Manual Therapy For The Cranial Nerves, 1e
The brain, although protected by cerebrospinal fluid, is sensitive to all variations in pressure.In this text you will find ways for modifying intra-cranial pressure, which has vascular and cerebral consequences.To function at its best, the brain requires malleability and plasticity.By manually modifying intra-cranial pressure, we obtain promising effects on the hydromechanics of the brain.
Manual Therapy for the Cranial Nerves, 1e
Patients commonly seek physiotherapy assessment and intervention for neck pain/stiffness and headache. It is well documented that neck pain, headache and orofacial pain are commonly reported as the early signs of arterial dissection leading to stroke [8,9]. Indeed it has been suggested that neck pain and headache may precede the onset of obvious frank neurological symptoms for as long as 14 days [10], thought to be a more obvious factor in clinical reasoning errors associated with major adverse events (MAE). Subtle CN palsy is a known be a pre-ischemic feature of carotid artery dissection due to anatomical proximity of the lower cranial nerves (IX, X and XII) to the carotid sheath. Lower CN lesions should be considered in cases of neck pain/head ache, neuralgic pain, disturbed speech, swallowing, coughing, deglutition, sensory dysfunctions, taste, or autonomic dysfunctions, dysphagia, pharyngeal pain, cardiac or gastrointestinal compromise, or weakness of the trapezius, sternocleidomastoid, or the tongue muscles [11]. However, clinicians should note that there are multiple potential causes for CN impairment [12], and appropriate management requires an early recognition. It is the role of the astute clinician to be able to make sense of the complex presentations that commonly combine, associated with neck pain, with or without trauma. The key objective of any examination is to filter out those patients who may need referral for further examination or testing, either as urgent or non-urgent cases. It has been suggested that CN examination should be an integral part of that process [13].
This book aims to be an essential guide for manual therapists, providing a new view of cranial nerves. The central focus of the book is on the practical application of cranial nerve manipulation. This text will also make you aware of the brain as a primary target of your action as a practitioner.
Manual therapy has a long history within the profession of physical therapy and physical therapists have greatly contributed to the current diversity in manual therapy approaches and techniques. Mechanical explanations were historically used to explain the mechanisms by which manual therapy interventions worked. Contemporary research reveals intricate neurophysiologic mechanisms are also at play and the beneficial psychological effects of providing hands-on examination and intervention have been substantiated.[1]
The International Federation of Orthopaedic Manipulative Physical Therapists (IFOMPT) defines orthopaedic manual physical therapy as: "a specialised area of physiotherapy/physical therapy for the management of neuro-musculoskeletal conditions, based on clinical reasoning, using highly specific treatment approaches including manual techniques and therapeutic exercises. Orthopaedic manual therapy also encompasses, and is driven by, the available scientific and clinical evidence and the biopsychosocial framework of each individual patient."[2]
According to the American Academy of Orthopaedic Manual Physical Therapists (AAOMPT) Description of Advanced Specialty Practice (DASP) (2018), orthopaedic manual physical therapy (OMPT) is defined as: an advanced specialty area of physical therapy practice that is based on manual examination and treatment techniques integrated with exercise, patient education, and other physical therapy modalities to address pain, loss of function, and wellness.
In Part 2 of this two-part article we will describe our current research to better understand how manual therapy in CFS can help explain features of the condition and contribute to clinical improvements for CFS patients.
Background: Cranial nerve noninvasive neuromodulation (CN-NINM) via translingual nerve stimulation (TLNS) is a promising new intervention combined with neurological rehabilitation to improve outcomes for persons with neurological conditions. A portable neuromodulation stimulation (PoNS) device rests on the tongue and stimulates cranial nerves V and VII (trigeminal and facial nerves, respectively). Emerging evidence suggests that CN-NINM using the PoNS device, combined with targeted physical therapy, improves balance and gait outcomes but has not yet been comprehensively reviewed.
