I continue to strengthen my shoulders daily. But you can’t strengthen what doesn’t work, and that’s where body therapies come in. I’ve been exploring two new techniques that are very promising. One is called Neuro Kinetic Therapy (NK-T) and the other is called Proprioceptive Deep Tendon Reflex Technique (P-DTR). NK-T is a system created by David Weinstock of Mill Valley, and utilizes manual muscle testing to help determine which muscles are shutting off other muscles, relieves pain and corrects dysfunctional movement patterns. It is very interesting and exciting to explore, since I’ve been muscle testing for over 15 years, and intuitively practice in a similar way already. It’s neat to find a system out there that helps tighten up what I’m already doing (based on my loose understanding of the technique at this point!).
I’ve found several therapists who are trained in this system. The Berkeley contacts are based in a manual therapy office in Berkeley called Mend Human Repair Shop, owned and run by the amazing and gifted Adrienne Saltzberg. Also in the office is another incredible therapist named Ian Abugayda, who’s also trained in P-DTR. I first heard of this latter technique from a gifted therapist named Darrin Lenton who’s been working with my 85 year old father who’s struggling with the onset of Atypical Parkinson’s. I’ve been impressed with his results, and am starting to learn more about this technique as well.
P-DTR was developed by orthopedist and Applied Kinesiologist Dr Jose Palomar. It is based on the mechanoreceptor system and it’s dysfunctions, which are overlooked and not addressed in other systems including chiropractic, acupuncture, physical therapy and orthopedics. It also utilizes muscle testing. I can’t really say more at this point, since it’s so new to me.
I’ve to date utilized Active Release Techniques (ART), Rocktape, massage, acupuncture and now these new techniques for my shoulder. I’ve been strengthening my shoulders and learning about rehab protocols. Often, it’s what one struggles with that determines what becomes their strengths. Through this seemingly unfortunate event of my tearing my rotator cuff, I ironically feel blessed. This is mainly because without this motivation, I wouldn’t have reached out and met these incredible therapists and techniques that I can in turn bring back into my own practice. I firmly believe that I will turn this lemon into lemonade. More to come.