Agonist and antagonist muscles work together to promote dynamic joint stability. Muscle imbalances form as a result of overstrain which can happen in both sedentary individuals and athletes. The Brugger postural relief position not only helps facilitate muscles which have a tendency to become inhibited or weak, it also helps relax overactive muscles which become shortened by the sternosymphyseal syndrome. By combining chiropractic adjustments with muscle balancing exercises such as the Brugger postural relief position, patients begin to learn the postural awareness necessary to prevent recurrences. Rehabilitation does not require much space or costly equipment.
Motivation provided by a videotape can improve patient compliance.
McKenzie type exercises or the Brugger position can be utilized in acute care for pain relief. A few minutes spent on patient education with each visit is all that is required to introduce new exercises and correct errors which arise. Summary The benchmark chiropractors of the future will be experts in all types of conservative care for NMS conditions. We are the acknowledged experts in spinal manipulation, but to capture a greater number of patients from an ever more educated consumer pool, we must also demonstrate a willingness to educate our patients about self-care. Rehabilitation is the key.