Proprioception

Proprioception is the neurologic ability to perceive our body in space. It is how we know that our elbow is bent without looking at it. Each muscle fiber, ligament, joint capsule, and fascia has microscopic proprioceptive receptors as part of its structure. These sensory organs detect the amount of stretch, contraction, and the resting tone, or poise, of each fiber. Proprioceptors relay this information to the brain, where it is compiled into the somatic image, which is how we perceive our body in space. 

 

Nerves that control muscles are binary signalers; muscles can reveal two basic neurologic states: on and off, or “facilitated” and “inhibited”. Neurology textbooks refer to this as the Law of All-or-None. Muscles can be assigned the role of mobilizing or stabilizing during any motion.

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An examination that indicates the proprioceptive response of each muscle, ligament, joint capsule and fascial sheath can reveal the underlying condition of your neurological state. This is the function of the Muscle Map.