Unlocking the Power of Muscle Memory to Improve Patient Outcomes

This Friday, we release Part 2 of our podcast series on the topic of muscle memory with Dr. Michael Lovich

In this two-episode series, Michael Lovich discusses how the brain utilizes muscle memory to map out the world, the role of the vestibular system, the cerebellum and the basal ganglia in muscle control and movement. As a musculoskeletal practitioner, understanding how external inputs can affect pain and proprioception can be crucial in addressing the root cause of dysfunction.

Here are three key points from the discussion:

#1: Muscle memory is more than just a physical phenomenon; it also involves the brain and various neural pathways

While many people attribute muscle memory to the physical changes that occur in the muscles, it is essential to consider the role that the brain and various neural pathways play in this process. Dr. Lovich explained that not only do muscles drive behavior without neuronal input, but there are also physiological changes at the muscle level that can impact muscle memory.

"Muscles can drive behavior without neuronal input. You can react to things without thinking about it. You can make a very large case for how muscles and information coming from the muscles can create patterns," said Dr. Lovich.

He also mentioned that the brain plays a crucial role in determining muscle behavior, controlling the muscles through pathways like the vestibular system and the cerebellar control of muscles. Understanding how these systems work can help healthcare practitioners better diagnose and treat patients with various musculoskeletal issues.

#2. The brain's primary function is to navigate the world around it, which affects how it perceives and responds to pain.

Dr. Lovich stressed that the brain's primary function is to navigate the world around it and to help us understand where we are in relation to the world and vice versa. This understanding can help explain why certain symptoms, such as pain, may occur. These symptoms may not necessarily be problems to the brain but rather the brain's way of maintaining balance and navigating the world.

"The whole point of the brain is there to answer two questions: where are you in relation to the world around you? Where is the world around you in relation to you? And it doesn't care about anything other than answering those two questions," said Dr. Lovich. "And that's why certain symptoms come out. And some of these symptoms start making a lot more sense when you view it from this perspective because there's less deeper meaning behind it. And it's more about, hey, my brain is just trying to stay upright and navigate the world."

#3. Healthcare practitioners should approach patients holistically, considering the neurological components of patient symptoms

The importance of considering the neurological components of patients' symptoms was emphasized throughout the webinar, as Dr. Lovich discussed the influence of the brain and various neural pathways on muscle memory and pain. He encouraged healthcare practitioners to approach patients holistically by considering the interactions between the musculoskeletal and neurological systems.

Dr. Lovich explained, "If you're seeing all the athletes with the injury on the same side of the body and you start rehabbing and really doing a ton of soft tissue work or joint manipulation on that side of the body and it's due to the other side of the body not having the appropriate activation, you could be creating further brain imbalance, which is going to create other issues."

Clinical Bottom Line:

By looking at the whole picture and considering both the musculoskeletal and neurological aspects of a patient's symptoms, healthcare practitioners can provide more effective and comprehensive treatment plans.

Be sure to listen to Episode 53 (Part 1 of this podcast series) before tuning into Part 2 in Episode 54 when it's released this Friday, May 19th. Click the image above to visit our show page and be sure to subscribe wherever you get your podcasts.

More of a Visual Learner? View the replay of the full webinar by clicking the graphic below...

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