Henry Gillet, a Belgian Chiropractor, began research in the 1930s on the art and science of Motion Palpation. During this time Gillet was not the only alternative medicine practitioner conducing research into this new method of evaluating the spine. The fields in cranial osteopathy, orthopedics, and physical therapy were also busy making discoveries in Motion Palpation. Including a Chiropractor in NYC.
The multidisciplinary nature of this method of examination makes it an effective treatment for many ailments in the human body. These ailments are generally the result of subluxations in joints, specifically those of the spine. Subluxations are the result of acute injuries, either physiological, emotional, or environmental, and occur when the joint becomes misaligned. Subluxations lead to pain, swelling, reduced mobility, muscle tension and muscle spasm. These need to be dealt with quickly to prevent further, potentially irreversible, damage from occurring.
Before discussing Motion Palpation it should be understood that it is not a method, but a diagnostic technique. This technique is used by Chiropractors to determine the location of joint dysfunction. Once the dysfunction is identified it can then be properly addressed through a variety of manipulation and chiropractic adjusting techniques utilized by the practitioner.
During an appointment the practitioner will use their finger tips (hands) to locate joint dysfunctions or dislocations by pressing down and feeling a resistance and movement of the joint(s) being tested. Research suggests the first and second fingers are the most dependable for Motion Palpation on the spine as they have more mechanoreceptors located within them.
Motion Palpation speaking about the neck, can generally take place in three simple steps; the MPI Quick Scan, the Cervical Spine Motion Palpation Analysis, and the Correction.
The MPI Quick Scan is the method by which the practitioner will locate the subluxations within the spine. The practitioner will have the patient seated in the exam room, he/she will stand beside the patient and make contact with the bilateral facets in the neck starting with C7 on the same segments using the thumb and index finger. The practitioner will move up to the occiput while stabilizing the patient’s head with the opposite hand. During this process it is essential that the practitioner press firmly through the end range of motion for each joint to properly assess if a subluxation is present. When a subluxation is present there is a hard end feel and lack of joint play in the area. If the practitioner discovers a subluxation he/she will immediately move to the second step.
The second step, Cervical Spine Motion Palpation Analysis, takes place if the practitioner discovers a subluxation in one or more of the spinal vertebrae. They will then begin to assess various aspects of the affected segment including flexion, extension, rotation, and lateral flexion.
Now that the practitioner knows where the subluxation is present and how it is fixated they will be able to make the appropriate correction (adjustment), which is the third and final step in the MPI process. The patient remains seated with the practitioner standing on the side where the affected segment is located. They will then conduct the necessary adjustment to correct the subluxation. Or the patient can lie down and the adjustment can be made in the laying down position.
Motion Palpation has been long used as a diagnostic tool to help chiropractors determine the location and extent of subluxations. When subluxations exists, especially for a prolonged period of time, the patient will begin to experience pain and discomfort along with a variety of secondary issues. A chiropractor in Midtown NYC seeks to remove these conditions by appropriately identifying the location and ultimately the source of the problem. A host of evidence is continuing to prove the accuracy and validity of using Motion Palpation as a method of diagnosing chiropractic patients.
Dr. Leonard Faye developed the Motion Palpation Institute (MPI) in 1981. His goal was to bring legitimacy and consistency to the technique. MPI is now a resource for practitioners of this technique and plays a vital role in training and developing the Chiropractors of the future. Motion Palpation is a reliable and accurate tool for the Chiropractor to properly assess their patient ensuring that they provide the best care and treatment possible. Individuals seeking relief of ongoing pain should ask their practitioner if Motion Palpation is used in their diagnosis and treatment process.
Dr. Kaminsky uses motion palpation of the spine as one of his many tools to assess the overall musculoskeletal condition.