Sub-acute, chronic, or recurrent pain patients who have no "red flags" of serious disease should be treated with the aim of reducing activity intolerancerquote s (1,2). Manipulation of joints or self-generated end range joint mobilization procedures such as McKenzie methods may be appropriate in the acute syndrome to relieve pain, restore function, and reduce activity limitations (2). Starting as early as 2 weeks and certainly no later than 6 weeks active exercise to address specific muscular performance or motor control deficits is appropriate (14).

Chiropractors wanting to address muscle and joint dysfunction as part of a comprehensive approach to rehabilitation of the motor system should be aware of the proven relationship between dysfunctions of endurance or motor control and various pain syndromes. For instance, poor static endurance of the trunk extensors has been correlated with first time episodes of lower back pain as well as increased recurrence rates (5,6). Deep neck flexor weakness and forward head posture has been found to discriminate either chronic or post-concussion headache from individuals without headache (7,8). A faulty scapulohumeral rhythm has been found to correlate with shoulder pain (9). These are just a few proven examples of the relationship between muscular or motor control dysfunction and specific joint pain syndromes.

The three key methods of treatment are advice, manipulation and exercise (10). Advice is the basic starting point for reducing the strain modern society places on our musculoskeletal system. Manipulation is the treatment of choice for specific tissue dysfunction involving reduced mobility or adverse tension (i.e. joint blockage, trigger points). Remedial exercise is the treatment of choice for faulty movement patterns.

The goal of remedial exercise is to improve motor control in activities of daily living (ADL's) and demands of employment (DE). The problem is that it is time consuming. Therefore, the indication must be carefully determined or else both patient and therapist will be frustrated. Indications for exercise include prediction or history of relapses and the presence of faulty movement pattern related to symptoms.

When training a patient there are certain stages to keep in mind. First, teach the patient how to isolate their "functional training range". This is the painless movement they can produce & control with good coordination. The goal is to expand it to include their ADL's & DE.

Motor control starts with kinesthetic awareness on a conscious level, such as teaching a patient to maintain their lordosis when lifting & progresses to automatic or subcortical motor control. An example of the latter is improved posture during sitting, standing or walking. This subconscious improvement in motor function is important because injuries usually occur due to sudden, unexpected perturbations.

4 keys to Training

1. Postural advice to learn to produce & control simple movements within the functional range
2. Manipulation to expand the Functional Range
3. Sensory Motor training for reflex activation of improved motor programs
4. Stabilization training to learn to produce & control progressively more challenging movements within the functional range

Common errors that occur during many rehabilitation routines are easy to avoid. Strengthening exercises should be avoided until coordination and conscious control of the functional training range is demonstrated. Otherwise. Muscle imbalances will be exacerbated since overactive, shortened muscle will substitute for weakened muscle during strength training. Relaxation of muscle tension by adjustment or Post-isometric relaxation (PIR) procedures should generally precede any strength training. All activities should be evaluated for quality of movement pattern, in particular their proximal stability

Advice generally includes recommendations about sitting, bending, lifting and respiration.

Manipulation may include any manual intervention which addresses a specific tissues mobility restriction or adverse tension. Examples of such interventions might include thrust to a joint fixation, PIR to a muscle housing a trigger point, or fascial release to fascial restriction.

Sensory-motor training usually incorporates exercises on labile surfaces such as rocker or wobble boards. The patient is usually instructed to maintain their functional posture especially at the foot/ankle ("small foot" or gripping) and lumbopelvic regions. The addition of unexpected perturbations can facilitate neuromuscular reeducation.

Spinal stabilization training is the most challenging treatment for the patient. Progressively more difficult motor skills are attempted while coordination, strength and endurance are all trained. Manual resistance techniques incorporating PNF principles such as passive modeling; active assistance, concentric, isometric and eccentric resisted efforts are utilized. In addition, patient positioning, proprioceptive contacts, and verbal cues are all specifically used to help the patient to produce and control movements within their functional range. Stabilization exercises may begin in a comfortable, non- weight bearing position, but are progressed to functional, whole body activities which mimic ADL's and DE as closely as possible.

References:

B) Basic Science

2) Clinical biomechanics of vehicle trauma and orofascial/TMJ

When assessing the injuries that may have been sustained in a vehicular accident, numerous mechanical and biomechanical features related to the vehicle and the occupants within the vehicle must be established as clearly as possible in order for the clinician to arrive at reasonable conclusions regarding the likelihood of injury. These factors include:

1. The effects of vehicular impact; When a pulse of impact energy is generated from one vehicle to another or from a vehicle to a solid object, the vehicle may undergo sudden acceleration and/or deceleration in various planes of motion. The speed at which the vehicle is accelerated and/or decelerated may have significant implications on ultimate bodily injury of the passenger(s) within the vehicle, and is often dependent upon factors of inertia.

