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Proprioceptive
Training
Dr. Hussein Elsangak
How would you like to hold your
adjustments longer? Learn how to
strengthen the muscle tone of your neck using this simple and effective
procedure! Proprioceptive training is a powerful supportive exercise
which enhances muscle tone and equilibrium. It is non-traumatic and produces no
stress on the discs or joints in the neck. It also improves the structural
stability of the discs and supporting ligaments.
What is it?
Have you ever noticed the legs of a gymnast? The
muscles are well developed and defined. This is not from weight lifting, but
from toning the muscle from working on the balancing beam. During training, the
leg muscles are contracting and relaxing in order to keep balance. This
improves not only the sense of balance, but also the muscle tone. This is the
basic principle of proprioceptive training.
In my early medical training, I saw first-hand how
strong muscles are. A patient with tetanus had several fractures caused by the
muscle spasms in the back. The vertebrae have little muscles attached to the
lateral part of the bone. These little muscles broke the attachments off of
several bones. This is when I realized the true strength of the muscles
connected to the spine. Toned muscles can provide stability to the neck and
take pressure off the discs. This is important for the patient who has lost the
proper neck curve.
How
does it work?
Place an average size book on your head and balance
it for 5 minutes. This will cause the neck muscles to contract without moving the
neck. This tones the muscles without irritating the discs. As the muscles gain
strength, the neck will stabilize. Do this for 5 minutes each day for 30 days
and see what a difference it makes!
Special note: The exercise should not hurt at anytime. If it
causes pain, stop and call your chiropractor.
Dr. Hussein Elsangak is a graduate of Alazhar University Medical School
in Cairo, Egypt, where he practiced Internal Medicine for 4 years. He also is a graduate of
The Highest Level is the monthly e-mail newsletter of the
© Humber Parkerson Clinic 2006
May 2006 issue of The Highest Level
