When I started a chiropractic assistant position, I knew that I would learn a lot about the procedures and techniques that go into practice. I did not know how much rehabilitation techniques were utilized daily in order to manage and treat patients. There are so many different techniques to learn related to the back, shoulders, and hips.

This trimester, I have a functional rehabilitation course that focuses on DNS techniques. DNS, or dynamic neuromuscular stabilization, is based on pediatric development that is applied to adults. It focuses on natural positions of development, ideal movement and activation patterns, and the importance of diaphragmatic breath. The goal of the techniques are to teach the patients how to move and stabilize effectively and efficiently in order to decrease abnormal movements, which are a large cause of all musculoskeletal dysfunction. For example, the primary prone position occurs at about three months old when the prone child is able to raise his/her head and neck. In this position, patients are asked to raise their head, and pay attention to maintaining normal breathing into their belly, by bracing their abdominal muscles. The doctor can reinforce the support points or reposition the patient in order to help the patient perform the exercise better. These techniques are beneficial for a chiropractor to learn, as the patient needs to be an active participant in their strength, and ultimately their healing.