Structural Dynamic Therapy
Structural Dynamic Therapy Structural Dynamic Therapy has been developed to provide quick relief from pain using a non-surgical orthopaedic solution. This biomechanical technique allows the joints to return to a balanced position thus allowing for more efficient movement and supporting a more efficient bio-chemical process. Part of this bio-chemical process is a natural healing mechanism, and is made more efficient when normal blood and lymph circulation is restored. We also believe that communication between body systems is also made more efficient. For the purposes of this paper we will mainly discuss the biomechanical process and the structural components involved. We will consider that once the biomechanical balance is restored the biochemical process will be made more efficient. The skeleton is a mobile framework providing rigid support for the soft tissues and skin. The bones are arranged to act as levers with the muscles acting as both the engine and shock absorber. This framework is put under mechanical strain from gravity and the movement of muscles against gravity. The leverage points are areas where bones come together and are referred to as joints. There are several types of joints in the body and all have varying degrees of dynamic movement. The ligaments stabilize the joints while allowing them to move in a dynamic way, and except in certain cases are not designed to stretch or contract. Ligaments also contain special sensory cells and nerves which allow the brain to monitor movement and to keep the joint within a safe degree of movement. The articulating surface of the joints is covered with a connective tissue called cartilage which provides protection to the bone itself and the synovial capsules. Cartilage wears under stress from friction and the joint moving against gravity, this wear is not usually noticed as it is constantly being repaired. There are two types of muscle, voluntary and involuntary and it is voluntary that allows us to control movement. Typically muscles are attached to two different bones and when creating movement one bone stays fixed and the other moves as a result of muscle action. All of these elements are designed to allow dynamic movement in three dimensions. Something else that should be mentioned is the myofacial compartments. These compartments change shape as movement occurs but, a misalignment can cause that shape to change and put pressure on the nerves, blood vessels and lymph system thereby reducing the efficiency of the healing process (biochemical). Most misalignments are of three types, rotational, sliding, and compression. All types can happen simultaneously and cause varying degrees of discomfort and pain. Also important to consider is the abnormal wear on cartilage and eventually bone that can cause the change in shape that is also a form of misalignment. If a misalignment has occurred then the body has to compensate in some way to get relief from the pain. Depending on the type and location of the misalignment, pain can be immediate as when a nerve is pinched or come on more slowly as a result of inflammation or abnormal wear( as in the case of cartilage). We see the cause of discomfort as a result of mechanical misalignment as well as from the inflammation that can occur. The solution then is not in treating the inflammation as the cause but, to correct the misalignment(s) that created the problem. Effective treatment begins with the patient's sensation of their own body, and communicating that to the practitioner. The practitioner can then diagnose where the misalignments are and begin to restore balance. The patient's own propreoception will be a guide for the practitioner to judge how successful the realignment's are at reducing the physical symptoms and which areas may be involved. Throughout treatment the practitioner will question the patient as to how they are feeling in order to satisfy all the misalignments that may be contributing to the symptoms. When the patient's propreoception is satisfied then the treatment is complete. |