Part I –Movement and Locomotion

By Dr. Christian Guenette

The Body as a Machine

If one was to compare the human body with a simple machine, they would find many similarities. Just like a machine, the body has moving parts that are designed for locomotion (such as joints, muscles and ligaments), a fuel-distribution system providing energy to the system (circulation and digestion), an on-board computer to regulate all of the systems (the brain), and an electrical system that connects this computer to the rest of the body (the nervous system). When everything is working properly, the performance of this human machine is optimized and damage is minimized. Alignment is a key factor to ensure proper functioning in all of these areas.

First and foremost, proper alignment is important when considering the physical properties of movement and locomotion. Like any machine that has moving parts, the alignment of these parts and how they relate to each other is crucial not only for function, but also to prevent premature mechanical breakdown from abnormal wear and tear.If two parts of any machine come together to form a joint, their alignment and construction will determine which desired movement patterns are possible. The elbow, for example, is constructed in such a way to allow for movement in a single plane, making it a simple hinge joint – very stable, but limited. The hip, on the other hand, is designed to allow for multiple planes of movement, consisting of a ball and socket construction – very mobile, but more susceptible to imbalance and instability. Regardless of the joint’s design, it is only with proper alignment that the movement between the two parts will be accomplished with the greatest ease.

The Kinetic Chain Principle – Everything is Connected

When discussing the importance of alignment in the entire human body, we must first consider the fact that humans are constructed with a total of 360 joints, making the study of moving parts much more complicated. In addition, we must also be aware that while in a standing position (the normal position for locomotion), the function of any one joint will be dependent upon the position and function of any joint located above or below it. The alignment at the knee, for example, will be dependent upon the functional positioning of the ankle and/or the hip. Similarly, the functional alignment of the neck cannot be considered without also considering the positioning of the lower back. This relationship of multiple movable units in the body is also known as “the kinetic chain.”It is important that this kinetic chain be considered when assessing bodily function or dysfunction. A mysterious new pain in your knee, for example, may be caused by a long-standing misalignment in your foot that you are unaware of. For this reason, your chiropractor should take the time to examine your entire body in a number of different body positions, regardless of which area you feel is most painful. This typically allows for a more thorough analysis of the functional relationships of one area of the body to all others and is more likely to help determine the cause of the problem. If he or she does not do this, I suggest that you consider another therapist. Although chiropractors specialize in the anatomy and physiology of the joints in your spinal column, they are also well-educated about the entire body and are therefore qualified to assess and treat the mechanical interrelationships of all of your body's individual parts.

Misalignment – The Problem

What happens when the joints go out of alignment? Physical trauma such as acute sprains or strains and chronic misalignment are two very common causes for joint derangement. Most of us will experience the effects of one, if not both, of these harmful conditions at some point in our lives.  The problem with misalignment is this: any time moving parts come together, there is potential for friction between the approximating parts. If this friction is excessive, it can lead to mechanical wear and tear. When this kind of excessive friction occurs in the joints of the human body it can lead to arthritis – the inflammatory response that happens when the body tries to prevent further damage. Following acute physical trauma, the joint will usually become swollen, red and painful for up to 72 hours. This is normal, and represents the body's attempt to initiate healing by immobilizing the joint to promote rest, and increasing circulation in the area to provide the necessary components of tissue repair.  If a person is mindful enough to get the proper rest and nutrition during the initial inflammatory response, most minor injuries are quick to recover.

Misalignment – The Solution

Unfortunately, sometimes the strain on the joint is too great, or occurs over a prolonged period of time. In either of these situations, the body’s self-regulatory system may become overwhelmed and may not be sufficient to repair the problem on its own. In these cases it is recommended to visit a joint specialist (a chiropractor or osteopath) to identify and correct joint restriction and misalignment. At our clinic we use chiropractic manipulation to alleviate joint strain, but also employ a number of very effective muscle-therapy techniques, including Trigenics® and myofascial release. As the supporting tissues become relaxed and balanced, the likelihood of the joints maintaining their proper alignment is much improved.How long does it take to get better? There are a number of factors that will influence the number of treatment sessions required to decrease the strain and improve your alignment. These factors include (but are not limited to) the severity of the injury, the chronicity of the problem, the cause of the misalignment, and the number of tissues involved in the injury. Once you have had your initial consultation, the doctor should be able to give you a reasonable estimate for the type of treatment required and the number of sessions it will take to achieve your goals for recovery.