Nearly everyone assumes that his or her body is symmetrical.  The human body is symmetrical  for many of its structures.  We observe two arms, legs, eyes, nostrils, and so on.  However, while the human body is outwardly symmetrical, most internal organs are asymmetrical with regards to the left and right side of the body.  For example, the heart is on the left side, the right lung has more lobes than the left, and the liver lies on the right side of the body.

In addition we are wired asymmetrically with a dominant brain hemisphere.   Research has shown that the left cerebral hemisphere is dominant over the right in most humans.  This leads to what we realize as having a preferred hand, foot, eye and more. This means that we will use the 2 sides of our body differently for just about every activity we do. This is considered a functional asymmetry between the 2 sides of our body and is completely normal.

Because of this structural imbalance and neurological imbalance which is constantly reinforced by our activities and the way we have structured our world (mouses on the right side of the keyboard, etc.), postural asymmetry is bound to happen to varying degrees. This is why you will see one shoulder higher than the other, one side of the pelvis higher than the other, feet with different arch shapes and a host of various other asymmetries. This is normal and expected.

Our bodies utilize these asymmetries to create patterns of movement including the way we walk, chew our food, breathe, get dressed, sit, and many more. Our unconscious brain uses these patterns of how we move and hold ourselves up (our posture) to determine which muscles to use and to what degree they need to be used (which will be obviously different on one side of the body or the other).

The challenge exists in understanding or appreciating that these patterns are normal and predicable based on the normal human structure, wiring and function.  When these imbalances become too great or there are injuries or other factors that that disrupt your normal movement patterns the result can often be stress and strain on areas of the body that may not be directly related to the area of the injury.  For example, if you step on a sharp rock on your left foot you will have to adapt the amount of pressure and therefore work you are putting on your right leg. When you understand the normal patterns that exist, can identify them when they exist and are being overused, and know the different things that may be influencing them, you have an ability to actually get to the root of the problem when things start to hurt, or just don’t get better the way they should.

This is exactly what our therapists are experts at.

Our therapists utilize the science of Postural Restoration® which is a foundational science that identified these patterns, why they exist, what influences them (there are lots of things), and ways to manage them.  Our therapists will utilize manual and non-manual (exercise) techniques, to restore this normal ideal position of a common pattern present in all humans.  We will utilize other healthcare practitioners to assist us including dentists, optometrists, podiatrists and more if needed. When properly positioned, aligned and balanced, the joints and muscles of your body can work in a more effective and efficient manner which will truly get to the root of any problem you were having and fix it for good.

To learn more about Postural Restoration® visit the Postural Restoration Institute® (PRI) website. 

Optometrists

We also feel strongly that your visual system and what you see and perceive about the world around you with your eyes has a strong influence on how you hold yourself up and move.  Often ensuring you have an appropriate pair of glasses that allows you to move in a more efficient manner is necessary.  READ THIS to learn more about how your visual system may be related to your posture.

We currently work with several local optometry groups in Lincoln, NE who are willing to work with us to provide you with a more effective glasses prescription if needed.  Currently, Dr Steve Wise also co-treats and sees patients will us in our clinic on certain days so we can ensure and fine tune your prescription if this is playing a role on your issues.  Your PT will recommend and direct this collaboration and show you how this works if we feel this is a necessary issue.

Podiatry

Dr Paul Coffin, a podiatrist from Sioux City, Iowa, has been coming to treat and co-treat patients in our clinic for many years.  He and his wife/administrator have travelled the roads to Lincoln many many times.  He is an expert in the biomechanics of the foot and ankle, and more importantly in the influence the foot and ankle has on hip function and gait or walking.  He makes a custom orthotic, a PRI orthotic, that is made like no other orthotic on the market which can be used to help us if there are foot and ankle issues that need to be addressed!  Our Physical Therapist, Dave, also takes impressions that Dr Coffin uses to manufacture orthotics.  So if a good orthotic is what you need you may not even need to see Dr Coffin.  We can get that process going for you.

Often our patients don’t need a full custom orthotic but they do need assistance in managing the foot and ankle and its influence on your gait and posture.  Sometimes a great shoe is all you need.  This is why we research and develop our shoe list.  If you need help with fitting a shoe we utilize 2 local running stores to assist our patients.  Lori and her staff at Fleet Feet, Lincoln, and Ann and her staff at The Lincoln Running Company understand our passion about shoes and will work with you, and us, to find the perfect shoe for you!

Hruska Clinic Clinical Integration Mentorship Program

The Hruska Clinic™ is an outpatient clinical facility that helps to educate Physical Therapists, Athletic Trainers, Personal Trainers, and other Healthcare Providers in the science of Postural Restoration® in a stimulating environment un-paralleled to any other facility across the country.

Individuals who choose to mentor with our staff will have the opportunity to shadow the Physical Therapists from the Hruska Clinic™ during their day-to-day interactions with their patients as well as integrating with other healthcare professionals. Currently the mentorship program consists of shadowing the Hruska Clinic staff as well as their integrated care with other professionals or whatever other experiences the attendee would like to pursue, if those opportunities are available when the attendee is at the clinic. Completing a clinical integration mentorship program can provide the Postural Restoration® practitioner the added confidence and experience in implementing Postural Restoration® concepts and techniques.  Specific daily observations may vary based on the therapists schedule.

If you are interested in shadowing for an experience at our clinic, give us a call at (402) 467-4545 or please email Jason at masek.jason@hruskaclinic.com