What is NeuroKinetic Therapy?
NeuroKinetic Therapy® (NKT) is an advanced assessment and treatment system that targets the root causes of dysfunctional movement and coordination issues within the motor control center of the cerebellum. This center stores movement patterns and orchestrates their execution through the spinal cord and muscles, learning and adapting through a process of trial and error.
A clear example is a baby learning to stand. With each attempt and subsequent fall, the motor control center records the successful elements. Once enough correct information is accumulated, the baby achieves the ability to stand. On the flip side, injury can create dysfunctional movement patterns. For instance, in the case of whiplash, the posterior neck muscles may tighten and become painful. Despite stretching or manipulation, the tightness often persists. Why? Because the anterior neck muscles have become weak and inhibited, creating an imbalance.
Addressing this involves releasing the overactive posterior neck muscles and strengthening the inhibited anterior neck muscles to reprogram the motor control center. To identify these imbalances, manual muscle testing is used to determine whether a muscle is strong (facilitated) or weak (inhibited). When a muscle tests weak, the motor control center registers this as failure and becomes receptive to learning new patterns. This creates an opportunity to apply the NKT protocol: test, release, and retest. Through this approach, dysfunctional movement patterns are corrected, paving the way for improved coordination and recovery—a critical step in rehabilitative therapy.
