Assessment and Treatment of Muscle Imbalance : The Janda Approach

Assessment and Treatment of Muscle Imbalance: The Janda Approach blends postural techniques, neurology, and functional capabilities in order to alleviate chronic musculoskeletal pain and promote greater functionality. Developed by Vladimir Janda, respected neurologist and physiotherapist , the Janda approach presents a unique perspective to rehabilitation. In contrast to a more traditional structural view, the Janda approach is functional—emphasizing the importance of the sensorimotor system in controlling movement and chronic musculoskeletal pain syndromes from sports and general activities. Assessment and Treatment of Muscle Imbalance: The Janda Approach is the only text to offer practical, evidence-based application of Janda’s theories. Filled with illustrations, photos, and step-by-step instructions, Assessment and Treatment of Muscle Imbalance uses a systematic approach in presenting information that can be used in tandem with other clinical techniques. This resource for practitioners features the following tools: --A rationale for rehabilitation of the musculoskeletal sytem based on the relationship between the central nervous system and the motor system --A systematic method for the functional examination of the muscular system --Treatment processes focusing on the triad of normalization of peripheral structures, restoration of muscle balance, and facilitation of afferent systems and sensorimotor training --The role of muscle imbalance and functional pathology of sensorimotor systems for specific pain complaints, including cervical pain syndrome, upper- and lower-extremity pain syndromes, and low back pain syndromes Assessment and Treatment of Muscle Imbalance provides an evidence-based explanation of muscle imbalance. The step-by-step Janda system of evaluation is explained—including analysis of posture, balance, and gait; evaluation of movement patterns; testing of muscle length; and assessment of the soft tissue. The text explores treatme Assessment and Treatment of Muscle The Janda Approach blends postural techniques, neurology, and functional capabilities in order to alleviate chronic musculoskeletal pain and promote greater functionality. Developed by Vladimir Janda, respected neurologist and physiotherapist , the Janda approach presents a unique perspective to rehabilitation. In contrast to a more traditional structural view, the Janda approach is functionalemphasizing the importance of the sensorimotor system in controlling movement and chronic musculoskeletal pain syndromes from sports and general activities. Assessment and Treatment of Muscle The Janda Approach is the only text to offer practical, evidence-based application of Jandas theories. Filled with illustrations, photos, and step-by-step instructions, Assessment and Treatment of Muscle Imbalance uses a systematic approach in presenting information that can be used in tandem with other clinical techniques. This resource for practitioners features the following --A rationale for rehabilitation of the musculoskeletal sytem based on the relationship between the central nervous system and the motor system --A systematic method for the functional examination of the muscular system --Treatment processes focusing on the triad of normalization of peripheral structures, restoration of muscle balance, and facilitation of afferent systems and sensorimotor training --The role of muscle imbalance and functional pathology of sensorimotor systems for specific pain complaints, including cervical pain syndrome, upper- and lower-extremity pain syndromes, and low back pain syndromes Assessment and Treatment of Muscle Imbalance provides an evidence-based explanation of muscle imbalance. The step-by-step Janda system of evaluation is explainedincluding analysis of posture, balance, and gait; evaluation of movement patterns; testing of muscle length; and assessment of the soft tissue. The text explores treatment options for muscle imbalance through facilitation and inhibition techniques and sensorimotor training to restore neuromsucular function. It also includes four case studies examining musculoskeletal conditions and showing how the Janda approach compares with other treatments. This text combines theory, evidence, and applications to assist clinicians in implementing the Janda approach into their practice. Assessment and Treatment of Muscle The Janda Approach focuses on the neurological aspects of muscle imbalance that are common causes of pain and dysfunction in sports and occupational activities. By distilling the scientific works of Vladimir Janda into a practical, systematic approach, this unique resource will assist health care providers in treating patients with musculoskeletal complaints as well as exercise professionals in developing appropriate exercise prescription and training programs. Front Cover 1 Back Cover 2 Cover Page 3 Copyright 4 Dedication 5 Table of Contents 6 Preface 9 Tribute 11 Acknowledgments 13 Part I- The Scientific Basis of Muscle Imbalance 14 1- Structural and Functional Approaches to Muscle Imbalance 15 2- The Sensorimotor System 24 3- Chain Reactions 37 4- Pathomechanics of Musculoskeletal Pain and Muscle Imbalance 53 Part II- Functional Evaluation of Muscle Imbalance 66 5- Posture, Balance and Gait Analysis 67 6- Evaluation of Movement Patterns 84 7- Muscle Length Testing 99 8- Soft-Tissue Assessment 117 Part III- Treatment of Muscle Imbalance Syndromes 130 9- Normalization of Peripheral Structures 132 10- Restoration of Muscle Imbalance 142 11- Sensorimotor Training 161 Part IV- Clinical Syndromes 177 12- Cervical Pain Syndromes 178 13- Upper- Extremity Pain Syndromes 194 14- Lumbar Pain Syndromes 215 15- Lower-Extremity Pain Syndromes 229 References 248 Index 289 About the Authors 297 A reference for physical and manual therapists, athletic trainers, personal trainers, massage therapists, chiropractors, and physiatrists. A textbook for physical therapy students learning theory and application of skills for care in rehabilitation of muscle imbalance. This work blends postural techniques, neurology, and functional capabilities in order to alleviate chronic musculoskeletal pain and promote greater functionality