2. The resultant body movements of the occupants within the vehicle; Based on the presumed effects of vehicular impact, reasonable conclusions can be drawn based on an understanding of biomechanics and studies on crash test results, of the likely movements of the occupant within the vehicle. Determination of whether various body parts underwent flexion, extension, compression, distension, bending, shearing, torsion, etc. can be reasonably ascertained.

3. The ultimate effects to specific body tissues and tissue damage; With the above two factors reasonably identified, and with an understanding of human anatomy and biomechanics, an astute clinician can draw reasonable conclusions of the effects the above factors may have had on specific body tissues. When attempting to arrive at a clinical determination of probable tissue damage, other mechanical and biomechanical factors must be considered, such as position of the occupant within the vehicle, the occupants awareness and preparedness at impact, application and position of seat belts, head restraints, shoulder harnesses, air bags and other vehicular protective devices, and pre- existing/pre-morbid physical, psychological, and social characteristics.

4. The patient's complaints and the providers physical findings; Several recent investigations have identified a significant increase in the number of claims for nonexistent and exaggerated injuries of motor vehicle accidents in recent years. Therefore, the veracity of patient complaints of pain and disability often comes under scrutiny. The above factors, can often identify whether the patient's complaints and physical signs are consistent with the presumed tissue damage that likely occurred as a result of the probable body movements of the occupants within the vehicle that occurred as a result of vehicular impact.

References

Clinical Biomechanics -orofascial System/TMJ - Mastication

The orofascial system has mechanical and central complexities that feedback and feed forward with problems of the locomotor system. It has significant influence on 3 of the 4 basic functional reflexes as described by Janda. Those are mastication, prehension and respiration. The masticatory muscles effect five bodily functions; mastication, swallowing, speech, respiration and emotional expression. The trigeminocervical nucleus is a key synapse for neurological information of the orofascial and neck regions.

Mandibular function requires muscle balance for the movements of elevation, depression and protrusion. Faulty movement is best observed during mandibular opening. The stabilizing role of the submandibular musculature and structures is vital for efficient function. The temporomandibular joint (TMJ) is a structural component which must be considered and whose function is greatly effected by locomotor function and postural presentation of the head, neck, upper torso and pelvis. Its anatomy consists of a two joint system where both a hinge and gliding motion are performed. There are three main ligaments and an articular disc. The teeth and their occlusion play a minute role in comparison to the contribution from the cervical spine, muscles, and myofascia and nervous system.

References

C) Assessment

3) Work capacity

One's ability to work or perform specific job demands is defined as work capacity. This is typically measured through a functional capacity evaluation. An individuals work capacity can be limited following injury. Onerquote s capacity to perform specific or general tasks biopsychosocial elements.

Work capacity and its change following injury is best understood using a hierarchical view of function¹. Injury and its effect on individuals work capacity and subsequent disability should be referenced in terms of disease, illness, disability, handicapped. Using this format not only is the work capacity quantified but also qualified. One would refer to appropriate measurement tools to assess strength, flexibility, coordination, aerobic, and/or biopsychosocial issues.

The natural history of occupational disability acts as a benchmark for return to work outcomes.² Return to work outcomes can be affected by numerous variables, some of which are specific to occupational injuries³. These variables need to be accounted for in identifying high risk patients for ongoing occupational disability. Once these high risk patients are identified appropriate active care and work conditioning treatment modes should be sought.

Specific to measuring returned to work outcomes one should have a thorough understanding of DOT job classifications ⁴, traditional outcome-based questionnaires (see topic year one), and the use and interpretation of biopsychosocial questionnaire. (see topic year one and two).

Additionally, low technology lift assessment techniques may be beneficial in measuring and documenting functional improvement in occupationally disabled patients ⁵. Examples of these techniques have been shown to be easy to administer and sensitive to functional improvements.

6) Advanced FCE testing

Consideration of several issues should be evaluated before commencing a functional capacity evaluation. Patient selection criteria should be established particularly in regards to contradictions to performing such tests.⁸ A clear rationale for understanding when to perform such testing should be outlined and consistent with the natural history of occupational disability. Specific test selection criteria should be thoroughly evaluated prior to test inclusion. Additionally, test selection should be sensitive to A.D.A. guidelines. ⁹ Due to the subjective nature of many of those tests, guidelines for evaluation of effort should be presented. ¹⁰ Finally, guidelines for test interpretation and data reporting should be presented.

