Integrative Diagnostics
is a core aspect of the patient process. During an initial evaluation and
re-evaluations, patients are assessed and diagnosed with Integrative Diagnostics
and then a rehabilitation program is developed using Integrative Manual Therapy.
Our clinicians use traditional as well as specialized diagnostics to determine
areas of primary dysfunction in the body that are contributing to the individual’s
problems. Traditional diagnostics include observing range of motion of the
spine, arms, and legs; posture in standing and in movement; reflex testing,
neurologic examinations, and more. Specialized diagnostics that are used include
Myofascial Mapping, Neurofascial Listening and Neurofascial Process, Nullification,
Motilities, and much more.
Myofascial Mapping is the primary diagnostic tool used on patients. Myofascial Mapping is a process of determining the primary areas in the body that have physical dysfunction. Often, the Mapping can be used like a geography map of dysfunction in the body. The areas of the body that have dysfunction as determined by the Mapping, are listed on a body diagram. Once this body diagram is completed, the therapist looks for patterns. For example, the patient may have Mapping throughout their whole digestive system and maybe they also have complaints of reflux. In another example, a patient may present with Mapping of their lower back and spine. The Mapping helps to guide development of a rehabilitation program for that patient. It is the initial step in the development of a treatment plan.
Motilities, also referred to as Circadian or Biologic Rhythms, are useful in determining the health of a system in the body. The pulse is an example of a motility. It is a reflection of the health of the arterial system in the region that it is felt. There are many other motilities that can be felt in the body. If we use the example of the hip pain once again, motilities can be felt at the hip to determine if there is a problem with the arterial flow as compared to venous drainage of the leg. Maybe there is a lymphatic drainage problem of that leg that can be diagnosed with these motilities.
Nullification is a useful tool in determining the hierarchy of dysfunction. In other words, if an individual presents with symptoms at their right shoulder as well as chest pain, nullification would be able to determine whether the right shoulder pain was contributing to the chest discomfort or vice versa. This is very beneficial in developing a more efficient rehabilitation program for a patient.
Neurofascial Process (NFP) and Neurofascial Listening are used to determine what systems in the body are involved. For example, if there is a part of the body that is symptomatic such as the left hip, NFP is useful in determining whether the symptoms are related to the bones and muscles, or the arteries and veins in the region, or even the nerves. Additionally, it is a very useful diagnostic tool in developing a homework program for patients. Patients play an important role in the effectiveness of their healing process, including their willingness to do assigned “homework” on themselves, and to implement dietary and lifestyle changes.
The Integrated Systems
Approach
To know what a system is, you only have to think of the various specializations
in allopathic medicine and remember they refer to one particular system; cardiovascular,
respiratory, gastrointestinal, lymphatic system, neurological system, skeletal
system, hormonal system, etc.
Integrative Manual Therapy is ingrained in the concept of an “Integrated Systems Approach”. As an example, let’s say a patient has a problem at the shoulder where they have limited and painful movement. In this situation, specialized diagnostics can be performed at the shoulder and upper quadrant to see what is contributing to these symptoms. The pain and movement limitation could be because of a musculoskeletal problem local to the shoulder, such as the joint capsule, or a ligament, or tendon, or it could be vascular. The person could have decreased circulation to the shoulder and arm because of compression at their neck and chest region. Possibly, the pain could be referred from another site. Maybe the individual is having problems at the shoulder because of poor posture from a problem at their low back. There are many potential explanations. With the Integrated Systems Approach, the patient is assessed with specialized diagnostics to address all systems in the body, including musculoskeletal (muscle spasm, bone bruise, tendonitis, bursitis), vascular (artery, vein), peripheral and central nervous system (impinged nerve, compression on a nerve), lymphatic (swollen lymph nodes, decreased lymphatic drainage). Once it is determined from the diagnostics what systems are involved in the area of problem, Integrative Manual Therapy techniques are applied to address those systems. There are many different IMT techniques that can be used. Much of the techniques are organized into categories relevant to different regions of the body.
The Integrated Systems Approach means that each individual system of the body is not recognized as being separate. One system is always interacting, relating to, and affecting any or all of the other systems of the body. Each part, no matter how large or how small, is considered for its contribution to its neighbors.
What makes IMT so incredibly successful, and therefore, stands out from all other disciplines and all other healthcare providers, are the Integrative Diagnostics and the Integrated Systems Approach. When these possibilities are opened, probabilities begin!