Dynamic Neuromuscular Stabilization – That’s a Mouthful!

 

Dynamic Neuromuscular Stabilization is based on the principles of Developmental Kinesiology.  Kinesiology is the scientific study of muscles and movement.  Developmental kinesiology, therefore, is the study of muscles and movement as a newborn matures and grows.  Unlike many animals, human locomotion (movement) is immature at birth and the brain and nervous system require time to mature.

The nervous system controls all body functions.  It develops certain motor patterns automatically that control posture, movement and gait (walking).  These patterns of control are largely established during the first critical years of life.  Motor patterns that mature after birth are basic movement patterns used during adulthood.

We see specific motor patterns associated with certain developmental ages and this allows us to evaluate and determine whether the baby is developing properly and reaching those critical milestones or if they may be at risk for abnormal development or compensatory movement patterns that can impact them in the future.  A child that isn’t rolling over, only rolls in one direction, moves around a room by rolling, “army crawling” or some other altered crawl pattern, as well as a child that won’t crawl much (or at all) and wants to pull themselves to a standing position is often using these compensatory modes of movement due to some altered motion in a joint and/or an altered brain motor pattern.  

The good news is that by introducing exercises and gently reinforcing proper postural positioning and movement, we can re-establish proper nervous system control and improve function.  

All this work is based on the work done by Dr. Pavel Kolar in Prague, Czechoslovakia, which Dr. Lisa has had the great privilege of learning from directly.