7) Biomechanical evaluation and kinesiopathology of extremity joints

The diagnosis is on assessment of function. The assumption is that developing tissue tension will provoke pain when a lesion exists somewhere within that tissue. Tissue tension is developed by either performing resisted tests, thus producing tension In "contractile elements", or by carrying out passive movements which stretches "inert elements". Attempts are made to selectively produce tension in specific tissues through the skillful application of passive and resisted tests. Knowing which structures are being stressed with a particular test maneuver assists in identifying the location of the lesion. The goal of the exam is to reproduce the patient's complaint, not to prove a movement painful. The examination must be carried out in the same order being careful to stick with a standard sequence. All attempts are made to perform the tests with the same variables (i.e. starting position of the joint, build up to resistance, etc). The Dr arrives at a diagnosis not from the evidence furnished by one painful movement but by careful detection of a consistent pattern.

The following functional tests are evaluated. Active movements in both standard movements and combined movements test both joint and muscle function, paying attention for quantity, mechanics (alteration of movement pattern). and symptoms. Passive movements in both standard and combined movements, as well as translation (joint play)-traction, compression, gliding, paying close attention to the end-feel. Resisted tests lock at neuromuscular integrity and "contractile" elements. Differential diagnosis for pain in a muscle synergy can be evaluated in three methods, testing a muscle's secondary function in the same joint, testing a muscle's secondary function at an adjacent joint, or testing using reciprocal inhibition. Muscle length (flexibility) and neural tension and mobility is also evaluated.

Differentiation between contractile vs inert lesion is evaluated. Contractile involvement: active and passive movements painful and/or restricted in opposite direction, and resisted movements painful. Inert (non-contractile): active and passive movements painful and/or restricted in same direction, resisted movements painless, and passive accessory movements (joint play) painful and or restricted. The clinician must be able to perform a functional evaluation of the extremity joint and the treatment will focus on restoring normal mechanics and function with respect to the stage of pathology the disorder presents.

8) High-tech iso machine assessment: advantages and limitations of common systems (e.g. Cybex, MedX, etc); interpretation of data

There has been a focused interest to develop objective instrumentation for evaluating human performance, most particularly, spinal functional performance. This is in part because back pain is an epidemic in American society and because there is a tendency for approximately 20% of back pain sufferers to become chronic, recurrent and therefore, costly. As a result, there has been an interest in attempting to use computer-aided instrumentation for helping to access a patients candidacy for more specific interventions, improving outcomes and predicting and reducing the likelihood for back pain chronicity.

McKenzie assessment of the cervical spine is based upon the history and clinical testing of provocative and palliative responses to spinal loading during lumbar motion and at end range. The assessment determines whether spinal complaints are amenable to mechanical therapy. Those amenable to mechanical therapy are classified as one of three syndromes: Postural, Dysfunction or Derangement. This classification is based upon subjective and objective findings that occur during motion and end-range loading.

The behavior of spinal complaints amenable to mechanical therapy is distinguished from other causes.

D) Rehabilitation Treatment

11) Cervical McKenzie protocols

McKenzie Management of Cervical Pain

If spinal complaints are assessed as being amendable to mechanical therapy, they are classified as one of three syndrome patterns, each of which is managed according to an individual specific exercise (preferred loading strategy"):

1. Postural syndrome endash requires postural re-education
2. Dysfunction syndrome endash requires remodeling of adaptively shortened tissue
3. Derangement syndrome endash requires reduction of deranged disc material

Recommendation for management for complaints not amenable to mechanical therapy is also considered. The employment of Cyriax (for shoulder), Butler (for adherent nerve root), and strength conditioning principles to McKenzie management of low back is considered. The psychosocial impact of spinal treatment style is stressed. Includes demonstration and practical participation to develop treatment management skills.

12) PNF: clinical integration of PNF skills for muscle dysfunction with joint dysfunction treatment in the management of specific clinical conditions

Proprioceptive Neuromuscular Facilitation is a philosophy of total patient treatment based on neurophysiological principles. The goal of treatment is optimum function of the individual in an approach that is always positive, reinforcing and utilizing that what the person can do. Various proprioceptive

inputs are used to make a desired neuromuscular response easier for the patient to perform. As the patient and dysfunction changes overtime so must the facilitation and technique selection change. Treatment can be both direct and indirect.

The basic procedures are the foundation of PNF. Since they are based on neuro- reflexive responses they do not depend on patient cooperation to be effective. The basic procedures include: manual contact, body position and body mechanics, verbal stimulation, visual clues, appropriate resistance, irradiation, traction and approximation, stretch. and timing.

