Medical Articles of Interest for October 2016

SSRIs Disrupt Sleep in the Elderly, May Contribute to Dementia

Phytoestrogens May Benefit Health but Also Prompt Concern

Unclear If Sports Raise Later Arthritis Risk 

Sleep Duration Important in Weight Management

Micronutrient Deficiency Often Unnoticed in PPI Users

” PPIs have been associated with Clostridium difficile infection and with micronutrient deficiency. “Our hypothesis was that even though gastroenterologists know about micronutrient deficiency, they aren’t looking for it,” he explained. The researchers reviewed the electronic health records of 41 patients with Barrett’s esophagus who were on long-term PPI therapy to see if their levels of vitamin B₁₂, ferritin, or magnesium were ever tested”

Aerobic Exercise May Provide ‘Small’ Improvement in Vascular Cognitive Impairment

IBS: Gut Bacteria May Predict Who Benefits From FODMAP Diet

“Patients who did not respond to the low-FODMAP diet had more severe dysbiosis at baseline than responders. The traditional diet had no effect on overall bacterial composition, but in the FODMAP group, there was a significant reduction in potentially beneficial Bifidobacterium. This was more prominent in nonresponders than in responders.”

New Guideline Says Calcium Safe From CVD Standpoint

(Dr. Repetto’s comment – One should take calcium with magnesium, vitamin D and vitamin K. One should aim to get 1200 mg/day and half of that from food.)

 

 

Rib Pain or Intercostal Neuritis – A NYC Chiropractor/Applied Kinesiologist/NKT Practitioner Explains

Every few times during the year, I get a patient with a displaced rib head. (I’ve had one or two myself)  The sensation is an intense stabbing pain that “takes your breath away” in either the back or the front of the chest; sometimes the pain goes round the rib and sometimes seems to go from the back to the front like a knife.

When a patient comes in, we evaluate them via examination and a detailed history to rule out things like shingles or referred pain for heart, lung and gastrointestinal problems. A lot of the times, the patient has already been evaluated by their M.D. for these conditions with negative results.

But it’s usually a rib head displactment either at the anterior attachment at the sterum [breastbone] or at the posterior attachment at the transverse process of a thoracic vertebrae. The intercostal nerve runs from the anterior rami of the thoracic spinal nerves from T1 to T11 and runs [along with the artery and vein] between the intercostal muscles to the breastbone.

Of course it’s not surprising that a rib displacement “takes yr breath away” as the ribs (& the clavicle) and a lot of the muscles attached to them are involved in inspiration and expiration. Some of these muscles are the diaphragm, the external & internal intercostals, the serratus anticus, pectoralia minor, scalene & SCM muscles.

Muscles attached to the ribs or thoracic spine which may not be directly involved in breathing but may be compensating for a problem with the breathing muscles. Some of these muscles are the rectus abdominis, the abdominal oblique muscles, the psoas, the quadratus lumborum, the rhomboids and latissimus dorsi; they may be on the same or contralateral side to the displaced rib.

Before I adjust any displacement of the ribs involved or the breastbone or the clavicle as a doctor of chiropractic; I need to balance the muscle pull on the affected area.

I use the muscle testing used in both Applied Kinesiology and NeuroKinetic therapy.

As a Applied Kinesiologist, I test for the function of individual muscles. The questions to be asked are: why is the muscle weak? Is the muscle on the other side hypertonic or “too stronger.” Is the weakness due to a spinal/nerve problem, a vascular problem, a problem with lymphatic function, a nutritional default, a problem with organ function or an acupoint associated w/ that muscle?

The Use of Applied Kinesiology in a Chiropractic Examination

As a NKT practitioner, I ask “Is there a dysfunction in the coordination of muscles working in patterns?” NeuroKinetic Therapy works with that concept that movement is performed in systems or patterns. NKT identifies muscle imbalances by using muscle testing to determine what muscles are inhibited and what muscles are compensating (facilitating) for them.

How a Combination of Applied Kinesiology, NeuroKinetic Therapy and Chiropractic Works

Once the above muscle related questions are answered, I can adjust the involved rib, clavicle or spinal segment.

