A systems approach to a therapist-guided exercise for restoring musculoskeletal balance

Abstract

The Human Musculoskeletal System (HMS) is a typical complex system with significant Degrees-of-Freedom (DOF) that can be described by a large number of variables. Chronic pain and general physical discomfort are common symptoms and yet contain important information on the state of the human body, especially when it relates to disorders found within the HMS. Since this system is highly complex and large in scale, clinical pain research has been confounded by many complex factors. It is possible to overcome these obstacles however by applying a multidisciplinary approach, which includes systems engineering, traditional oriental techniques, Western medicine and science. To assess such an integrated approach, this paper presents a therapist-guided exercise for restoring human musculoskeletal balance called the Somatic Balance Restoration Therapy (SBRT). With initial assistance from a trained therapist/instructor, the SBRT is a simple but effective self-exercise therapy. This guidance is necessary to ensure safety and the effective execution of this painless therapy. Based on therapy records with over ten thousand cases, one of the authors has established a systematic approach for identifying and diagnosing distortions and malfunctions within the HMS; while the other author has developed a computer algorithm of the SBRT. Both are integrated by a Systems Approach and will be demonstrated by successful therapy examples.