PNF techniques are tools used to treat specific problems in clinical conditions. They are dependent upon the patient's cooperation and voluntary effort. They may be combined in sequences to promote the desired effects. The techniques and their indication for usage include: rhythmic initiation (difficulties in initiating motion, movement too fast or too slow, uncoordinated motion, general tension), combination of isotonics (decreased eccentric control, lack of coordination or ability to move in desired direction, decreased AROM, lack of active motion in the middle of range), reversal of antagonists or slow reversals (weakness of the agonistic muscles, decreased ability to change direction of motion, exercised muscles begin to fatigue), rhythmic stabilization (limited ROM, particularly when motion is attempted, joint instability, weakness in antagonistic muscle group, and decreased balance), repeated stretch, contract- relax (facilitate relaxation, increase passive range of motion), and hold relax (pain, decreased ROM, patients isotonic contraction an too strong for clinician to control).

PNF patterns of facilitation were developed while watching motion under stress(i.e. athletes). Normal coordinated activities were accomplished by the extremities and trunk moving in diagonal directions with spiral components. Proprioceptive facilitation spreads within the synergistic patterns, both distally and proximally. Treatment makes use of irradiation from those synergistic combinations or muscles (patterns) to strengthen the desired muscle groups or reinforce the desired functional motions.

13) Aquatic

Aquatic therapy has shown tremendous success in the rehabilitation of various neuromuscular conditions. Due to the unique qualities of water, it provides flexible options in the resistance of motions, speed of activities, and irradiation of neuromuscular responses of non-involved structures. Hydrostatic pressures, viscosity, buoyancy, and temperature are all qualities of water that adds to its flexibility in a rehabilitative setting. By varying the depth of the pool or positioning the patient at various levels within a pool the buoyancy property of water varies the weight of gravity allowing for early entry into rehabilitation by reduction of joint stress for lower extremities. For various hand and feet devices along with torso supports can be utilized to increase the drag of the extremities through the water adding variability of resistance. The viscosity property of water allows for maintenance of constant resistance against active motion. It has also been theorized that hydrostatic pressure is useful in patients when venous return can be a complicating factor. Variations of water temperature can be useful in either increasing tissue extensibility at one extreme or addressing inflammation reduction at the other. The Arthritis Foundation has issued specific guidelines in the sue of water exercise which can be utilized for consistent administration and parameters for the specific population.

14) Nutrition

Nutrition for chiropractic rehabilitation should build upon concepts of healthy eating for the general public. An optimum diet should be recommended which is consistent with minimizing the risks of both nutritional deficiency and excess. The rehabilitation physician must be able to inspect the patientrquote s diet for nutritional adequacy and make appropriate recommendations.

The rehabilitation patient may have special nutrition needs due to current injury, exercise demands and/or coexisting disorders. Nutrition intervention may help ameliorate the effects of traumatic inflammation and provide for optimum tissue repair. Rehabilitation exercise may increase nutritional needs, which must be anticipated and provided for. The rehabilitation patient may suffer from coexisting conditions that my impair recovery. These conditions, which may include rheumatic disorders (arthritis, fibromyalgia), depression, and sleep disorders, may respond to nutrition intervention.

Nutrition includes the relationship between diet, wellness and body composition. The percentages of macro nutrients, the glycernic index of meals, the types and ratios of fatty acids, the quality and quantity of protein, all are important concepts concerning wellness and body composition. The concept of positive and negative nitrogen balance must be understood and applied to athletes and individuals undergoing a rehabilitation program. Varying the types of fatty acids has been shown to have an effect upon inflammatory mediators. Glycosaminoglycans have shown a beneficial effect in the healing of connective tissues. Various vitamin and mineral combinations have been shown to accelerate the healing of wounds, aid in the maintenance of bone density and alter the patients outcome assessments. Often patients will be taking NSAIDs along with a rehabilitation program and the clinician should be aware of common interactions of food and medications. Many recreational athletes currently consume various supplements for functional gains and their validity through peer reviewed research should known by the rehabilitation clinician.

15) Post-surgical extremity

There is a great variance in post-surgical rehabilitation protocols. One must have direct communication with the orthopedic surgeon as to his direction. The following are only general considerations.

Total Hip Replacement: the following positions must be avoided: hip flexion greater than 90, Hip adduction past midline, and hip internal rotation. This is the positioning used to dislocate the hip during surgery.

ACL Reconstruction: The graft will get weaker before it gets stronger. The avasculity phase varies from 6 to 10 weeks. Emphasis must be placed on patella and soft tissue mobilization, hamstring strengthening, closed chain quadricep training with proprioceptive training. If meniscal repair occurred, the patient will be NWBing for 4-5 weeks.

