Introduction to Axial Stability Method as a method of chiropractic treatment
(for chiropractors)
Axial Stability Method is a synergistic melding of several low-force chiropractic techniques. We use the SOT wedges, modified Activator patterns, and AK muscle testing. In addition, we use Energy Kinesiology techniques primarily developed in Australia and Europe. This selective borrowing, modifying and remixing of established chiropractic techniques, coupled with energy kinesiology protocols seems to produce an approach that is beyond the sum of the parts. Here is a summation of ASM from a chiropractor who learned ASM after more than three decades in practice:
I have practiced successfully for 33 years in integrative chiropractic care and functional medicine. During this time, I have attended thousands of hours of high-quality continuing education. My mentors have been highly respected thought leaders. I have never seen a system that so clearly and effectively addresses and resolves neurological distress and disorganization (and their countless ramifications) as does ASM. It is entirely unique in the field of functional neurology and functional chiropractic in that it is an orderly, systematic, reproducible, and protocol-driven approach that is individualized at every step. As such, it is scalable, lends itself very well to research, and, in my opinion, should be widely taught to chiropractic and other physicians.
I cannot emphasize how unique ASM is. Many other approaches are protocol-driven for efficiency; but they are not based on sound physiologic principles nor are they properly individualized. This makes them highly ineffective. On the other hand, most functional assessment and treatment approaches that are based on sound physiologic principles are not protocol driven. They, therefore, produce inconsistent results and are neither scalable nor conducive to research. In my experience, Axial Stability Method stands alone in this regard.
Virginia Shapiro, DC
Corvallis, Oregon
Our philosophy
In ASM, we view the neuro-musculoskeletal system as a dynamic biomechanical system: freedom of movement is balanced by stability and restriction of movement. As Dr. Rick Serola says, “Stability is defined as the ability to adapt to changes without a reduction in performance; to do this, a system must be able to move freely so it can distribute forces proportional to the incoming power and vector of the force.”
When the biomechanical system is working well we are able to effortlessly interact with our environment. Injury to this biomechanical system can result in pain, clumsiness, poor coordination or balance, sensory integration problems, fatigue, short attention span, and many other symptoms. Stable sensory-motor function is at the basis of all higher neurological function and development.
The universal challenge of gravity
The upright human body must maintain stability against gravity. This is our number one job. At all times we are either defying or complying with this force and our ability to do so is the difference between injury and safety.
As humans the challenges we face moving in the earth’s gravitational field are more similar than different. Since we all have the same body parts, in more or less the same arrangement, all moving in the same gravitational field, our challenges (and therefore injuries) are more similar than they are different. When a person comes into our office – no matter what the complaint – we first must get the whole-body system dynamically balanced between stability and flexibility. Regardless of the presenting complaint, we first look for signs and symptoms of ‘universal injuries’ – i.e., injuries that chronically compromise the body’s ability to maintain its upright posture – before we look at the individual personal history of injury and trauma. We have found that starting with treating the universal injuries first often resolves many of the person’s presenting complaints.
The ASM treatment approach
To treat universal injuries, we focus on two primary gravitational reference points:
Through a cumulative, protocol driven series of treatments, we stabilize these two centers in relation to each other. This establishes what we call the “foundation” of the human biomechanical system: a stable pelvic system synchronized with the cranial system. Once this core stability and synchronizing is achieved, the rest of the musculoskeletal system (arms, legs, spine, etc.) is then recalibrated accordingly. In this recalibration, we work with the muscle groups involved in the two primary phases of gait: the heel strike, shock absorption phase (nutation) and the recovery, swing phase (counter-nutation).
The extraordinary efficacy of Axial Stability Method is a result of this methodical approach to these primary biomechanical reference points and the crucial final step of recalibrating the biomechanical changes throughout the shock absorbing kinetic chain. This combination of stabilization and recalibration produces much more permanent results.
I have practiced successfully for 33 years in integrative chiropractic care and functional medicine. During this time, I have attended thousands of hours of high-quality continuing education. My mentors have been highly respected thought leaders. I have never seen a system that so clearly and effectively addresses and resolves neurological distress and disorganization (and their countless ramifications) as does ASM. It is entirely unique in the field of functional neurology and functional chiropractic in that it is an orderly, systematic, reproducible, and protocol-driven approach that is individualized at every step. As such, it is scalable, lends itself very well to research, and, in my opinion, should be widely taught to chiropractic and other physicians.
I cannot emphasize how unique ASM is. Many other approaches are protocol-driven for efficiency; but they are not based on sound physiologic principles nor are they properly individualized. This makes them highly ineffective. On the other hand, most functional assessment and treatment approaches that are based on sound physiologic principles are not protocol driven. They, therefore, produce inconsistent results and are neither scalable nor conducive to research. In my experience, Axial Stability Method stands alone in this regard.
Virginia Shapiro, DC
Corvallis, Oregon
Our philosophy
In ASM, we view the neuro-musculoskeletal system as a dynamic biomechanical system: freedom of movement is balanced by stability and restriction of movement. As Dr. Rick Serola says, “Stability is defined as the ability to adapt to changes without a reduction in performance; to do this, a system must be able to move freely so it can distribute forces proportional to the incoming power and vector of the force.”
When the biomechanical system is working well we are able to effortlessly interact with our environment. Injury to this biomechanical system can result in pain, clumsiness, poor coordination or balance, sensory integration problems, fatigue, short attention span, and many other symptoms. Stable sensory-motor function is at the basis of all higher neurological function and development.
The universal challenge of gravity
The upright human body must maintain stability against gravity. This is our number one job. At all times we are either defying or complying with this force and our ability to do so is the difference between injury and safety.
As humans the challenges we face moving in the earth’s gravitational field are more similar than different. Since we all have the same body parts, in more or less the same arrangement, all moving in the same gravitational field, our challenges (and therefore injuries) are more similar than they are different. When a person comes into our office – no matter what the complaint – we first must get the whole-body system dynamically balanced between stability and flexibility. Regardless of the presenting complaint, we first look for signs and symptoms of ‘universal injuries’ – i.e., injuries that chronically compromise the body’s ability to maintain its upright posture – before we look at the individual personal history of injury and trauma. We have found that starting with treating the universal injuries first often resolves many of the person’s presenting complaints.
The ASM treatment approach
To treat universal injuries, we focus on two primary gravitational reference points:
- the upper cervical spine (the vestibulo-proprioceptive, and visual systems)
- the sacroiliac joints (SOT Category II)
Through a cumulative, protocol driven series of treatments, we stabilize these two centers in relation to each other. This establishes what we call the “foundation” of the human biomechanical system: a stable pelvic system synchronized with the cranial system. Once this core stability and synchronizing is achieved, the rest of the musculoskeletal system (arms, legs, spine, etc.) is then recalibrated accordingly. In this recalibration, we work with the muscle groups involved in the two primary phases of gait: the heel strike, shock absorption phase (nutation) and the recovery, swing phase (counter-nutation).
The extraordinary efficacy of Axial Stability Method is a result of this methodical approach to these primary biomechanical reference points and the crucial final step of recalibrating the biomechanical changes throughout the shock absorbing kinetic chain. This combination of stabilization and recalibration produces much more permanent results.