Manual medicine in otorhinolaryngology. Theoretical principles-- clinical practice--principles of therapy and prevention

Abstract

Manual medicine or ¿chirotherapy¿ has become a recognized part of medical training in Germany. In the last few decades, research in various fields has shed light on the pathoanatomic and pathophysiologic causes of functional disorders of the cervical vertebral column whose previous management was characterized by treatment of symptoms. The Arthron system provides a cybernetic model in the form of a closed-loop feedback system for visualization and training purposes. A momentary isolated disorder or recurrent exogenous disorders can be represented as reversible processes; the phases of reflex buildup, development of a vicious circle, and/or exhaustion of compensatory processes can be identified and modeled. The Arthron system focuses on neuromuscular dysfunction as the cause of reversible disturbance (and not on joint dysfunction as the did earlier theoretical models). By focussing on the ¿on-target¿ manoevre, chirotherapy aims at resolving joint dysfunction (blocks) and achieve manual and reflex mobilization. Therapy includes medical relaxation of tense musculature and transient interruption of the nerve pathway.