DYNAMIC NEUROMUSCULAR STABILIZATION (DNS)
DNS restores and stabilizes locomotor function by reprogramming muscles to work correctly again, as they did as a child. It reestablishes proper function, alignment and posture by retraining the body to stabilize its core and spine. Core stability is required for optimal performance and is achieved by muscle (abdominals, spinal extensors, gluteals, etc.) strength, precise coordination of muscles and intra‐abdominal pressure (IAP) regulation by the central nervous system. The resulting restoration of movement is that the core (spine, abdominals, diaphragm, pelvis, and pelvic floor) is strong and stable so that the extremities (arms and legs) can work and move well. Compensation patterns are also erased. When compensation patterns and dysfunctional movement exist, it is like trying to shoot a cannon from a canoe. After DNS, it’s more like shooting a cannon from a cruise ship. Additional DNS benefits include injury and surgery recovery, pain elimination, and improved strength, performance, and range of motion.
HOW DOES DNS WORK?
DNS is wholistic approach that treats the source of compensation, dysfunction, and pain in the musculoskeletal system by addressing and correcting all of their dysfunctional components together. This type of activation regulates many the brain’s centers by affecting: motor control (movement), sensory, and autonomic components of the nervous system; as well as joints, muscles and soft tissues in the related periphery. This activation also assists in regulating all these functions in concert with breathing. Automatic breathing synchronized with movement brings the most effective results for back rehabilitation, injury prevention and strength because it achieves optimal spine and core stabilization, ultimate postural alignment, and the most efficient and functional use of muscles. Repetitive stress, overuse and destruction of the discs, including herniated disc and bulging discs, are readily corrected with DNS.
It utilizes our innate ability to activate muscles and coordinate their movement and alignment for maximum efficiency and power. As babies in our first two years of life, we established ideal posture (and alignment) by learning basic movements like sitting up, rolling over, reaching for things, crawling, walking, standing, and squatting. Each developmental phase relies on the previous step’s successful execution to prepare the joints to be centrated (for maximum access to functional power) and building muscle coordination and strength.
THE SCIENTIFIC BASIS OF DNS
Dynamic Neuromuscular Stabilization (DNS) is based on human developmental movement principles and was created by Professor Pavel Kolar from Prague, Czech Republic. His mentors are the legendary Neurologists and Physiatrists who founded the Prague School of Rehabilitation and Manual Medicine. Professors Vaclav Vojta, Karel Lewit, Vladimir Janda, and Frantisek Vele are the founders and are pioneers in the 20th century rehabilitation movement. The Prague School’s website is www.rehabps.com.
DNS is based on scientific research and standards of ontogenesis, human body maturation. Developmental Kinesiology (DK), the development of motor control patterns (movement) is a major part of ontogenesis. These hard-wired human patterns begin during infancy and develop throughout early childhood years. A baby does not need to be taught to move (reach, roll over, lift his head, or crawl) – he innately knows how and does it when his body is ready. As an infant’s central nervous system (CNS) matures, these well-defined movements automatically happen in a specific well-established sequence.