ABR: New Protocols, New Directions, Changes: Fall 2011

Adam sleeping though an egg-rolling demonstration
on the shoulder pocket below the clavicle

       Well, we're back from Montreal ABR (Advanced Biomechanical Rehabilitation) and our latest evaluation and training!  Actually, we've been back for two weeks and we have finally integrated the exercises into our continuing bodywork with Adam.  Leonid, via video evaluation, noted that Adam's upper back is straightening and our work on his pelvic platform  is shifting his pelvis into the proper position.  His vertebral column is demonstrating a higher degree of flexibility.  When sitting, if he is allowed to tip to the side, his butt (can't think of a technical term for ass) stays flat on the chair and no longer tilts and follows the spinal column as if it was fused.  This vertebral flexibility is allowing him to sit more comfortably.

The lateral neck super-soft ball rolling exercise.
Remember, Phil, do not roll on the SCM  as Fehim
emphasized numerous times because its painful for the kid.

       So what's next?  We are focusing on his upper body, clavicles and shoulder pockets to bring volume into that area which should allow for a greater release of the arms.  Also, exercises focus on the top of the head and SCM ( sternocleidomastoid ) triangle.  This area of application had greatly improved his swallowing in a brief period of time.
       Additionally, we have applications in the lateral thoracic area (L1 thru L5) and across the lower lumbar area.  Working on his lower back will hopefully strengthen the fascia in this area and straighten the lower spine.  We are now up to 3-5 hours a day of ABR and finally decided to vacation one day a week.  

Placement of "egg" on the platform
behind the mastoid.

       The incorporation of the "egg rolling" has quickened the pace of change and 5 out of the 7 new exercises deal with egg-rolling.  We are amazed at the role of the fascia in the normalization of a structure which has been severely impacted by a brain injury.  Muscles and bones mean so little to functionality and mobility; the fascia holds the totality in place and the "fascial trains" integrate body systems into movement systems.  Amazing stuff!

Egg-rolling on the lower lumbar (L1-L5)

      Needless to say, we are excited about the changes which we can more readily visualize and we continue work to produce more change.  Adam is more comfortable in his body and we work to make him more so each day.

Coming Attractions:  A New Frontier....

       Equally exciting is a new clinical trial we have explored called a brain-computer interface where researchers have created a model in which a small aspirin sized chip and electrodes communicate energy across portions of the motor cortex.  The energy differentials are calculated by computer to determine intention to move arms and the intention is completed through computer interface.  If you think that you want your hand to turn TV on, the electrical charge in the brain is measured, translated by a computer algorithm to a computer to turn it on.  A robotic arm nearby can be controlled by simple thought!  Bizarre?  More in my next post!  Clinical trials have been underway since 2005 at Massachusetts General Hospital with people with ALS, MD, spinal cord injury and brain stem stroke.  Brain Gate is becoming a reality!
The same team is researching epilepsy which is unresponsive to medical management.

Neuronal sensor (size of a baby aspirin)