NeuroKinetic Therapy® (NKT) is a corrective movement system protocol employing a system of precise muscle tests. This sophisticated bodywork modality has the ability to change the programming of the Motor Control Center (MCC) in the brain and can be used as both an assessment and rehabilitative technique for pain and injuries.
Created by David Weinstock, this application of Motor Control Theory, neuroscience and functional anatomy will help unravel the cause of faulty movement patterns. The MCC coordinates and regulates all movement patterns in the body (movement requires motor control, stability, balance, postural control, coordination and perception). It has the ability to stores these patterns and directs their completion through the spinal cord and muscles. The human brain also has an affinity toward habits. Repetitive behaviors become patterns and these patterns require reprogramming when they become problematic (Faulty Movement Patterns).
The brain learns from failure, the motor control center recognizes movement therefore a manual muscle test. A failed manual muscle test lights up the motor control center and makes new learning possible.
After an injury, the MCC adapts to a compensation pattern and holds that in its memory forever unless it is convinced to change, ex: a whiplash accident in which the posterior neck muscles brace for the anterior neck muscles. This pattern can endure forever unless there is some intervention.
The practitioner tests the weak anterior neck muscles, they fail thus opening the MCC to new learning. After the balance is restored, the MCC is “reprogrammed” and recognizes the anterior neck muscles. To complete the reprogramming, specific rehab exercises are assigned to “burn in” the new functional pattern.