Stretches are given to the previously facilitated (or hypertonic) muscles and exercises given to the previously inhibited (or weak/hypotonic) muscles in order to break the pattern that caused the problem.

For a blog on the effects of the breathing muscles on asthma, please check out: The Musculoskeletal Aspects of Asthma

© 2016-Dr. Vittoria Repetto

Want more information on Dr. Vittoria Repetto and her NYC Applied Kinesiology/Chiropractic/ NKT practice at 230 W 13th St., NYC 10011; please go to www.drvittoriarepetto.com

And please check out the Patient Testimonials page on my web site.

 Want to be in the know on holistic information and postings? 

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Or join me at Twitter: www.twitter.com/DrVRepetto

Tues 10/13 Mini-Seminar – Advances in Clinical Nutrition: Chronic Disease Management

This Thursday, Oct 13th I’ll be attending an event where  I’ll learn about the following topics:

• There are two phases to the inflammatory response – initiation and resolution
• The role of Specialized Pro-resolving Mediators and their potential clinical effects on biomarkers (hsCRP and PGE2)
• Potential Clinical applications of Specialized Pro-resolving Mediators This will be an update on information from last  year; please click  https://drvittoriarepetto.wordpress.com/2015/11/06/getting-rid-of-inflammation-w-specialized-pro-resolving-mediators-spms-a-nyc-chiropractorapplied-kinesiologist-explains/ 
• 
• Review UltraGlucose Control (UGC) medical food plus diet and the effects on nutritional management of glucose response  http://www.metagenics.com/medical-foods/health-conditions/glucose-control
• Potential clinical applications for Ultra Glucose Control
• 

For more on a integrative approach to resolving inflammation, please read https://drvittoriarepetto.wordpress.com/2015/07/18/chronic-inflammation-and-how-chiropractic-applied-kinesiology-can-help/

If you have any questions about the above topics in Thursday’s seminar,please feel free to give me a call at 212-431-3724 or email me at drvittoriarepett@aol.com 

To order: http://www.drvittoriarepetto.metagenics.com. Please click on Create a New Account on the top right side of the page, and use Practitioner Code DrVittoriaRepetto. The advantage of this online store is : 20% off all first-time orders, 10% off all Recurring Orders, Free Ground Shipping on all orders (no matter how little).  Once you have create an account, you click on upper right hand side Log In for future purchases .

© 2016-Dr. Vittoria Repetto

Want more information on Dr. Vittoria Repetto and her NYC Applied Kinesiology/Chiropractic/ NKT practice at 230 W 13th St., NYC 10011; please go to www.drvittoriarepetto.com

And please check out the Patient Testimonials page on my web site.

 Want to be in the know on holistic information and postings? 

https://www.facebook.com/wvillagechiropracticappliedkinesiologynkt/

Or join me at Twitter: www.twitter.com/DrVRepetto

 

Medical Articles of Interest For September 2016

 The following are from www.medscape.com a site summarizing medical research:

Can a Good Diet Prevent Dementia?

Mediterranean Diet Lowers CVD Risk in Prospective Study

Fungus May Be ‘Key Factor’ in Crohn’s Disease

Chronic Constipation a Warning Sign for GI Disorders

Farm Living Study Confirms the Hygiene Hypothesis

See the following for discussion of the Hygiene Hypothesis – The Hygiene Hypothesis — Redefine, Rename, or Just Clean It Up?

New FDA Watch List Covers 27 Drugs and Drug Classes

Herbal and Dietary Supplements Tied to Liver Damage

This article is one of the reasons why you should use supplements from one of the first companies in the nutritional supplement industry to achieve three independent certifications for Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP) by world-leading arbiters. In many areas, Metagenics exceeds these requirements with additional in-house testing and third-party assays by respected independent laboratories. http://www.metagenics.com/metagenics-difference/unsurpassed-quality

Here’s more information on Metagenics: https://drvittoriarepetto.wordpress.com/2015/08/28/nutritional-supplements-why-metagenics/

Want more information on Dr. Vittoria Repetto and her NYC Applied Kinesiology/Chiropractic/ NKT practice at 230 W 13th St., NYC 10011; please go to www.drvittoriarepetto.com

And please check out the Patient Testimonials page on my web site.

