We learn a lot as we develop and grow. Many things that are common sense to us now were not innately understood as babies. Rarely do I eat rocks these days, and for the most part I can use words to express myself as opposed to simply screaming and crying. However, one area where we regress as we age is in our movement patterns. We pick up bad habits, and we lose the ability to move effortlessly and with proper control of our muscles. Developmental kinesiology refers to the development of human motor function in early childhood. Our motor patterns are genetically predetermined, automatic, and predictable. In other words, they are hardwired. For example, an infant doesn’t need to be taught how to roll over, lift their head, crawl, or grasp a toy. These motor patterns occur automatically and develop in a specific sequence as our nervous system matures.
When we send kids to school, we ask them to sit in static positions for relatively long periods of time. It only gets worse as we get older. We begin to commute to work, sit at a desk, drive home, sit on the couch, etc. Our once optimal movement patterns can be overridden with faulty patterns leading to dysfunctional movement. Dysfunctional movement breeds pain and performance decreases.
Fortunately, not all is lost. We can learn to move like babies again. Dynamic neuromuscular stabilization (DNS) is a rehabilitative approach to optimize the movement system based upon the scientific principles of developmental kinesiology. Dynamic stabilization refers to ones ability to have sufficient core stiffness or stability while performing movements. Essentially, we want to identify any weak links in the chain, and address those areas. Only when we’ve optimized our core stability can we hope to obtain maximum performance and function. If you want to know more about us and how we can help you deal with aches or pains, or maximize performance give us a call and book a complimentary consultation.
Thanks for reading,
Dr. Lee Brotherston
Partner and Chiropractor at
Oak Ridges Health Group
www.oakridgeshealth.com
58 Brock Street W, Suite 201
Uxbridge ON, L9P 1P3