inflammation
Laser Therapy in Rehabilitation-Irvine California
Muscle Trigger points vs Acupuncture points
Neck pain-Journal of the American Board of Family Practice 2004
Nerve ingrowth into chronic painful disc-Lancet 1997
Nerve Supply of the lumbar disc-JBJS 2007
Omega 3’s-Molecular Neurobiology-January 2011
Omega 3′s and Nerve pain-Clinical Journal of Pain 2010
Sitting-Can sitting too much kill you? Scientific American Jan 2011
References
Lewit K. Manipulative Therapy in Rehabilitation of the Motor System, 2nd edition. London: Butterworths, 1991.
Liebenson C. Rehabilitation of the Spine: a Practitioner’s Manual. Williams & Wilkins, 1996.
Hodges PW, Richardson CA. Inefficient muscular stabilization of the lumbar spine associated with low back pain. Spine 1996;21:2640-2650.
Biering-Sorensen F. Physical measurements as risk indicators for low back trouble over a one-year period. Spine 1984;9:106-119.
Luuto S, Heliovaara M, Hurri H, Alaranta H. Static back endurance and the risk of low-back pain. Clin Biomech 1995;10:323-324.
Ng J, Richardson C. Reliability of EMG power spectral analysis of back muscle endurance in healthy subjects. Arch Phys Med Rehabil Vol 77, March 1996, 259-264.
Hides JA, Richardson CA, Jull GA. Multifidus muscle recovery is not automatic after resolution of acute, first-episode of low back pain. Spine 1996;21(23):2763-2769.
Hides JA, Stokes MJ, Saide M, Jull GA, Cooper DH. Evidence of lumbar multifidus muscle wasting ipsilateral to symptoms in patients with acute/subacute low back pain. Spine 1993;19(2):165-172.
Bogduk N, Twomney L. Clinical Anatomy of the Lumbar Spine. Churchill Livingstone.
If you are suffering from: Sports Injuries, Sprains, Strains, Car accident, Herniated Disc, Disc Bulge, Degenerative Disc Disease, Neck pain, Headaches, Low back pain, of just want to feel better and have better life performance– please call our office in Irvine, California- at 949.857.1888 or visit our website at ADJUST2IT to learn more about Functional Fitness Chiropractic, Sports massage, Myofascial Release, Corrective Exercise, Non Surgical Spinal Decompression, Class IV laser, and Functional Nutrition.
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