 Want to be in the know on holistic information and postings? 

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Or join me at Twitter: www.twitter.com/DrVRepetto

How Really Small Muscles Can Be A Real Pain In The Neck – A NYC Chiropractor/Applied Kinesiologist/NKT Practitioner Explains

When a patient complains of neck pain or headaches, I first muscle test both the cervical flexor and extension muscles and muscles which when they test bilaterally weak such as the psoas or gluteus maximus suggest a fixation of the cervical vertebrae.

I ask questions: are the muscles weak and therefore affecting the alignment, movement of the cervical vertebrae?

Are one set of muscles weak or inhibited because of compensating (facilitating) muscle.

Or is the opposite true? Is it the hypertonic or facilitated muscle the problem?

Sometimes it’s not the bigger cervical flexor/extensor muscles that are causing pain either directly or by pulling vertebrae out of alignment and putting pressure on the nerves supplying the cervical area.

Sometimes it’s the half inch to inch muscles just below the occipital (base of your skull) that attach it to either the atlas (C1) or the axis (C2) or attach atlas to axis.

These muscles are called the Rectus Capitis Posterior Major, Rectus Capitis Minor, Obliquus Capitis Superior and Obliquus Capitis Inferior.

The Rectus Capitis Posterior Major extends, laterally flexs and rotates the head.  The Rectus Capitis Minor extends and laterally flexes the head. The Obliquus Capitis Superior extends and laterally rotates the head. The Obliquus Capitis Inferior  rotates C1 and cranium.

Problems with these muscles can pull vertebrae out of alignment and put pressure on the cervical spinal roots and cause neck stiffness, pain and headaches. See dermatome map below for areas of innervation.

Note there is no C1 dermatome. The C1 root innervates the meninges of the posterior fossa of the skull and has no cutaneous branch; the posterior fossa also contains the meningeal branches of vagus and hypoglossal nerve. Neck stiffness may be a test of the C1 root that innervates the meninges.

For more information, please see the following blogs:

https://drvittoriarepetto.wordpress.com/2014/08/09/the-use-of-applied-kinesiology-in-a-chiropractic-examination/.

https://drvittoriarepetto.wordpress.com/2010/12/13/spinal-pain-not-being-helped-see-an-applied-kinesiologist-it-may-be-a-fixation/

https://drvittoriarepetto.wordpress.com/2016/06/23/how-a-combination-of-applied-kinesiology-neurokinetic-therapy-and-chiropractic-works/

For discussion about meninges:  https://drvittoriarepetto.wordpress.com/2016/05/28/why-is-my-neck-problem-causing-low-back-or-leg-pain-a-nyc-chiropractor-applied-kinesiologist-nkt-practitioner-explains-the-lovett-brother-effect-on-the-spine/

https://drvittoriarepetto.wordpress.com/2010/05/17/cranial-sacral-therapy-in-applied-kinesiology/

© 2016-Dr. Vittoria Repetto

Want more information on Dr. Vittoria Repetto and her NYC Applied Kinesiology/Chiropractic/ NKT practice at 230 W 13th St., NYC 10011; please go to www.drvittoriarepetto.com

And please check out the Patient Testimonials page on my web site.

 Want to be in the know on holistic information and postings? 

https://www.facebook.com/wvillagechiropracticappliedkinesiologynkt/

Or join me at Twitter: www.twitter.com/DrVRepetto

 

How a Combination of Applied Kinesiology, NeuroKinetic Therapy and Chiropractic Works

A patient comes in with a problem, maybe low back pain. Most chiropractors would figure out what vertebrae /spinal nerve is involved and then adjust the segments involved.

However what is missed is why did the problem happen and how can it be fixed so that it does not happen again.

First we need to look at the muscles innervated by the spinal segment

As a Applied Kinesiologist, I test for the function of individual muscles. For example, we may find the latissimus dorsi muscle weak; that is a muscle that internally rotates, extends and adducts the arm/ shoulder. It also attracts into the lumbar and sacral vertebra and part of the pelvic crest. The weakness may seen either as a higher shoulder on the weak side or a rotation of the lumbar vertebrae. The questions to be asked are: why is the muscle weak? Is the muscle on the other side hypertonic or “too stronger.”

