1)    Kinetic Chain Reprogramming

Kinetic is the Latin word for motion.

The Kinetic chain is defined as a “movement chain”. Kinetic chain reprogramming is based on concepts of neuroelasticity and biophysics. Neuroelasticity is essentially brain modifications and adaptations around any injury or trauma. By establishing appropriate brain-body connections, the system can work as efficiently as possible to conserve energy, maintain homeostasis and address weak links in the chain. Achieving ideal motion for walking, running, exercise and daily activities can aid in prevention of injury and injury reoccurrence, and can help lessen fatigue. Dysfunctional motion can be due to weakness, activation or brain accessing of an area, skeletal imbalances or even being too strong in some areas, thereby disrupting balance.

2)    Kinetic Chain approach to Physical Therapy

Once you understand the term “Kinetic Chain Reprograming”, you can better understand the underlying concepts behind the Kinetic Chain approach to physical therapy practiced at Integrative Physiotherapy. Kinetic Chain Physical Therapy is traditional physical therapy with the additional utilization of a biomechanical model to analyze the movement of the body. This model depicts the body as a linked system of interdependent segments. Rather than isolating a specific body part, the kinetic chain approach rehabilitates the entire neuro-muscular system, linking each segment in the body to the next. The goal of Kinetic Chain rehabilitation is to discover the weak link or links in the chain and then design a specific program for each individual centered on strengthening the entire chain equally, thereby strengthening those few weak links in the process. Weak links are often caused by muscle imbalances or faulty movement patterns that cause pain, swelling and irritation of the associated soft tissue, nerves and joints. Taking a more holistic approach like this is greatly beneficial in that it takes into account the fact that the body is not a series of disconnected, independent systems; rather, it is a large collaboration of interdependent systems and segments that directly affect one another.

3)    Postural and Structural Alignment

Posture is a unique concept that is generally interpreted as sitting or standing up “straight”. It is actually an abstract and complicated concept based on a constantly changing interaction between emotional and physical function/dysfunction. For example, an emotion such as poor self-confidence can outwardly manifest itself as one looking at the ground or slumping (i.e. poor posture). This is an important factor in pain signals and health because the heightened stress on the body caused by poor posture increases compression of the spine, puts the body’s movement chain out of alignment and decreases a person’s balance for normal movement. Other emotions (i.e., anger or anxiety) can subconsciously present problems through muscle guarding patterns. For instance, a work meeting or heated discussion between friends or family can lead to tension headaches or abdominal discomfort as a result of the body’s physical response to the emotional situation.

4)    Manual Therapy

Manual therapy at Integrative Physiotherapy encompasses traditional dry needling (TDN), spinal manipulation, massage, myofascial release, joint mobilization and other hands-on techniques.

  • TDN is a highly effective treatment for neuromuscular and musculoskeletal dysfunction that uses an acupuncture needle but is distinctly NOT acupuncture; it is based on releasing or activating specific neuromuscular trigger points and improving musculoskeletal function. It does not follow energy meridians as in traditional acupuncture.
  • Osteopathic spinal manipulation attempts to improve joint and muscle function in order to realign the skeleton or fascia. We implement a variety of massage techniques from deep tissue to Reiki that are intended for managing stress, restoring optimal soft tissue function and reducing inflammation and pain.
  • Myofascial release is related to the body’s natural spider webbing that compartmentalizes the human body. If fasciae adhesions or entrapment exist, resistance is created in the body that disrupts homeostasis.


All techniques are intended to promote neuroelasticity while improving quality of life and restoring function.