Structural Dynamic Therapy - an Overview
The human body is a dynamic structure made to move in three dimensions through a system of levers constructed from bones, muscles, tendons and compartments. The joints provide leverage while the muscles act as both engine and shock absorbers. The alignment of the different structures determines how efficient the movement is.
The Guan Clinic, in Victoria, BC Canada specializes in Structural Dynamic Therapy (SDT) - an emerging treatment modality. A treatment that respects the entirety of the human form, its interrelatedness and its intricate design.
Structural Dynamic Therapy has been developed to provide quick relief from pain using a non-surgical orthopedic solution. This bio-mechanical technique allows the joints to return to a balanced position, thus allowing for more efficient movement and supporting a more efficient bio-chemical process.
Part of this bio-chemical process is a natural healing mechanism, and is made more efficient when normal blood and lymph circulation is restored. The communication between body systems is also made more efficient
The skeleton is a mobile framework providing rigid support for the soft tissues and skin. The bones are arranged to act as levers with the muscles acting as both the engine and shock absorber. This framework is put under mechanical strain from gravity and the movement of muscles against gravity.
Forces (such as gravity, a sneeze) can cause these structures to be moved from a balanced position. This movement not only affects the leverage points, but can change the space in the compartments, interfering with the nerve pathways and blood circulation. These changes are the physical cause of various symptoms including mild discomfort, tightness, sharp pain, fatigue, inflammation, restricted movement, and possibly arthritic pain. Sometimes the body is able to compensate but," if not", treatment is needed to restore the balance and recover body function.
Misalignment causes a bio-mechanical malfunction which accelerates deterioration of the affected body parts. As a result, inflammation occurs and can become chronic if the balance is not restored.
balance. function. vitality.
Structural Dynamic Therapy - the Treatment
Maintaining dynamic structures is the key to enhancing performance through more efficient movement.
Treatment starts with an assessment of the problem based on your perception of where the pain is, which helps determine where the structural problems are located. Since the goal is to restore proper body mechanics by correcting the misalignment's, treatment is done with Chinese massage and gentle manipulation.
During a treatment session, you will be asked to perform gentle movements so we may evaluate the area(s) being treated and the body's response to the techniques used, and to find other related misalignment's. Your own proprioception (sensation) will tell you if everything is back in the right place. Dr. Guan and associate Rob Pearce provide a natural non surgical orthopedic solution.
This therapy is gentle and effective with a positive result in just a few visits. Once the structure(s) are balanced, the self healing process is more efficient with long-term repeated treatments not required. We suggest clients commit to three sessions to give us a chance to show progress. This treatment is recommended for correcting existing problems (acute and chronic) and also for prevention and maintenance. Many many…who have been successfully treated return for tune-ups to maintain well-being. We have been treating people since 1997 and we would like you to come and check us out.
Structural Dynamic Therapy - more Details
The skeletal framework is put under mechanical strain from gravity and the movement of muscles against gravity. The leverage points are areas where bones come together and are referred to as joints. There are several types of joints in the body and all have varying degrees of dynamic movement.
The ligaments stabilize the joints while allowing them to move in a dynamic way, and except in certain cases are not designed to stretch or contract. Ligaments also contain special sensory cells and nerves which allow the brain to monitor movement and to keep the joint within a safe degree of movement.
The articulating surface of the joints is covered with a connective tissue called cartilage which provides protection to the bone itself and the synovial capsules. Cartilage wears under stress from friction and the joint moving against gravity, this wear is not usually noticed as it is constantly being repaired.
There are two types of muscle, voluntary and involuntary and it is voluntary that allows us to control movement. Typically muscles are attached to two different bones and when creating movement one bone stays fixed and the other moves as a result of muscle action. All of these elements are designed to allow dynamic movement in three dimensions.
Another vital element is the myofacial compartments. These compartments change shape as movement occurs but, a misalignment can cause that shape to change and put pressure on the nerves, blood vessels and lymph system thereby reducing the efficiency of the healing process (biochemical).
Most mis-alignments are of three types, rotational, sliding, and compression. All types can happen simultaneously and cause varying degrees of discomfort and pain. Also important to consider is the abnormal wear on cartilage and eventually bone that can cause the change in shape that is also a form of misalignment. If a misalignment has occurred then the body has to compensate in some way to get relief from the pain. Depending on the type and location of the misalignment, pain can be immediate as when a nerve is pinched or come on more slowly as a result of inflammation or abnormal wear( as in the case of cartilage).
We see the cause of discomfort as a result of mechanical misalignment as well as from the inflammation that can occur. The solution then is not in treating the inflammation as the cause but, to correct the misalignment(s) that created the problem. Effective treatment begins with the patient’s sensation of their own body, and communicating that to the practitioner. The practitioner can then diagnose where the mis-alignments are and begin to restore balance. The patient’s own propreoception will be a guide for the practitioner to judge how successful the realignment’s are at reducing the physical symptoms and which areas may be involved.
Throughout treatment the practitioner will question the patient as to how they are feeling in order to satisfy all the mis-alignments that may be contributing to the symptoms. When the patient’s propreoception is satisfied then the treatment is complete.