Dynamic Neuromuscular Stabilization (DNS Basic Course B)

Dynamic Neuromuscular Stabilization (DNS) is a rehabilitation strategy based upon the inter-relationship of developing child and neuro-physiological maturation of postural-locomotor system. Kolar’s approach to DNS explains the importance of muscular interactions and their proper recruitment for dynamic stability of spine and utilizes a series of systematic dynamic tests.

DNS diagnosis is based on comparing the patient’s stabilizing pattern with stabilization developmental pattern of a healthy baby. The treatment approach is based on reflex locomotion principles and ontogenetic postural locomotor patterns. The brain must be properly stimulated and conditioned to automatically activate optimal movement patterns that are necessary for co-activation of stabilizers.

The ultimate strategy is to teach the brain to maintain central control and stability of the movement restored during the therapy. This can be achieved by activation of the stabilizers when placing the patient in the primal developmental positions. The primary goal of this treatment approach is to optimize distribution of internal forces of the muscles acting on each segment of the spine and/or any other joint.

DNS can be used in infants to:

• Stimulate the achievement of important development milestones at appropriate times

• Stimulate symmetrical development

• Improve the quality of movement

• Educate the parents to properly handle infants

DNS can be used in neurological patients for:

• Postural training

• Sensory-motor integration

• Achieve independence in ADLs and improve QoL

General and Specific objectives

• Demonstrate an understanding of developmental kinesiology and its relationship with pathology of the locomotor system: review theory covered in the A course and introduce more advanced theory, namely the verticalization process

• Describe the basis for primitive reflexes and postural reactions and their roles in developmental kinesiology

• Introduce basic information about reflex locomotion according to Vojta

• Perform demonstration of assessments of babies:  attendees will be able to recognize ideal and disturbed locomotor patterns and determine developmental age of the babies

• Demonstrate and teach proper handling of infants

• Demonstration application of DNS assessment and treatment in adult patients with pain and dysfunction within the locomotor system – stabilization assessment and treatment strategy

• Postural analysis & testing of integrated spinal stabilization system – review of Course A tests and introduction to additional, advanced tests

• Integration of corrective exercises based on newly taught DNS functional tests

• Exercise in differentiated ipsilateral and contralateral static positions, position transfer during locomotor function, exercise progression using unstable surface, resistance against “planned movement”, dual tasking and other challenges both in ipsi and contralateral patterns, transition between ipsilateral and contralateral patterns, training of isolated segmental movement

• Introduction to cortical functioning – body scheme, quality of relaxation, isolated segmental movements

• Provide more complex clinical management explanation for clinicians to better integrate more advanced DNS protocols into clinical practice