DYNAMIC NEUROMUSCULAR STABILIZATION
Dynamic neuromuscular stabilization (DNS) is a specific rehabilitative approach developed by Professor Pavel Kolar, a member of the well-known Prague School of Rehabilitation. The DNS encompasses principles of developmental kinesiology during the first year of life - these principles define ideal posture, breathing patterns and functional joint centration. DNS treatment starts with the assessment and correction of breathing pattern and client’s ability to create sufficient intraabdominal pressure (IAP). IAP is important because it stabilizes and decompresses the spine from the inside. To create adequate IAP the client has to learn to use the diaphragm both as respiratory and postural muscle, but in order to do that a client has to have proper posture – the position of the spine, ribs and pelvis significantly affect the position and movement of diaphragm, and consequently the creation of proper IAP. After a client learns how to properly position the body parts, breathe and stabilize the core in different positions, movements and load are added to exercises. To move properly, one has to have proper core stabilization, but also proper joint centration. “Joint centration” refers to the ideal alignment of a joint where there is maximal contact between the bones in conjunction with a coordinated activity between stabilizing muscles. In DNS a great emphasis is placed on improving the ability to feel joint positions (proprioception) and to increase the control and awareness of movements.
Neurology plays a very important role in the DNS concept, with activation (facilitation) of the ideal movement programs stored in the brain as the main goal. Baby doesn’t have to be taught how to turn, crawl, sit and walk - correct movement patterns are already programmed in the baby’s brain. If the baby does not pass through all developmental processes correctly, dysfunctional patterns and postural disorders develop. Dysfunctional patterns and movement impairments also develop later in life, due to injuries, stress, poor postural habits, etc. To restore the correct “pre-wired” movement programs DNS utilizes many of the baby positions when evaluating and later activating the ideal stabilization and movement patterns in the adults.
DNS is used not only to prevent and treat pain syndromes, but also to enhance performance. Ideal posture, stabilization and joint centration maximize the efficiency of the movements, which not only reduces the risk of injury, but also improves performance.