Is there a problem with the vascular or lymphatic drainage of that muscle? Is there a problem with the cranial-sacral system?

Is there a Lovett Brother association where a twisting of the spinal meninges affects an upper vertebrae as well as a low back spinal segment.

As a NKT practitioner, I ask “Is there a dysfunction in the coordination of muscles working in patterns?”

Is the above mentioned latissimus dorsi inhibited by the muscles that attach to the shoulder like the upper or middle trapezius or the levator scapulae or is it compensating (facilitating) for weak or inhibited muscles like the gluteus maximus or the quadratus lumborum or core muscles, for example.

Is the patient using their neck muscles in the movement of their low back?

NeuroKinetic Therapy works with the concept that movement is performed in systems or patterns. The human brain has an affinity toward habits.

NKT identifies muscle imbalances by using muscle testing to determine what muscles are inhibited and what muscles are compensating (facilitating)for them.

I would test the muscles involved in the problematic movement. After an inhibited/weak muscle is found, I would muscle test a synergistic (a helper muscle) or an antagonist muscle (an opposing muscle} which is strong/facilitated that may be affecting the inhibited muscle.

That facilitated muscle would be therapy localized (the muscle is either touched or put in motion) and the inhibited muscle retested. If the TL strengthens the inhibited muscle, then I know that the TLed muscle is affecting the inhibited muscle.

And I can use AK techniques to release the TLed muscle. The inhibited muscle is then retested which should test strong now, the retesting causes a “neural lock” which reprograms the motor control center in the brain.

After balance is restored to the muscles, the vertebrae  ( or extremity joint) are adjusted.

Stretches are given to the previously facilitated muscles and exercises given to the previously inhibited muscles in order to break the pattern that caused the problem.

For more detailed information, please click on the following blogs:

https://drvittoriarepetto.wordpress.com/2014/08/09/the-use-of-applied-kinesiology-in-a-chiropractic-examination/.

http://neurokinetictherapy.com/what-is-neurokinetic-therapy

https://drvittoriarepetto.wordpress.com/2010/06/21/muscle-balancing-in-applied-kinesiology/

https://drvittoriarepetto.wordpress.com/2010/05/06/the-art-and-science-of-muscle-testing-in-applied-kinesiology/

https://drvittoriarepetto.wordpress.com/2015/09/20/a-nyc-chiropractorapplied-kinesiologist-starts-adding-neuro-kinetic-therapy-to-the-mix/

https://drvittoriarepetto.wordpress.com/2016/05/28/why-is-my-neck-problem-causing-low-back-or-leg-pain-a-nyc-chiropractor-applied-kinesiologist-nkt-practitioner-explains-the-lovett-brother-effect-on-the-spine/

https://drvittoriarepetto.wordpress.com/2014/01/01/a-nyc-chiropractorapplied-kinesiologist-talks-about-chiropractic-adjustments/

https://drvittoriarepetto.wordpress.com/2010/05/17/cranial-sacral-therapy-in-applied-kinesiology/

 

© 2016-Dr. Vittoria Repetto

Yesterday, a woman from Chicago wrote me, “had thyroidectomy in August and my scar attached to muscles pulling my chest up when I was swallowing while applying lots of pressure to throat it has loosened up a bit but I feel that my hyoid bone might be dislocated or pulled down by muscles that was stitched too tight and adhered”

 

She asked me if exercise and stretches would help.

“No, you need to know what muscles are unbalanced”

There are 26 muscles in the neck–10 pairs of 2 and 2 sets of 3, to be precise. The neck muscles attach to various bones of the skull, spine, thoracic cage, and shoulder girdle.

You need to see a practitioner who knows how to muscle testing – a chiropractor who does applied kinesiology or neurokinetic therapy and fiqure out which are inhibited and which are hypertonic.

 

So I give her links on where to find a practitioner who could help her.

for more on possible clues in  this case:

Hyoid Bone – Its Importance – A NYC Chiropractor/ Applied Kinesiologist / NeuroKinetic Therapist Explains

Scars & Muscle Control – A NYC Chiropractor/Applied Kinesiologist/NeuroKinetic Therapist Explains

© 2019-Dr. Vittoria Repetto

Muscles, Connective Tissue Between Organs Influence Illness

Want more information on Dr. Vittoria Repetto and her NYC Applied Kinesiology/Chiropractic/ NKT practice at 230 W 13th St., NYC 10011; please go to www.drvittoriarepetto.com

And please check out the Patient Testimonials page on my web site.

