Arthrokinetic reflexes- How popular?

Lately I've come across a few sports practitioners and chiropractors
using a few random arthrokinetic reflexes as a method of treatment/
testing for certain conditions and got interested in the practical
application of this phenomenon.

I have had some success in using these reflexes to improve dynamic
stretches as well as experimenting with some reflexes to see the effect of them on certain muscles.
E.g the effect of cuboid mobilisation on the ipsilateral gluteus medius.

My question is, do any of you utilise specific arthrokinetic reflexes in practice?

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Permalink Reply by OsteopathyNY on January 15, 2012 at 9:47pm

I am not familiar with arthrokinetic reflexes as a method of treatment, but I do regularly use reflexes as a therapeutic tool to downregulate the sympathetic nervous system, dura, joint protective reflexes and facilitation. The method is called Primal Reflex Release Technique and that has changed my practice more than anything else I have seen because of how quick and effective it is. This is different than any other technique I have come across but fits in very well with osteopathic philosophy and principles.

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community teamPermalink Reply by Kiran on January 17, 2012 at 12:45pm

Thanks for replying OsteopathyNY, I've had a brief look at PRRT and am glad that it is being used and explored.

How much is know about the mechanobiology behind PRRT?

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Permalink Reply by OsteopathyNY on January 17, 2012 at 1:54pm

It uses certain concepts of reciprocal inhibition, startle reflexes, withdrawal reflexes and more to evaluate and treat. Many concepts described by Sherrington. The rest is a new model based on anatomy and physiology. From what I understand there is some research taking place looking at PRRT more in depth, however, it is a fairly new technique. There is very little research done on reflexes to date- for example there is no description or mention in the literature of what a withdrawal reflex is called when it takes place in the trunk, neck or head. Currently we only know of the crossed extensor reflex (once called the flexor reflex) in the limbs. Although there is some research addressing startle reflex with PTSD, no one up to now has looked at using reflexes in a therapeutic fashion. Hope this answered your question. If not, please let me know.