Dynamic Neuromuscular Stabilization is the Backbone of our Rehab

Dynamic Neuromuscular Stabilization (DNS) originated at the Prague School of Rehabilitation in the Czech Republic and offers an innovative approach to rehabilitation. It focuses on harnessing the body’s natural movement patterns, which are deeply rooted to nervous system development. 

DNS is based on developmental kinesiology which is a set of scientific principles that analyze the relationship between the nervous system and musculoskeletal system in the first year of life. Within that first year of life, there must be proper muscle formation and stabilization strategies that are essential for survival and growth. 

However, when there is an injury, chronic pain conditions, or poor prolonged postures, our body creates compensatory strategies for stabilization. When this occurs, there is an increase for future injuries and/or pain. We can explain this concept as tonic/phasic dysfunction meaning, tonic muscles (larger superficial muscles) take over for movement strategies and the phasic (smaller deep muscles) become weak and under-active. 

An example of tonic/phasic dysfunction is when the deep gluteal muscles become less active, there is more stress on the hip and muscles around your hip flexor become overactive leading to dysfunction. 

One of the main principles within DNS is ‘joint centration’ which is when all muscles around a joint are working together and there is full contact between the two structures in a joint. This allows for maximal force production, greater ranges of motion, less tension on ligamentous structures, and proper joint stability. 

In DNS, we talk about the diaphragm and all its functions which include respiration, stabilization (hint, hint), and sphincter function. We use the diaphragm to create stability by getting the lower ribcage (where the diaphragm is located) stacked upon the pelvis similar to the right sided image below. When we don’ t get the stacking of the lower ribcage and the pelvis, our body may rely on the extension compression model of stabilization shown on the left side of the image below. Using trunk stability is not only for the low back and core but for all movements within DNS. When we create stability within the trunk using the diaphragm, one may experience a decrease in pain, increase in strength, and much more!

How do we use chiropractic care and DNS?

When chiropractic care is combined with DNS, patients benefit in a unique way. First, chiropractic care is used to increase mobility within the spine and other joints which allows for smooth movement through a full range of motion. To apply a chiropractic adjustment, we use a gentle force as we push through a joint. During this process you may hear a pop or two but is not always the goal of the adjustment. After the adjustment, we use a series of DNS principles and movements to help control that new range of motion we have gained through the chiropractic adjustment. During this time, the specific movement sequence is important and is easily implemented in the clinic as well as in your home exercise program!