A Brain-Based Approach to Joint Manipulation

Level 2 builds on the fundamental concepts taught in Level 1 while introducing the concept of centrally mediated motor patterning and postural compensatory change. It is well-known that central nervous system lesions produce characteristic postural alterations and motor changes. For instance, it is common for individuals with cerebellar deficits to orient themselves to the same side of their lesions. While individuals with Parkinson’s disease often have a characteristic camptocormic posturing. The concept of motor patterning suggests that any movement, regardless of how minor, does not occur in isolation but rather in precisely choreographed patterns linked to precise patterns of brain activity. Even a simple movement of your eyes to look in a particular direction involves linking many motor and sensory areas of the brain to the choreographed proprioceptive input from the body. Level 2 focuses on defining the motor/postural compensatory patterns associated with specific functional brain deficits. Level 2 also leverages the concept of “Choreographed Proprioceptive Input” by applying patterns of joint manipulations that balance, restore and optimize network activity in the brain.   A significant portion of time will be devoted to “hands-on” practicing of the adjustments demonstrated as this is a learn-by-doing program and will involve covering areas of the neurological examination and adjustive procedures.