Trigenics

Trigenics is a neurological-based manual or instrument-assisted assessment and treatment system developed and patented by Allan Oolo Austin.^[1] The technique originally began as a chiropractic technique, but is now practiced by osteopaths, physiotherapists and massage therapists.^[2] The technique is relatively infrequently used by chiropractors compared to other chiropractic techniques such as Diversified, Trigger point therapy and Activator.^[3]

Description & theory

Trigenics practitioners report that the technique is most commonly used to treat muscular imbalances that may be either the cause or the result of injury or disease. Muscle strength and length testing is used to assess the entire body. Weak muscles are treated to improve strength and short/tight muscles are treated to increase length.^[4][5] However like many chiropractic techniques there appears to be little scientific research into proving the theorized mechanisms are actually what is taking place. Trigenics reportedly combines 3 treatments into 1, which the developers claim leads to an increase in neuro-summation. The treatment is theorized to work by stimulating reciprocal inhibition and the inverse myotatic reflex. Trigenics is used to treat many musculoskeletal conditions^[6] such as neck pain, back pain, tendonitis, shoulder pain, carpal tunnel syndrome and many other injuries.

Risks and contraindications

According to the Trigenics Manual,^[7] contraindications to treatment include: nerve lesions, unexplained severe calf pain, open sores or skin lesions, severe bruising, fractured bone, acute systemic flare-ups (RA, diabetic shock), direct treatment over both carotid arteries, tissues subject to highly exaggerated pain on palpation, dislocated shoulder that has not been reduced. Risk of injury from Trigenics can occur during manual muscle testing (strains, sprains). Due to the maximal contraction during a lengthening procedure, there is a risk of injury and subluxation. Minor bruising may also occur in susceptible patients due to manual pressure being applied to the muscles.

Training and certification

Training in Trigenics earns continuing education credits for chiropractors, physical therapists, medical doctors, massage therapists, certified personal trainers, and others who are licensed to work on neuromusculoskeletal conditions/injuries as well students in those fields. To become a Registered Trigenics Practitioner (RTP),^[8] practitioners attend workshops and must pass both a written and practical exam. In addition, to maintain certification, practitioners must attend at least one seminar bi-annually.

References