Applied Kinesiology and Functional Neurological Assessment

Many people are amazed at Applied Kinesiological muscle testing.  I often hear people call it "voodoo" "magic" or they simply think there is some trick to it.  Actually its based on sound neurological science.  This post is an attempt to simplify the neurology and provide a basic understanding of how a muscle becomes "conditionally inhibited" or "weak" and to clarify the primary intent of Applied Kinesiology's functional neurological assessment.  

The FUNCTIONAL STRENGTH of a muscle is determined by the CENTRAL INTEGRATED STATE of the MOTOR NEURON at each spinal level.  

THE CENTRAL INTEGRATED STATE is maintained by the convergence of input coming from the brain and the body.  Input from the body in the form nerve signals coming from the muscles, organs, joints, and many other sensory receptors embedded within the body.   

If there is a loss of normal sensory activity in the muscles, organs, joints due to subluxation (poor spinal alignment), poor range of motion, injury, pain, or disease, then the effect is a INHIBITED CENTRAL INTEGRATED STATE of the converging pathways to the motor nerve that controls the muscles.  Hence, the muscle becomes CONDITIONALLY INHIBITED.  

CONDITIONALLY INHIBITED MUSCLES test "weak" during a muscle test.  Inhibited muscles destabalize joints, and often create pain, dysfunction, and poor muscular performance overall.

APPLIED KINESIOLOGY diagnostic procedures are used to identify CONDITIONALLY INHIBITED MUSCLES,  and also to identify the CAUSE of the inhibition.  Treatment is focused on restoring the proper level of neurologic function, balance the input from the brain and body, and restore proper joint function.  This is associated clinically with the reduction of pain, improved neuromuscular function, improved joint stability, and proper muscular control of joints.

  

Unique Massage at The Vital Energy Center

We offer 3 unique styles of massage.

 

Traditional Relaxation & Deep Tissue Massages, practiced by Tara Hoch LMT, are fantastic for easing tense muscles and relaxing the mind and body.  Tara is an expert at treating muscle and joint injuries, reducing pain and stiffness and facilitating recovery after auto accidents and work injuries.   

 

AMMA Bodywork Therapy, practiced by Leslie Bower LMT is an ancient and extremely specialized form of skilled bodywork that integrates deep tissue manipulation, pressure application, friction, and touch to specific acupoints, energy channels, muscles, ligaments, and joints. AMMA Bodywork Therapists are trained in the principles of Holistic Nutrition, eastern dietary principles, and the use of Chinese herbs.

SOMA Structural Integration and Massage, practiced by Jeff Greiner LMT, is a system of bodywork that pays particular attention to the fascia (or connective tissue network). SOMA releases tension in the fascia and thus provides relief from chronic pain and tension and improves overall structural alignment.

Choose any style for only $47 (1 per client)

Or

 Choose the Massage Sampler Package and receive 1-Hr of each style (3 total hrs!) for only

135! (1 per client)

 

GIFT CERTIFICATES AVAILABLE!

Call Heather at 206-860-9090 to schedule your appointment!

 

Chiropractic Care Focuses on Optimal Health and Function

Many people understand chiropractic as a method for relieving neck pain, back pain, and headaches.  This is true as chiropractic has been shown to be one of the most effective, natural approaches to relieving pain.  What is not as well know are the far reaching benefits of a chiropractic adjustment.  Here are but a few of the many benefits of regular chiropractic care : 1. restoration of and maintainance of  normal joint motion.  2. improve spinal biomechanics 3. optimization of  performance and coordination. 4. maintainance of  joint stability 5. improves nutrition to discs and other joints. 6. reduces the risk of injury and spinal degeneration.  7. improves agility, balance, coordination, stability and fine motor control.

Everyday activities that cause Neck Pain, Back Pain and Spinal Stress

Everyday activities that cause postural stress and spinal misalignments:

1. Prolonged sitting
2. Sitting after vigorous activity
3. Lying and resting with poor posture
4. Improper lifting
5. Prolonged standing
6. Working in stooped positions

Postural stress slowly weakens and distorts the structure and function of your spine and nerve system. Postural stress progressively weakens the ligaments and discs that support the spine and can stretch and irritate the spinal cord and spinal nerves that run between the spinal bones. If you make the effort to maintain good posture throughout each day, you can significantly reduce postural stress and improve the health of your entire body!

Prolonged sitting:
Many people sit more than 8-10 hrs per day. We sit at our desks, in the car, on the bus,
at the dinner table, on the couch, etc. And we do this everyday… for years! Let’s do the math:
8 hrs/ day x 365 days year= 2920 hrs of sitting every year! Improper sitting is one of the most common causes of spinal dysfunction. On average, 1/3 of your life is spend sitting, so let’s learn how to do it right.

Rule #1: Do not slouch. Maintain the proper curves (lordosis) in your neck and back.
Keep your chin up and your head back over your shoulders. If the seat
has a backrest, use a rolled towel to support the low back.