There are specific premises that lend cranial therapy biological plausibility. Studies have found that there is cranial bone mobility in humans and mammals [26-9] Also there are other studies showing that the cranial sutures do not fuse and that a degree of sutural patency and cranial bone pliability remains in later life[30-2]. The very beveling of the cranial sutures anatomically allow for a type of shock absorption effect by the transmission of pressure variants internally as well as tension from the myofascia externally to be dissipated and translated throughout the cranial structure [33-5]. For instance, Pick demonstrated on a preliminary MRI investigation that pressure upon the bregma and maxilla changed the shape of the fornix (by 4mm) and corpus collosum (by 5mm) [36]. Whether the transmission of force was through the flexibility of the cranial suture [37] or the bone itself [38] warrants further exploration, but pressures upon the cranium were found to alter the shape of neural tissues.
Hartman denies dogmatically the therapeutic research, concepts and outcomes of cranial therapy such as to say that cranial therapy is impossible (as he does in his articles [1,3,83,84]) but to assert this is to claim, tacitly, that he already knows the full spectrum of the possible. This is impossible.
During the last four decades of clinical work and studies, Barral has developed additional manual therapy disciplines that are now taught worldwide to healthcare professionals through Barral Institute's educational programs. Barral remains the head of the Barral Institute Academic Leadership, along with Alain Croibier and Gail Wetzler.
In 2015, Morries, Cassano, and Henderson published Treatments for traumatic brain injury with emphasis on transcranial near-infrared laser phototherapy, which included a retrospective case series involving ten patients with chronic TBI.22 This study used high-power near-infrared (NIR) light laser phototherapy, and demonstrated improved symptoms of headaches, sleep disturbance, cognition, mood dysregulation, and anxiety. The proposed mechanism underlying light therapy hypothesizes that NIR light reaches cytochrome c oxidase in mitochondria, which activates a signaling cascade that ultimately stimulates the production of inflammatory mediators and growth factors.22
The typical patient with GBS, which in most cases will manifest as acute inflammatory demyelinating polyradiculoneuropathy (AIDP), presents 2-4 weeks following a relatively benign respiratory or gastrointestinal illness with complaints of finger dysesthesias and proximal muscle weakness of the lower extremities. The weakness may progress over hours to days to involve the arms, truncal muscles, cranial nerves, and muscles of respiration.
If the symptoms do not go away on their own, your healthcare team might recommend physical therapy, occupational therapy, or other options to help with them. Talk with your healthcare provider about other possible options, such as surgery, if a cranial neuropathy is affecting your quality of life.
Dr. Gregory Minnis is a physical therapist with an interest in orthopedic manual therapy. His work experience includes orthopedic physical therapy, sports medicine, neurological rehab, advanced assessment and treatment of running injuries, and advanced treatment of the pelvic complex, spine, and extremities.
Many massage therapists, physical therapists, osteopaths, and chiropractors are able to perform cranial sacral therapy. It can be part of an already-scheduled treatment visit or the sole purpose for your appointment.
The optic nerves, as well as the other cranial nerves and spinal nerve roots, are surrounded by cerebrospinal fluid in the subarachnoid space. As intracranial pressure rises from increased cerebrospinal fluid in the brain, the cerebrospinal fluid looks for a path of least resistance, one of which surrounds the optic nerve and can be evaluated by optic nerve sheath diameter measurements. It is the pressure on the optic nerve that accounts for some of the vision changes that are seen with cervical spine instability.
Exercise programs, along with manual therapy, will help to prevent muscle contractures, spasms and atrophy. These programs may include general muscle stretching to maintain muscle length and a person's range of motion.[28] General muscle strengthening exercises will help to maintain muscle strength and reduce muscle wasting.[29] Aerobic exercise such as swimming and using a stationary bicycle can help peripheral neuropathy, but activities that place excessive pressure on the feet (e.g. walking long distances, running) may be contraindicated.[30] Exercise therapy has been shown to increase the blood flow to the peripheral nerves, can improve gait function.[31] 041b061a72