Arthroscopic Bankhardt Repair for anterior instability of the shoulder. Begin six-direction isometrics, pendulum, and elbow AROM in the first two weeks. Emphasis on restoring active and passive ROM in weeks 2-4. Progressive strengthening exercises after the 4th week. Full resistive exercises at the 8^th week.

Acromioplasty with and without rotator cuff repair: varies with the surgeon as to when begin isometrics due to tissue quality. Should have full AROM by week 6. Scapular functioning is addressed early on as well as range of motion exercises. Once strengthening is allowed, it should focus on rotator cuff and scapulothoracic muscles. Must assure the rotator cuff is capable to maintaining the humeral head in a depressed position within the glenoid fossa so as to minimize upward shear stresses of the anterior-middle deltoid when performing forward flexion and abduction strengthening.

References

16) Introduction to work hardening

Work Hardening

Work hardening is the process by which individuals current work capacity is measured and any limited factors, compared to current occupational demands, followed by specific training for poorly tolerated tasks. Traditionally work hardening consists of training in whole person dynamic tasks that are job related (i.e. lifting). This was initially provided in multidisciplinary tertiary care centers. Recent literature supports the use of such techniques in loss intensive environments and can easily be incorporated into the chiropractic setting. ⁶ General treatment concepts in work conditioning programs are goals oriented operant conditioning and addressing patient perceptions/self efficiency.⁷

Work hardening programs are designed to return injured employees to work or to maximize their employability. Work hardening provides a transition from the acute injury to daily working after an employee is able to perform work tasks for a few hours but are unable to tolerate a full work day. For a patient who normally works an eight-hour day, the therapy beings with low-impact conditioning followed by simulated work.

Individual, goal-oriented and structured programs provide job simulation of the work environment with a clinical setting, education on body mechanics, spinal anatomy, posture, stress management, general exercise and relaxation.

In addition to the physical problems, psychosocial issues emerge which confound conventional treatment and prolong resolution. Work hardening programs develop to address the many issues of the occupationally injured chronic patient.

E) Management Topics

17) Spinal soft tissue rehabilitation concepts & psycho-motor skills review with application to specific conditions including post-surgical rehab.

The aim of manipulation is to restore mobility and normalize tone. This requires palpatory literacy to feel resistance and to feel release. Any tissue with restricted mobility can be manipulated.

According to Panjabi movements within the neutral zone can only be stabilized by active muscle contractions while those at the periphery are stabilized by osteoligamentous structures. Therefore, active muscle contractions limit the physiological - neutral range and passive osteoligamentous elements limit the anatomical range.

Two dysfunctions can occur with respect to the physiological range:

Decreased neutral range due to a pathological barrier

Increased neutral range due to poor agonist/antagonist co-contraction function

A decreased physiologic range due to a pathologic barrier is typical when there is joint restriction or fixation. This will shift the neutral position of the joint and alter biomechanics. Instability occurs when the normal physiological limit extends due to inadequate agonist/antagonist co-contraction ability, thus placing the passive structures at risk during movements. To mobilize or release a pathological barrier in the physiologic range, manipulation is needed. To stabilize the neutral range sensory motor and stabilization training is needed.

The barrier should be palpated slowly and with little force. Or else you will miss it or it will defend itself. Once we learn to palpate it, it is best to wait and feel for release after a latency. To treat a barrier dysfunction never let go of the barrier, if you feet a release take up the slack, don't let go of the slack! Breathing, eye movements, springing, isometric contractions away from the barrier and thrusting may all be used to release a barrier. The disadvantage with thrusting is that palpation of release is impossible - the only sense we use is our ears not our hands!

There are numerous soft tissue mobilization techniques. These techniques can be analyzed by looking at how the following nine technique variables are applied: location, area, direction, depth, force, time, amplitude, rhythm and rate. Sot tissue techniques can be classified into two main groups. Accessory soft tissue movements or "muscle play" cannot be performed actively (i.e. friction massage). Physiological soft tissue movements can be performed actively or passively. Depending upon the stage of pathology and treatment goals, one can look at lengthening techniques and shortening techniques. There are different types of patient participation: completely passive; contract-relax, then stretch ; contract-relax, then soft tissue manipulation; contract with simultaneous soft tissue manipulation of antagonist

Soft tissue healing is a complex interaction between the injured tissues, the vascular system and chemical mediators. There are three overlapping phases, inflammatory phase, fibroblastic phase and remodeling phase. During the inflammatory phase, the treatment goals are to decrease swelling, promote venous and lymphatic drainage and prevent unwanted adhesions without disrupting the repair process. During this phase one would use RICE, shortening-broadening soft tissue techniques in a shortened position. During the fibroblastic phase, immobilization or insufficient activity produces an immobile scar which inhibits normal tissue mobility and promotes further muscle atrophy. However excessive activity may delay the normal healing. One may begin gentle lengthening techniques with care. The remodeling phase is responsible for the final aggregation. orientation and arrangement of collagen fibers. The scar must have sufficient tensile strength and mimic the alignment, length and mobility of the tissue it is replacing. Increase vigor of accessory mobilization through propositioning structure in a more lengthen position is appropriate, begin muscle stretching and increase vigor of training to restore normal strength, endurance and coordination.