 Want to be in the know on holistic information and postings? 

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Why Is My Neck Problem Causing Low Back or Leg Pain? A NYC Chiropractor / Applied Kinesiologist / NKT Practitioner Explains the Lovett Brother Effect on the Spine.

It is not unusual to have a patient come in my office with neck pain also complaining of low back or leg pain that starts with or soon after the onset of the neck pain. Or vice versa: neck pain or headaches or jaw problems after the onset of low back pain.

A lot of doctors don’t think that there is a relationship. But since they came on around the same time they probably are related. The major thing that could connect them is the meninges; three membranes covering the brain, spinal cord and housing the cerebrospinal fluid. If injured it could affect nerves throughout the spine.

A good illustration of how an injury can affect different levels is to hold the upper part of an elastic band with your hand and then hold the bottom of the band with your other hand. Then twist your upper part of the band; note how the bottom of the elastic band also twists. Now imagine how the meninges surrounding a spinal nerve as it comes off the spinal cord can affect the structures innervated by that spinal nerve.

This explains why if there is a rotation in Cervical 1 there will always be a rotation in Lumbar 5, its ‘Lovett Partner’. With all the listings they can work both ways. For example, a dysfunction at L5 can cause a C1 dysfunction and a C1 dysfunction can cause an L5.

Here’s a helpful illustration: 

These relationships are looked at by Applied Kinesiologists and NKT Practitioner.

Another possible relationship is one of spinal fixations; please check out this blog for more information: https://drvittoriarepetto.wordpress.com/spinal-pain-not-being-helped-see-an-applied-kinesiologist-it-may-be-a-fixation/

For another article on the neck/low back connection; please check out: Neck Problems Causing Low Back Pain & Vice Versa – A NYC Chiropractor / Applied Kinesiologist / NKT Practitioner Explains

So if you are having unexplained pain in different areas, please consider being examined by someone familiar with the above principles.

 

 

© 2016-Dr. Vittoria Repetto

Want more information on Dr. Vittoria Repetto and her NYC Applied Kinesiology/Chiropractic/ NKT practice at 230 W 13th St., NYC 10011; please go to www.drvittoriarepetto.com

And please check out the Patient Testimonials page on my web site.

 Want to be in the know on holistic information and postings? 

https://www.facebook.com/wvillagechiropracticappliedkinesiologynkt/

Or join me at Twitter: www.twitter.com/DrVRepetto

 

Seminar I’m Taking: How to Thrive in a Toxic World through Nutrition & Lifestyle

This coming June 5th I’ll be attending a seminar on Whole Detox: How to Thrive in a Toxic World through Nutrition & Lifestyle.

The term “ detoxification ” is widely debated and discussed within the clinical community. In this presentation, the scope of detoxification practices and the spectrum of offerings and their validity will be highlighted. A deeper dive into the recent scientific developments in this pivotal area of medicine will be featured from the angles of both biochemistry and genetic expression, with particular focus on (1) modulation of metabolic biotransformation through phase I and phase II enzyme induction or inhibition; (2) alkalinization; and (3) heavy metal metabolism . Special emphasis will be given to nutrition, nutrient actives, and botanicals for their influence in these pathways. Furthermore, the incorporation of lifestyle changes will be included as part of the detoxification discussion for a more well-rounded, whole picture, whole-self approach.

Objectives:

• To understand the context of detoxification practices as they relate to health and disease, and their general view and acceptance in the medical arena

• To identify biochemical and genetic pathways involved in detoxification processes: ARE gene upregulation biotransformative enzyme induction or inhibition, alkalinization, and heavy metal metabolism

• To understand the role of nutrition, nutrient actives, and botanicals in modulating detoxification processes

• To learn the importance of addressing lifestyle modalities as part of the detoxification process.

