The Brucker bio-feedback method. Reactivate paralysed muscles

If the nerves no longer reach the muscles

Ralf Nickel and Stephanie Bardenwerper during the treatment of their little patients.

Ralf Nickel and Stephanie Bardenwerper during the treatment of their little patients.

Until now, the opinion has been that damage to the central control cannot be made better. This has now been scientifically disproved. In the USA, the learning technique established by Prof. Dr. Bernhard Brucker has been successfully used for years; the technique makes it possible to train nerve cells which are still functioning normally to establish connections with the muscle and therefore to improve the muscle function. In this way, it is possible to achieve a functional improvement in the patient years after the damage occurs. After we had experienced the success of the treatment ourselves, we made this therapy method a permanent part of our treatment and are able to avoid or improve some of the actual orthopaedic problems. We are now a European therapy and training centre for this method.

Brucker bio-feedback can be used to train existing nerve cells

All signals are precisely recorded at the computer and are then analysed.

All signals are precisely recorded at the computer and are then analysed.

In general, bio-feedback is feedback from normally unnoticed organ function. In the EMG bio-feedback therapy according to Prof. Dr. Brucker, an electromyogram, i.e. an EMG, is used for this. The signals from the central nervous system to the muscles are registered by adhesive electrodes on the muscles. If these are too weak, the patient cannot use the relevant muscle properly. The controlled training produces new nerve connections which lead to an increase in the signals arriving at the muscle. This is done by using visual and acoustic aids. The patient learns to specifically activate muscles and to coordinate muscle groups. Certain parts of the brain are damaged by a lack of oxygen. EMG bio-feedback therapy is used to develop other areas so that they can perform the missing function. In this way, EMG bio-feedback therapy leads to better functional control of the muscles concerned.

How does the Brucker Bio-Feedback therapy method work?

After strenuous exercises, patients and staff are pleased at the success.

After strenuous exercises, patients and staff are pleased at the success.

Our doctors and physiotherapists were trained by Prof. Dr. Bernhard Brucker in his laboratories in the Jackson Medical Center of the University of Miami, USA so that they could perform the therapy too. A therapy block starts with diagnosis of the available muscle function. During the initial medical consultation, the results are used to prepare a specific treatment plan for each patient. During the therapy, electrodes are stuck onto the muscles to be treated. A specially developed computer program enables the measured neuromuscular signals to be made visible on the computer screen Through this visual control, the patient learns how to specifically use their muscles. The EMG bio-feedback therapy is performed by our physiotherapists. Each therapy block contains 10 to 20 therapy units. The preceding therapy units are analysed in the closing consultation. From this, exercise suggestions are made for the patient to do at home and the patient is given suggestions further physiotherapy treatment of the muscle groups so that the success of the therapy is lasting.

For whom is Brucker bio-feedback suitable?

Neuromuscular signals are displayed on the monitor.

Neuromuscular signals are displayed on the monitor.

Brucker bio-feedback therapy can be used on children and adults with central nervous system disorders. Very good experience and success has been achieved with patients suffering from movement disorders as part of a cerebral paresis, after a cranio-cerebral trauma or stroke and in the event of incomplete paraplegia symptoms, for example, after spinal injury.

Who pays for the Brucker-bio-feedback therapy?

This treatment is to a large extent still unknown to German health insurance funds. Although its effectiveness has been scientifically verified, the costs are unfortunately not yet paid for by all health insurance funds. The consultant of the centre for paediatric and neuro-orthopaedics, Dr. med. Peter Bernius, works within the scope of studies to establish the fastest possible recognition of the method by all health insurance funds.