For example. your patient is a fast-pitch softball pitcher. The evaluation reveals a biceps strain at midbelly. Besides RICE initially, shortening ST techniques are used in a shortened position, pumping into elbow flexion with supination. As healing progresses gradually place the muscle into a more lengthened position of shoulder extension and pump into elbow extension and pronation

References

The rehabilitation clinician should be familiar with upper extremity traumatic lesions, the stages of healing and the progression of rehabilitation from passive to active care. Rehabilitation of the upper extremity should focus on the upper kinetic chain, focusing first on proximal stability of the scapulothoracic articulation then progressing to the more distal portions of the upper kinetic chain. Scapulohumeral rhythm along with tone and coordination of the scapular stabilizers are crucial components when rehabilitating the upper extremity. Functional assessment techniques by Janda and Levvit provide better understanding of the scapulohumeral and upper extremity rehabilitation. Glenhumeral motion and the stabilizing effect of the rotator musculature is vital in minimizing superior migration of the humeral head during shoulder abduction. Exercises focusing solely on abduction without considering strengthening of the glenhumeral depressors can lead to impingement syndromes. Varying acromium morphology may also play a role in impingement syndromes. Proper biomechanics of the throwing motion, especially proper deceleration can aid in reducing the stress on the shoulder contractile tissue.

19) Advanced lower extremity soft tissue rehabilitation concepts & psychomotor skills with application to specific conditions

There are numerous soft tissue mobilization techniques. These techniques can be analyzed by looking at how the following nine technique variable are applied: location, area, direction, depth, force, time, amplitude, rhythm and rate. Sot tissue techniques can be classified into two main groups. Accessory soft tissue movements or "muscle play" cannot be performed actively (i.e. friction massage). Physiological soft tissue movements can be performed actively or passively. Depending upon the stage of pathology and treatment goals, one can look at lengthening techniques and shortening techniques. There are different types of patient participation: completely passive; contract-relax, then stretch ; contract-relax, then soft tissue manipulation; contract with simultaneous soft tissue manipulation of antagonist

Soft tissue healing is a complex interaction between the injured tissues, the vascular system and chemical mediators. There are three overlapping phases, inflammatory phase, fibroblastic phase and remodeling phase. During the inflammatory phase, the treatment goals are to decrease swelling, promote venous and lymphatic drainage and prevent unwanted adhesions without disrupting the repair process. During this phase one would use RICE, shortening-broadening soft tissue techniques in a shortened position. During the fibroblastic phase, immobilization or insufficient activity produces an immobile scar which inhibits normal tissue mobility and promotes further muscle atrophy. However excessive activity may delay the normal healing. One may begin gentle lengthening techniques with care. The remodeling phase is responsible for the final aggregation. orientation and arrangement of collagen fibers. The scar must have sufficient tensile strength and mimic the alignment, length and mobility of the tissue it is replacing. Increase vigor of accessory mobilization through propositioning structure in a more lengthen position is appropriate, begin muscle stretching and increase vigor of training to restore normal strength, endurance and coordination.

Patient presents with achilles tendonitis. Place the muscle in a shortening position of knee flexion and plantar flexion. Begin with shortening and accessory techniques. Gradually progress into more knee extension and dorsiflexion using lengthening techniques.

References

Various studies have addressed concerns focused to the lower extremities. Muscular asymmetries including flexibility and strength have been reported in numerous studies as a source of potential neuromuscular traumas. Bilateral comparison of one lower extremity to another has shown that range of motions that exceed the opposite lower extremity by approximately 15% or more consistently have a higher injury rate. It has also been shown that athletes with one lower extremity stronger than the other by approximately 15% or more had a 2.6 times greater possibility for injury than athletes with lesser strength imbalances. Various studies and research projects have consistently shown that proprioceptive deficits measured by various tools (i.e. stabilometry, rhombergs test, patient reports, etc.) can be consistent barometers for increased injury rate within ankles by approximately four fold. It has also been shown that a patients ability to detect small static changes within the ankle joint not only increases the changes of injury rate, but is relatively consistent finding to post injury ankle patients.