Rule #2: Interrupt periods of prolonged sitting with motion. Move the hips forward and
back, right and left 10 times, and/or stand up and walk around.
Do this at least once every hour.

Sitting after vigorous activity:

It is very important to maintain proper spinal curves after activity because the joints of the spine undergo a loosening processes after activity. Spinal joints become misaligned easily if they are put into a slouched position after vigorous activity.
Rule #1: After vigorous activity, you should gradually cool down. Do not stop activity abruptly. Stand up right, walk around, and move your head forward andbackwards (yes), right and left (no) 10 x. Also, bend backward at the hips 10 x.When you sit down to rest, avoid slouching and maintain your spinal curves.

Lying down and resting:
Like sitting, many of us lie down to rest or sleep for 6-8 hours per day. On average, we spend 1/3 of your life in this position. Think about it… 2/3 of your life is spent either sitting or lying down. The impact on the spine is significant because both activities contribute significantly to spinal misalignments and poor posture. If you do it right, you can reduce the accumulated stress from these activities considerably.

Rule #1: Use your pillow to support your neck and head. When lying on your
back make a deep hollow in the center of your pillow to rest the back of your head. When on your side, use the pillow to keep your head and neck straight. Do not rest with head and neck in a kinked position.

Rule #2: Do not sleep on your stomach with your head turned. This places
extreme stress on the upper neck and is the cause of many problems.

Lifting:

Lifting objects with your back greatly increases the stress to your spine and discs. Everytime you lift improperly, you do a little more damage and your one step closer to having a serious spinal problem. When doing heavy lifting for prolonged periods of time, take a rest and bend forwards and backwards 10 times.

Rules for lifting:

1. stand as close to the object to be lifted as possible. Bend your knees
or use a stool if necessary. Do not reach out for objects.
2. maintain proper spinal curves
3. get a secure grip and keep the object as close to you as possible.
4. lift objects slowly off the floor with your legs.
5. once you are upright and holding the object, shift your feet to turn
and avoid twisting the lower body.

Rule summary: Keep the object close to you, do not twist the lower body, and
Maintain proper spinal curves.

Prolonged standing:

Prolonged standing causes fatigue of the postural muscles of the back. When this
happens, the curve in your low back becomes excessive and your stomach hangs out.
This is the opposite position to the slouched position.

Rules #1: Stand as tall as you can by lifting your chest up, pulling in your
stomach and slightly tightening your buttocks

Working in a stooped position:
When you work in a stooped position (ie. vacuuming, gardening, bedmaking, etc) the stress on your lower back is considerably greater then when you stand with the backstraight. This can easily lead to spinal misalignments and back pain.

Rule #1: Interrupt the stooped position at regular intervals. Stand up straight and bend backwards 10x every :30 minutes

2 ways to maintain a youthful spine and nerve system

1. Have your spine and nerve system checked regularly with chiropractic and
applied kinesiology to maintain a strong brain/body connection and

reduce structural misalignments before they become problematic.

2. Follow the rules listed above to enhance the effect of your chiropractic care, help you hold your adjustments longer, and help prevent injuries.

A Healthy Spine & Nerve System

Will Improve Your Life!!

Spinal Decompression at The Vital Energy Center

At The Vital Energy Center we have 2 easy to use and very popular inversion tables. In this picture, I'm on the DEX decompression table. I like the DEX because it allows me to adjust the spine to remove specific areas of spinal stress and tension while the spine is in full traction. I have found this to be of tremendous benefit for those people whose spines have become compressed from prolonged sitting and poor posture over the years. To learn more about the benefits of traction check out the link on our website www.thevitalenergycenter.com/inversion-table and there you can see our other inversion table the teeter hang-up F9000, also a clinic favorite with its own unique benefits.

Chiropractic Exam Special Offer!

Are you or someone you know experiencing neck pain, back pain, or headaches? Did you know that we excel at helping people with these painful and sometimes debilitating conditions? Here's your chance to get relief today with this amazing offer!

For a limited time, We're offering our introductory exam for only $77!* (reg. $225). Here's
what we'll do: an in-depth chiropractic consultation and evaluation including a computerized spinal exam, postural evaluation, and 70-pt muscle evaluation. When we’re finished, if we can help you we'll tell you right away, and if we can’t, we'll try to help you find someone who can.

Great Care & a Great Value:
You'll be glad to know that further care is very affordable - We bill most major health insurance, auto insurance, and labor & industries. We also offer easy payment options if you have little or no insurance coverage. And you can be sure that we'll treat you with the utmost care and respect in our office.

We're here to help!
Heather, our office manager, is fantastic & she's available to answer your questions and schedule your appointment.

This is your chance to find out what chiropractic is, how it works,
and how we can help you.

But remember, it's a limited time offer and i don’t want you to miss
out, so call Heather now at 206.860.9090 to schedule your appointment.

*By the way, i want you to know there is no pressure, obligation, or hidden fees associated with this offer.
Sincerely, Dr. Jared Kohler