what is nKT?
Neurokinetic Therapy (NKT) is a specialist protocol which provides rehabilitation to patients with a variety of different conditions.
NKT involves the completion of a thorough examination of the entire body by employing a system of precise muscle tests, which can then be interpreted by certified therapists to identify the presence of any muscular/connective tissue/scar imbalances and dysfunctions that may contribute to potential issues.
Only after testing (test, don’t guess!) can treatment for the patients complaint begin, in NKT we don’t go in blind, we make sure to know exactly what to release and what to activate to balance out the nervous system, which will allow optimisation of bodily movements, return to functional activity which will all lead to pain reduction.
How did it originate?
NKT is a method of treatment that was originally developed in the 1970’s. The principles were conceived after therapists became aware that a number of conditions were able to be successfully treated, only for them to return again at a later date.
After years of studying, therapists then began to develop the theory that localised problems may be caused by dysfunction or imbalances that are present in alternative locations in the body (think Thomas Myers Anatomy Trains), and failure to address these areas will result in an inability to completely eradicate symptoms in the long term.
NKT has grown in popularity since its inception, becoming a method of treatment that is now used all over the world, with patients reporting highly positive results from a multitude of different conditions.
However, therapists that practice the NKT approach remain outweighed by their non-trained peers due to the discipline remaining highly complex and specialised in nature. For example, I am currently the only NKT practitioner in Birmingham.
How does it work
NKT is based upon the Motor Control Theory. The Motor Control Centre is an area of the brain where all movement patterns are coordinated, and is responsible for generating specific movements by activating the appropriate muscles in the correct sequence to complete a task.
It is believed that injury in a certain area of the body can result in dysfunctional movement patterns that may remain for a long period of time. To address these deficiencies, the brain must be re-educated in a specific manner by adopting individually tailored exercises that will allow the normalisation of movement and provide resolution of any symptoms.
Treatment may be achieved with a combination of hands-on techniques and a specifically designed exercise programme, with the aim of activating neurologically weak and inhibited muscles and releasing overactive structures, in order to allow normal movement to occur which will reduce symptoms.
Who may benefit from NKT?
Neurokinetic therapy can be used for a wide range of conditions, I will list the successes I have had:
- Postural issues
- Low back pain
- Muscle asymmetry
- Neck pain
- Hip/groin pain
- Jaw problems
- Sciatica
- Knee pain
- Ankle sprains
- Tennis or golfers elbow
- Carpal tunnel syndrome
- Shoulder pain
- Sacroiliac joint pain
- Thoracic outlet syndrome (TOS)
- Eye imbalances (possibly due to concussion or any type of head /facial injury)
- Scars!
And probably more I just can’t think of at the moment!
By addressing the underlying causes of patients complaints, we can prevent any problems and/or symptoms from returning in the future.