Close chain activities have consistently been utilized in the rehabilitation of lower extremities. Close chain activities stress co-contraction of muscles which are vital in joint stability during gait activities. The compressive forces of close chain activities minimize joint sheer force thus reducing static structural stress to lower extremity joints during rehabilitative phases when joint sheer should be minimized. By definition close chain activities apply force to joints and long bones longitudinally as compared to the perpendicular forces of open chain activities. Although open chain activities may be utilized during a rehabilitative program, movement towards close chain activities should occur during terminal stages of rehabilitation.

20) Industry: relations, cost containment, disability management

The rapid growth of the chiropractic rehabilitation model in industry is based on a common foundation of function and practicality. That is, industry strives to function effectively to manufacture goods and services for profit. Success depends heavily on the level of workersrquote production. Decreased production, or function, results in lower profits and reduces profitability. Therefore, practically speaking, the functional levels of the workers are important to an industryrquote s competitiveness and very survival.

Key tools that are utilized in chiropractic rehabilitation include:

1. Psychosocial assessment to determine factors of chronicity or abnormal illness behavior. When significantly positive, appropriate follow-up (counseling) may be necessary for optimal improvement.

2. Functional capacity evaluation to objectively determine patient performance levels to measure improvement, establish work capacity, set work and activity restrictions and determine maximum medical improvement for impairment disability rating purposes.
3. Assessment of posture, gait & other movement patterns. This assists the Dr. to prescribe proper stabilization program of remedial exercise to stabilize locomotor (neuromusculoskeletal) system, improving function and reducing risk of recurrences.
4. Proper utilization of assessment for "Red Flag" conditions which require outside referral to the appropriate specialist.
5. Literature based implementation of proven manual techniques including manipulation and exercise to restore function. A continuum from more passive care to active care occurs as the condition transitions from the acute stage. Because the injured employee is viewed as an industrial athlete, active (exercise) measures are customized with the patientrquote s physical demands of employment in mind.
6. Use of literature based outcomes measures such as ADLrquote s, pain drawings, visual analog scales. Such tools are used to document presence or absence of clinical progress, vital information used to determine the clinical course of each case.
7. Ergonomic assessment of the work place to reduce risk of injury/re- injury.
8. Reduced risk of abnormal illness behavior because of active care protocol.

It is generally believed that most back pain patients will recover from acute episodes and that only a minority become chronic. Since it is considered very difficult to treat the chronic patient emphasis has been placed on prevention and prediction of who will become chronic. Bolton asks, "can an accurate prediction be made of a patient's prognosis early enough to take preventive action." (1). The chronic or chronic bound patient requires a far more complex biopsychosocial approach than the simple acute patient. The biopsychosocial model recognizes that lbp symptoms are influenced by factors other than anatomical or physiological parameters. LBP has biological, psychological & social aspects (2)

Patients prone to chronicity can be identified by the presence of the following features (3):

-- Past history of >4 episodes -- history

-- Longer than 1 week of symptoms before Dr. visit -- history

-- Severe pain intensity -- >50% on VAS

-- Pre-existing strux path rel. to symptoms -- history, imaging

-- RCGP (4):

-- Work loss in last year -- history

-- Radiating leg pain - history, pain diagram

-- +SLR - ortho/neuro exam

-- Signs of n. root involvement - ortho/neuro

-- Reduced tr st/end - Alaranta tests

-- Poor physical fitness - aerobic capacity test

-- Self-rated health poor - SF-36

-- Heavy smoking history

-- Psychologic distress/depression - SF-36, SCL-90

-- Illness behavior - Waddell's signs

-- Low job satisfaction - APGAR

-- Heavy occupation - JDQ

-- Alcohol, marital, financial prob's -history

-- Adversarial med-legal - history

In a recent study Cherkin found that only 46% of patients presenting to a primary care clinic were symptom-free after 7 weeks (5). 29% had a poor outcome even 1 year later. Indeed, the chronic or at least the recurrent pain patient may be far bigger a problem than previously believed. Cherkin summarized the following predictors of a poor outcome - sciatica, depression, and job dissatisfaction.

In an exhaustive review of the literature Frank, et al. concluded that the following factors were most significant in predicting outcome - previous history of low back problems, severe acute pain, and sciatica (6).

According to North American Spine Society (7),"Many pts who do not respond to non-op tx w/in 4-6 mos have a history of sig. psychosocial disorders, limited compliance, and inhibition physical function as evidenced by pain sensitivity, nonorganic signs, and demonstrated deficiencies in physical and functional capacity testing."

