Dynamic Neuromuscular Stabilization (DNS): Your Body's Blueprint for Pain-Free Movement at Skare Spine & Performance

Back pain, neck pain, joint stiffness... These are all too common complaints in today's world. But what if there was a way to address these issues not just by treating the symptoms, but by rewiring your body's movement patterns at their very core? At Skare Spine & Performance in Rochester, MN, we use the power of Dynamic Neuromuscular Stabilization (DNS) to do just that.

DNS: A Deeper Dive into the Science

DNS, developed by renowned Czech physiotherapist Pavel Kolar, is a revolutionary approach to rehabilitation and exercise and is the bedrock of our approach to functional rehabilitation at Skare Spine & Performance. It's rooted in the idea that we all possess an innate "blueprint" for movement, established during our early developmental stages as infants.

Think back to those adorable videos of babies learning to roll, crawl, and eventually stand. These seemingly simple actions are actually complex sequences of muscle activation and coordination orchestrated by the central nervous system. DNS taps into this innate system, guiding your body back to these ideal movement patterns.

Babies naturally learn to activate specific muscle groups in a coordinated sequence to achieve different positions and movements. These specific muscle groups are known as deep stabilizing muscles. These muscles play a crucial role in maintaining proper posture, balance, and coordination.

Pain and dysfunction often arise when these deep stabilizing muscles become weak or imbalanced. This can happen due to various factors, such as injuries, sedentary lifestyles, repetitive stress, or even poor posture habits.

When these core stabilizers aren't firing correctly, your body compensates by relying on other muscles, leading to inefficient movement, strain, and, eventually, pain.

DNS uses specific exercises and positions that mimic these developmental stages to re-educate your nervous system and re-establish those ideal movement patterns. By doing so, it can improve the function of the deep stabilizing muscles, enhance joint stability, reduce pain, and improve function.

How DNS Works at Skare Spine & Performance

Dr. Nate Skare has undergone specialized training in DNS. During your session, we'll conduct a thorough assessment of your movement patterns, posture, and any areas of pain or dysfunction.

Based on this evaluation, we'll create a personalized program of DNS exercises tailored to your specific needs. These exercises often involve positions and movements that mimic those early developmental stages, stimulating your nervous system to "remember" the correct way to move.

The DNS Advantage: Benefits Beyond Pain Relief

DNS isn't just about fixing what's broken - it's about optimizing your body's full potential. Here are just a few of the benefits you can experience:

• Reduced Pain: By addressing the underlying cause of dysfunction, DNS can significantly decrease pain and discomfort.
• Improved Posture: Retraining your body's natural alignment leads to better posture and reduced strain on your joints and muscles.
• Enhanced Performance: Athletes can experience improved movement efficiency, increased power, and reduced risk of injury.
• Faster Recovery: DNS can accelerate healing from injuries by promoting proper movement patterns and reducing compensation.
• Long-Term Prevention: By establishing healthy movement habits, you can prevent future pain and injuries.

What Conditions Can DNS Help With?

DNS has been shown to be effective in addressing a wide range of conditions, including:

• Back pain: By restoring proper spinal stabilization and core function, DNS can help reduce chronic back pain and improve posture.
• Neck pain: DNS exercises can improve neck mobility, reduce tension, and alleviate pain associated with poor posture and overuse.
• Joint pain: DNS can enhance joint stability and reduce pain in areas like the shoulders, hips, and knees.
• Postural dysfunction: By retraining your body's natural movement patterns, DNS can correct postural imbalances and prevent associated pain.
• Sports injuries: DNS can help athletes recover from injuries and enhance their performance by optimizing movement efficiency and reducing the risk of future injuries.
• Pre- and post-surgical rehabilitation: Trauma and surgery can alter our movement patterns, known as a “protective pattern,” in which DNS can help restore the proper muscle recruitment around joints to help with a faster recovery after surgery. 
• Scoliosis: Often, those with scoliosis have altered muscle stabilization patterns, especially in their spine. DNS can help restore strength and stability to those muscles to help provide stabilization in and around the spine.

Take the First Step Towards Pain-Free Movement

If you're ready to unlock your body's natural potential for movement, DNS at Skare Spine & Performance could be your key. We'll work with you to re-establish those ideal movement patterns, building a strong foundation for a pain-free, active life.

Don't wait for pain to hold you back. Contact us today to schedule an appointment and discover how DNS can transform your health and wellness journey.