Proprioceptive-Deep Tendon Reflex

A patient presents with recurrent pain, restricted mobility or difficulties with movement control. Examining muscles and joints provides valuable information, but does not always explain every symptom. Sometimes, a muscle's response changes depending on body position, the movement performed or the stimulus applied.

In such situations, could it be useful to consider not only the muscle itself, but also the sensory information reaching the nervous system and its relationship with motor responses?

Proprioceptive Deep Tendon Reflex (P-DTR) is a proprietary method developed by Dr José Palomar Lever, a medical doctor and orthopaedic surgeon. Its framework focuses on the relationships between sensory stimuli, nervous system function and neuromuscular responses.

During the course, you will learn the principles of muscle reactivity assessment and how to interpret observed responses within the P-DTR system. You will learn to apply specific sensory stimuli and observe how muscle responses change during assessment.

You will explore the method's concepts relating to mechanoreceptors, receptors involved in sensing pain, temperature and body position, and their significance for movement control. You will also learn to recognise and classify response patterns described within the P-DTR system.

During the practical sessions, you will learn not only how to carry out assessments, but also how to perform P-DTR therapeutic procedures. You will explore how to select stimuli and manual techniques, followed by reassessment of muscle reactivity, range of motion and patient function.

As the course progresses, you will expand your skills to include gait analysis, assessment of responses to different types of sensory stimuli and more complex relationships described within the method. Particular emphasis is placed on hands-on practice, precision in performing assessment procedures and correct application of the techniques.

The course consists of three modules that progressively introduce participants to the fundamentals of muscle reactivity assessment and sensory assessment before moving on to more complex P-DTR procedures. Teaching combines lectures, demonstrations and practical exercises, with opportunities to receive corrections and feedback from instructors and teaching assistants.

The aim of the course is to develop proficiency in the fundamental P-DTR assessment and treatment system and the ability to incorporate it thoughtfully into your existing therapeutic practice.