AHCP - P91(B) concluded, "In a Pt w/acute low back symptoms and no evidence of serious underlying spinal pathology, the inability to regain tolerance of required activities may indicate that unrealistic expectations or psychosocial factors need to be explored before considering referral for a more extensive evaluation or tx program."

A number of factors can be summarized as being predictive of a disability prone patient (9). These include:

Management of orofascial pain and TMJ Disorders requires thorough diagnosis as many conditions can manifest as face, head and. jaw pain. A high percentage of these disorders are muscular in etiology. Although muscle imbalance may be the primacy cause or initiating factor; abnormal joint loading and CNS involvement are common contributing factors. Cephalad compensation and/or the association of basic reflexes (mastication, prehension, respiration) result in complicated and multi- dimensional problems with a high potential for illness behavior and neuropathic presentation. Assessment must include knowledge or assistance in dental orthopedic medicine, locomotor function and biopsychosocial measures.

Treatment should begin with the most appropriate and conservative(reversible) choices. Relaxation and stretching of the muscles responsible for elevation and protrusion should be coordinated with facilitation and training of the proximal stabilizers of the mandible. Functional restoration must include activation of mandibular depressor function. Mobilization and/or stabilization of the temporomandibular joint is sometimes necessary. Cervical spine dysfunction is commonly found associated with temporomandibular disorders and should be manually treated. Posture education, reduction of parafunctional habits (lip biting, clenching, grinding, etc.) and modifications to activities of daily living are essential to long term success. Early aggressive active rehabilitation is vital to diminish likelihood of chronicity and disability.

Traumatically-induced temporomandibular disorders have been shown to have increased signs, symptoms and chronicity. The mechanisms proposed for injury or condition development include two theories. The direct theory postulates that during an acceleration/deceleration process of a collision the temporomandibular complex is directly stretched beyond its physiologic means resulting in damage to soft tissue elements. This would necessitate initial pain and inflammatory signs. The indirect theory postulates that imbalance resulting from the injury the head and neck causes muscular overactivity and abnormal joint loading in the orofascial region. This would more likely surface as a delayed presentation of signs and symptoms. This patient population may require earlier consideration of supportive measures (splints, surgery) to fully resolve their disorder.

23) Vehicle Trauma

When an individual sustains bodily injury as a result of vehicular trauma, the care giver must identify location, nature and extent of injury, and consider numerous physical, psychological and social variables such as the physical injury itself, the person's physical capacity, job/personal requirements, personality, basic emotional status, coping skills, psychological and social stress factors and patient motivation.

The provider must then develop a rational, progressive, flexible, multi-phase program incorporating appropriate treatment and management procedures for the acute injury and as it progresses through the sub-acute, chronic and rehabilitative phases of recovery. At each level the provider must consider range of active motion, strength of related musculature, posture control and balance, general muscular power, general aerobic fitness, emotional state, impairment factors and level of activities of daily living.

In the United States and other developed countries it has been identified that the reimbursement system within any given state, region, or country could effect expectations of pain and disability following injury from motor vehicle accidents. For this reason it is recommended that patients should be provided honest, rational explanations of their injury, recovery rate and prognosis. For soft tissue injury, they should be reassured that with proper treatment and management and patient cooperation, the conditions are usually self limiting. The provider should help the patient adapt to an active and positive attitude at all stages after an injury, emphasize an early return to usual activities, encourage the patient to remain functional in spite of pain, discourage passive behavior and prolonged manipulative and physical therapy procedures.

References

The category of Special Populations includes many different groups. Of these groups, pediatrics, geriatrics, pregnancy and arthritic patients tend to be the primary focus. When assigning exercises to their groups, many underlying conditions must be taken into consideration that would otherwise not be considered in the general populations. In pregnant patients, factors such as trimester, eright and pre- existing health conditions all help to dictate which exercises can and canrquote t be given to the patient some of the contra-indications of exercise for pregnant females is incompent cervix, pregnancy induced hypertension, second/third trimester bleeding and premature membrane rupture. When giving pregnant patients exercises after the first trimester, supine exercises are contra-indicated due to the Inferior Vena Cava being compressed and decreasing venous flow to the heart.

In children, acute renal disease, CHF, and systemic hypertension are all contra-indicated when prescribing an exercise program. In the elderly, exercises that stress concentric and eccentric movement should be stresses but orthopedic joint stress should not be. Also in the geriatric population the primary insult to injury in from repetitive type trauma.

Special populations and topics encompass the geriatric patient, the pregnant patient and the podiatric patient. Within each of these patient categories, a rehabilitative approach is outlined for several common conditions. Under special topics, the field of aquatic therapy is reviewed.