For an article on why fasting on juices do not make an effective liver detox: https://drvittoriarepetto.wordpress.com/2011/08/24/a-nyc-chiropractor-recommends-how-to-do-a-healthy-liver-detox/

Presenters are: Tricia Paulson, ND & Deanna Minich, PhD

Tricia Paulson, ND, is the founder of and primary physician at True Health Naturopathic Medicine. As an educator and speaker for the Wisconsin Chiropractic Association and Nutrition Dynamics, she has developed and implemented curricula in clinical nutrition, detoxification and gut restoration. FirstLine Therapy is the cornerstone of her functional medicine practice which specializes in the treatment of chronic lifestyle diseases through a patient-centered approach

Dr. Minich received her doctorate in Medical Sciences (Human Nutrition and Metabolism ) from the University of Groningen, The Netherlands, and her Master’s Degree in Human Nutrition and Metabolism from the University of Illinois at Chicago. She is a fellow of the American College of Nutrition, and a member of both the American College of Nutrition and the American Society for Nutrition Science. Dr. Minich has published over 15 articles in peer-reviewed, scientific journals, and has published three books on nutrition. At Metagenics, Dr. Minich has numerous responsibilities, including counseling patients using functional medicine protocols at the Functional Medicine Research Center^®—the clinical research arm of Metagenics.

Want more information on Dr. Vittoria Repetto and her NYC Applied Kinesiology/Chiropractic/ NKT practice at 230 W 13th St., NYC 10011; please go to www.drvittoriarepetto.com

And please check out the Patient Testimonials page on my web site.

 Want to be in the know on holistic information and postings? 

https://www.facebook.com/wvillagechiropracticappliedkinesiologynkt/

 

Or join me at Twitter: www.twitter.com/DrVRepetto

Looking At Posture As A Clue To Helping Patients – A NYC Chiropractor/Applied Kinesiologist/NKT Practitioner Explains

Two weeks ago, a relatively new patient who has been to other chiropractors paid me a compliment by saying that I was “unlike other chiropractors, I think about what is happening and what I need to do.”

One of the things I look at is posture. How does the patient present as they stand in front of me?

The other question that is relative to their posture is: How did they get that posture? Was there an accident where they were, for example, thrown forward and had to catch themselves when their bus suddenly stopped. What position was their body in? Hands forward? Head turned?

Postural findings may be due to muscular inhibition either as individual muscles or as a group of muscles that work together to do a certain movement

Or they may be due a compensating muscle inhibiting a muscle

Are the involved muscles hypotonic or hypertonic?

Or has a problem with their foot, for example, caused muscles to get inhibited or to compensate up the length of their body causing further joint and spinal pain?

Here are some examples of muscles that may be involved in postural findings:

• High Occiput – upper trapezius, neck flexor/extensor, gluteus medius, SCM, rectus capitus
• Head rotation – latissimus, gluteus medius, lower trapezius
• High Shoulder – opposite upper trapezius, quadratus lumborum
• Low Shoulder – quadratus lumborum, latissimus
• Elevated Ribs – rectus abdominal, oblique abdominals, quadratus lumborum
• Lumbar deviation – psoas, lumbar erectors, multifidus, gluteus medius/maximus, tfl
• High pelvis – sartorious, quadratus lumborum, hamstrings
• Genu Valgus (Knock Knee) – TFL, gluteus max, adductors
• Genu Varus (Bowed Knee) –adductor, popliteus, hamstrings

I use manual muscle testing to see if the muscles are hypotonic or hypertonic or inhibited by a compensating muscle.

I also look to see if there is a problem with the alignment of the joint the muscles cross or the vertebrae involved in the spinal innervation of the involved muscles.

For more detailed information, please check out the following blogs:

https://drvittoriarepetto.wordpress.com/2014/08/09/the-use-of-applied-kinesiology-in-a-chiropractic-examination/.

https://drvittoriarepetto.wordpress.com/2010/06/21/muscle-balancing-in-applied-kinesiology/

https://drvittoriarepetto.wordpress.com/2016/03/22/a-nyc-chiropractorapplied-kinesiologist-adds-neurokinetic-therapist-to-her-skill-list/

 

 

© 2016-Dr. Vittoria Repetto

Want more information on Dr. Vittoria Repetto and her NYC Applied Kinesiology/Chiropractic/ NKT practice at 230 W 13th St., NYC 10011; please go to www.drvittoriarepetto.com

And please check out the Patient Testimonials page on my web site.

