NKT stands for Neurokinetic Therapy. Physical therapists use this
assessment technique to find the root cause of a patient’s
complaint. It is an application of Motor Control Theory,
neuroscience, and functional anatomy (neurobiomechanics)
developed by David Weinstock. This helps determine faulty
movement patterns in the brain’s motor control center.
Providers use certain protocols to determine which muscles are
inhibited and which muscles are compensating for them. Using
this information, they can then create a corrective exercise
regimen focusing on proper movement patterns and reprogram
the motor control center.
NKT can be used to assess and treat a variety of conditions.
These include joint pain, neck or back pain, gait dysfunction, pre
or post-surgical patients, some vestibular cases, hyoid
dysfunction, TMJ, scars, post- cesarean section and pelvic floor
dysfunction.
Instead of chasing symptoms, therapists can use NKT to find
more direct causes of pain, tightness, or weakness. However, the
patient still needs to perform their corrective exercises to allow
their body to accept the changes. This will eventually override the
dysfunction and create a new, functional movement pattern.
Every patient is different and some will take longer to see results
than others.
For example, I commonly treat women experiencing lower back
pain after having a cesarean section. During the procedure, the
abdominal muscles are cut to remove the baby. A scar forms
where the incision was made. The abdominal muscles weaken as
a result and the low back usually becomes tight and painful. The
NKT protocol allows me to determine which specific core muscles
have weakened, which low back muscles are overworking, and
which way to release the scar if the scar is causing any
dysfunction.
Patients are often surprised to find out that their scar is usually
neurologically overactive and sore to the touch. The scar release
is immediately followed by a specific muscle activation, usually
the abdominal muscles. These exercises enable the brain to
process correct movement pattern and start to reprogram. This
also allows people to work on build strength while avoiding
overcompensation patterns in other muscles.
Benefits:
Relieves pain
Gives freedom of movement
Improves Sports Performance
Post Injury Rehab
Scar Rehab
I have found NKT to be absolutely essential for achieving lasting
relief from a wide range of conditions and have been amazed at
its speed, accuracy, and effectiveness. NKT often uncovers the
underlying causes of chronic, acute muscular skeletal pain and
dysfunction and quickly relieves it.