The Motor System and Pain

"A hyperactive sensory system will have repercussions for the motor system as well as the other output systems. Like the sympathetic nervous system, there are local responses such as spasms and ill-health of collagen. There are also observable changes in patterns of gross movement and posture as people cope. These are often conceptualized as muscle imbalance syndromes. The decreased movement options available and the learned habits of the chronic pain sufferer may lead to deconditioning."

Butler, D (2000). The Sensitive Nervous System.

The overhead squat - knees in

The biomechanics of the body are such that during movement no one part is isolated from another. Different muscles work together around each joint and the movement of one joint has an effect on other joints. Continuing with overhead squat, if during the squat the feet pronate then we may see the knees and hips rotating in. So focusing on the knees dropping in, the hip, feet or knee tissues may be contributing. So what do you do? Check the range of motion of the ankle in dorsiflexion (foot off the gas pedal), hamstrings and adductors. Also check for soft tissue changes in these tissues and the tissues on the side of the hips as well. The muscles on the side of the hips or a small muscle around the knee may be weak. Here's a practical suggestion. Do Peterson Step-ups. Do 2-3 sets x 40-60 seconds/leg. Notice I said time instead of reps. Add resistance as needed.

http://www.jumpusa.com/peterson_step_ups_for_jumpers_knees.html

Multidimensional Nature of Musculoskeletal Problems

Why would I try to say it when someone else can do it better justice. Here's a must read by Dr. Alejandro Elorriaga and Dr. Anthony Lombardi @

http://www.hamiltonbackclinic.com/blog_workshop/2011/03/the-multidimensional-nature-of-musculoskeleltal-problems/

Does acupuncture help with recovery from exercise?

http://aim.bmj.com/content/28/1/28.full

Neurofunctional Acupuncture

An article on neurofunctional acupuncture...

http://www.hospitalnews.com/modules/magazines/mag.asp?ID=3&IID=152&AID=1856

Contemporary Acupuncture Effects Part 4 - Supraspinal

From the spinal cord the the information travels to the brainstem. The signals here trigger the body's natural ability to suppress pain. It does this by stimulating the release of various chemicals throughout the spinal cord.

From the brainstem the acupuncture input travels to the limbic system, hypothalamus and cortex. These effects may have positive outcomes on mood, pain relief, the immune system and autonomic nervous system activity including certain hormones, stress and conditions such as IBS, headaches, etc.

Wine

Hmmmm...what do you think?

http://www.nutritionj.com/content/6/1/27

Asymmetrical weight shift in the squat

I love the squat as an assessment tool. We use the squat everywhere, from the gym to the sitting on the toilet. If you find yourself shifting to one side at the bottom of the squat check for inhibition and soft tissue changes (trigger points) in the muscles of the hips. The hamstrings may also be involved so check range of motion in that group as well. Let me know what you find or if you have questions.

Dorsiflexion

Limited range of motion in dorsiflexion (pull your foot up) may lead to compensation in other planes of movement. A good functional test is the overhead squat. If you find yourself falling forward in the overhead squat check your range of motion at the ankle. Of course there are other reasons why you may be falling forward but it's a start.

Contemporary Acupuncture Effects Part 3 - Segmental Effects

Once a needle is inserted into the body the surrounding nerves trigger signals locally and to the spinal cord. The signals to the spinal cord are a very important part of the acupuncture effect and, for that matter, in understanding dysfunction. Why?

Each region of the body is supplied by nerves that travel to and from segments of the spinal cord. In some ways the spinal cord is like the gatekeeper, Charon, at the Styx river in Greek mythology. It assists in the coming and going of things. This applies to "regulating" incoming sensory information, information related to the locomotor system (movement) and the autonomic system.

So what does this mean? To treat a problem the acupuncture needle may be used to stimulate the spinal segments on the torso directly or in peripheral tissues (arms, legs) that communicate with those segments.

Here is another video that illustrates medical acupuncture from Dr. Lombardi. The initial treatment is an example of a local and peripheral segmental treatment. At the 3:50 mark of the video you will see direct segmental stimulation along with a local treatment.

  http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9NhTtYx0yDE&feature=player_embedded

Contemporary Acupuncture Effects Part 2 - Local effects

As I mentioned in a prior post, one of the effects of the acupuncture needle is the local effect; that is the area in which the needle is actually inserted. Once the needle is inserted into the skin clients will often feel certain sensations like an ache and redness will appear in the skin around the needle (by using a pain-free insertion technique, as taught @ the McMaster Contemporary Acupuncture program, you will not feel a sharp pain as you might expect). These effects are a result of the local sensory nerves and substances being released. These are important in healing the tissue in the area being stimulated, particularly the increased blood flow to the area as a result of the needle insertion.

The "local" treatment is useful for targeting inflammation in the area, skin conditions, minor injuries and may improve glands in the area. Have a look at the video in the link below. Dr. Anthony Lombardi, a mentor of mine, uses a combination of a local and peripheral segmental treatment in helping his client's shoulder.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wk0eeJDBs3c&feature=player_embedded