Neuro Impulse Protocol (NIP) Assessment Approach in Holland Park, Brisbane
If you are researching chiropractic care in Holland Park, Brisbane, you may come across various assessment and treatment methodologies used by different practitioners. One specific approach is the Neuro Impulse Protocol (NIP). NIP is primarily an assessment protocol developed by Dr. Neil Davies, used by some chiropractors to help analyse musculoskeletal and neurological function based on a particular theoretical model. At Silky Oak Chiropractic, elements of the NIP assessment framework may be utilised by Dr. Jan Jones as part of the comprehensive examination process to help guide the application of tailored chiropractic care. This page aims to provide information about this assessment approach.
Understanding the Neuro Impulse Protocol (NIP) Assessment Approach
NIP is characterized by its structured method of analysing information from the body to inform treatment decisions. It is distinct from the treatment techniques themselves (like adjustments or soft tissue work), acting instead as a system to guide where and how those techniques might be applied.
1. A Systematic Assessment Framework: NIP provides the practitioner with a specific sequence and type of tests or checks. These might include observations of posture, specific muscle strength tests performed in various positions, reflex assessments, and potentially other neurological or functional checks. The protocol dictates how these findings are interpreted within the NIP model.
2. Focus on Identifying ‘Priorities’ (NIP Model): The theoretical model behind NIP proposes a way to identify areas of the body that practitioners using the protocol consider ‘primary’ sites potentially contributing to altered neurological control or musculoskeletal dysfunction. The assessment process is designed, according to the NIP framework, to differentiate between primary issues and secondary compensations. It’s important to understand this concept of ‘primary sites’ is based on the specific NIP model and assessment findings within that system.
3. Guiding the Application of Care: The information gathered through the NIP assessment process is used by the chiropractor to help make clinical decisions. The findings guide the practitioner on which areas of the spine or body to focus on and which specific chiropractic techniques might be most appropriate for that individual at that time. It acts as a navigational tool integrated within the broader chiropractic examination.
4. Often Associated with Lower-Force Techniques: While NIP is an assessment protocol, practitioners utilising it often choose to employ gentler or lower-force adjusting techniques based on its findings. This might include instrument-assisted adjustments (like the Activator instrument) or specific gentle manual contacts. This characteristic may appeal to patients who prefer or request lower-force chiropractic methods. However, the choice of treatment technique always depends on the overall clinical picture and patient preference, discussed in consultation with the chiropractor.
5. Considering Interconnectedness: The NIP model operates on the principle that different parts of the body are interconnected through the nervous system. The assessment therefore often takes a ‘whole-body’ perspective, looking at potential relationships between different areas, rather than solely focusing on the site of symptoms, based on its specific neurological framework.
It is essential to recognise that NIP is an assessment protocol, not a treatment therapy in itself. The potential effects experienced by the patient relate to the chiropractic care (e.g., adjustments, soft tissue work, exercise advice) that is delivered based upon the findings of the comprehensive assessment, which includes NIP elements alongside standard orthopaedic, neurological and musculoskeletal testing. The effectiveness of the overall chiropractic care plan is supported by broader scientific evidence for managing certain musculoskeletal conditions (see References).
Our Process: Integrating NIP Assessment at Silky Oak Chiropractic
When you visit Silky Oak Chiropractic, the NIP assessment protocol may be integrated into your overall examination as follows:
1. Comprehensive Initial Consultation: As with all patients, your visit begins with a thorough discussion of your health history, current symptoms, lifestyle factors, previous injuries or treatments, and your personal health goals.
2. Physical Examination Incorporating NIP Elements: A standard chiropractic physical examination will be performed. This typically includes postural observation, range of motion tests, relevant orthopaedic tests, neurological screening (reflexes, sensation, muscle strength), and palpation of the spine and relevant joints. Specific tests and checks drawn from the NIP protocol may be incorporated into this standard examination sequence to gather additional information according to its framework.
3. Analysis and Clinical Impression: Dr. Jan Jones will analyse the findings from your entire assessment – including your history, standard examination results, and any integrated NIP assessment findings. This synthesis of information helps form a clinical impression of your condition.
4. Discussion and Management Plan: The findings will be discussed with you, and a proposed management plan will be outlined. This plan will detail the recommended chiropractic techniques (which might include adjustments, mobilisation, soft tissue work, etc.), the rationale behind them (informed by the overall assessment), expected frequency of visits, and proposed adjunctive care like exercises or lifestyle advice.
5. Application of Chiropractic Techniques: Based on the comprehensive assessment and agreed-upon management plan, appropriate chiropractic care will be delivered. The specific areas addressed and techniques used will be guided by the overall clinical picture established during the assessment phase.
6. Monitoring Progress: Your progress will be monitored during subsequent visits. This may involve re-assessing key findings, potentially including relevant NIP indicators alongside standard functional outcome measures (like changes in pain levels or range of motion), to evaluate your response to care and adjust the plan as needed.
References:
(Note: These references support the general use of chiropractic care/manual therapies for common musculoskeletal conditions, as NIP itself is an assessment protocol lacking therapeutic claims.)
- Low Back Pain: Paige NM, Miake-Lye IM, Booth MS, et al. Association of Spinal Manipulative Therapy With Clinical Benefit and Harm for Acute Low Back Pain: Systematic Review and Meta-analysis. JAMA. 2017;317(14):1451–1460. (Supports SMT, a common intervention following assessment, as a treatment option for acute LBP).
- Chronic Low Back Pain: Rubinstein SM, de Zoete A, van Middelkoop M, et al. Benefits and harms of spinal manipulative therapy for the treatment of chronic low back pain: systematic review and meta-analysis of randomised controlled trials. BMJ. 2019;364:l689. (Supports SMT for chronic LBP).
- Neck Pain & Headache: Bryans R, Descarreaux M, Duranleau M, et al. Evidence-based guidelines for the chiropractic treatment of adults with neck pain. J Manipulative Physiol Ther. 2014;37(1):42-63. (Includes recommendations for manual therapies for certain types of neck pain and headache).
- Neurophysiological Effects of Manual Therapy (Review): Bialosky JE, Bishop MD, Price DD, Robinson ME, George SZ. The mechanisms of manual therapy in the treatment of musculoskeletal pain: a comprehensive model. Man Ther. 2009;14(5):531-538. (Discusses potential mechanisms relevant to manual interventions guided by assessment).
- Sensorimotor Function & Manual Therapy (Review): Haavik H, Murphy B. The role of spinal manipulation in addressing disordered sensorimotor integration and altered motor control. J Electromyogr Kinesiol. 2012;22(5):768-776. (Explores potential impacts relevant to the neurological focus of some assessment models).
Disclaimer: The information provided on this page describes the Neuro Impulse Protocol (NIP) as an assessment framework used within our practice and is for general informational purposes only. It does not constitute medical or chiropractic advice, nor does it imply guaranteed outcomes from using this specific assessment protocol. The effectiveness of any chiropractic care plan depends on the individual patient, the accuracy of the overall diagnosis, the appropriateness of the applied treatments, and other factors. It is essential to consult with a qualified healthcare professional, such as a registered chiropractor, for a thorough assessment, diagnosis, and discussion of appropriate treatment options based on your individual circumstances and health status. Do not disregard professional advice or delay seeking it because of something you have read on this website. Treatment outcomes can vary between individuals.