 Want to be in the know on holistic information and postings? 

https://www.facebook.com/wvillagechiropracticappliedkinesiologynkt/

Or join me at Twitter: www.twitter.com/DrVRepetto

 

A NYC Chiropractor/Applied Kinesiologist Adds NeuroKinetic Therapist to Her Skill List

 

On Friday, March 18th I took the exam for certification in Level 1 NeuroKinetic Therapy and passed w/ flying colors. I now can call myself a NeuroKinetic Therapist.

As you know with Applied Kinesiology, I test for the function of individual muscles. For example, we may find the latissimus dorsi muscle weak; that is a muscle that internally rotates, extends and adducts the arm/ shoulder. It also attracts into the lumbar and sacral vertebra and part of the pelvic crest. The weakness may seen either as a higher shoulder on the weak side or a rotation of the lumbar vertebrae. The questions to be asked are: why is the muscle weak? Is the muscle on the other side hypertonic or “too stronger.” 

Is there a problem with the spinal innervation?,  asks the chiropractor in me.

Is there a problem with the alignment of the joints that the muscles cross? Is there a problem with the vascular or lymphatic drainage of that muscle?

Now I will be adding the question, Is there a dysfunction in the coordination of muscles working in patterns. Is the above mentioned latissimus dorsi inhibited by the muscles that attach to the shoulder like the upper or middle trapezius or the levator scapulae  or is it compensating (facilitating) for weak or inhibited muscles like the gluteus maximus or the quadratus lumborum say involved in low back pain, for example. 

NeuroKinetic Therapy works with that concept that movement is performed in systems or patterns. The human brain has an affinity toward habits.

For example when we sit down , we use a variety of muscles to both lower ourselves,  to keep the upper body straight and to control our balance.  An injury to one of the muscles involved in sitting down can cause a patient to favor a compensating muscle and not use the injured muscle which in time becomes inhibited and the compensating muscle becomes a facilitated muscle which does not allow the inhibited muscle to switch back on.

NKT identifies muscle imbalances by using muscle testing to determine what muscles are inhibited and what muscles are compensating (facilitating) for them.

I would test the muscles  involved in the problematic movement.  After an inhibited/weak muscle is found, I would muscle test a synergistic (a helper muscle) or an antagonist muscle (an opposing muscle which is strong/facilitated that may be affecting the inhibited muscle. That facilitated muscle would be therapy localized (the muscle is either touched or put in motion) and the inhibited muscle retested. If the TL strengthens the inhibited muscle, then I know that the TLed muscle is affecting the inhibited muscle.

And I can use AK techniques to release the TLed muscle. The inhibited muscle is then retested which should test strong now, the retesting causes a “neural lock” which reprograms the motor control center in the brain.

Stretches are given to the previously facilitated muscles and exercises given to the previously inhibited muscles.

For more detailed information, please click on the following blogs:

http://neurokinetictherapy.com/what-is-neurokinetic-therapy

https://drvittoriarepetto.wordpress.com/2010/06/21/muscle-balancing-in-applied-kinesiology/

https://drvittoriarepetto.wordpress.com/2010/05/06/the-art-and-science-of-muscle-testing-in-applied-kinesiology/

https://drvittoriarepetto.wordpress.com/2014/08/09/the-use-of-applied-kinesiology-in-a-chiropractic-examination/.

https://drvittoriarepetto.wordpress.com/2015/09/20/a-nyc-chiropractorapplied-kinesiologist-starts-adding-neuro-kinetic-therapy-to-the-mix/

 

© 2016-Dr. Vittoria Repetto

 

Want more information on Dr. Vittoria Repetto and her NYC Applied Kinesiology/Chiropractic/ NKT practice at 230 W 13th St., NYC 10011; please go to www.drvittoriarepetto.com

And please check out the Patient Testimonials page on my web site.

 Want to be in the know on holistic information and postings? 

https://www.facebook.com/wvillagechiropracticappliedkinesiologynkt/

Or join me at Twitter: www.twitter.com/DrVRepetto