Much attention has been given in recent years to the development, maintenance and decline of functional stability of the locomotor system. Indeed, emerging research has proven the existence of the deep, or core, stabilizing muscles and their impact in controlling safe joint motion. This is especially true for the joints of the spinal column, where the complexity of the biomechanical and neurophysiological demands is phenomenal. With the increased understanding of functional stability have arisen new theories regarding the etiology of functional pathology and also of effective treatment methods to restore stability. Unfortunately, these techniques have yielded less than satisfactory results for many frustrated clinicians in search of more effective and long-lasting results. Some functional stabilization methods, although based on sound principles, have been criticized as impractical.

It is during this period that a new method of intrinsic locomotor system stabilization has arisen to dramatically gain the attention of rehabilitation specialists. Pavel Kolar, PaedDr. has indeed spawned a new manual approach to activate the “Integrated Stabilizing System” and achieve exciting levels of improved function in a remarkably brief period. Based upon the scientific principles of developmental kinesiology, the neurophysiological aspects of the maturing locomotor system on which the internationally renowned “Prague School of Manual Medicine and Rehabilitation” was established, he has expanded the scope of clinical options in an exciting new direction.

Question: Is DNS according to Kolar a technique?

DNS is not a technique, but rather an overall strategy designed to better understand the neurophysiological principles of locomotor system function. It includes both a knowledge and theoretical base, in addition to assessment, treatment, exercise and lifetime strategies. DNS is equally applicable for the feeble geriatric patient and elite athlete, for the acute intervertebral disc patient and chronic neurological disorder patient. DNS methods can benefit infants and adolescents. Once the DNS principles are understood and methods learned, the entire scope of patients available to benefit becomes expanded from classic chiropractic practice.

DNS Founder

Associate Professor Pavel Kolar, P.T., Paed. Dr.

Professor Kolar is a physiotherapist by training who holds a doctorate in pediatrics. His instructors, Professor Karel Lewit and the late Professors Vaclav Vojta and Vladimir Janda, profoundly influenced him in his evolution of DNS. He is the Director of the Rehabilitation Department, University Hospital Motol, School of Medicine, Charles University, Prague, Czech Republic. This is the largest hospital in Central Europe, with over 4,000 beds. He also acts as an adviser to the Director of the Hospital.

As Director of the Rehabilitation Department, Professor Kolar oversees the following:
1. The Rehabilitation Unit for adult patients, both outpatients and in-patients.
2. The Rehabilitation Unit for children: outpatients only.
3. The Pain Management Unit: outpatient and inpatient.
4. The Spinal Unit
5. The School of Physiotherapy

Professor Kolar is renowned for his work in rehabilitation, in addition to his utilization of DNS methods to celebrities in the world of sports, politics and entertainment. He has been appointed team clinician for the Czech Olympic teams, Soccer team, Davis Cup tennis teams and national ice hockey teams. He gained wide recognition for his treatment of former Czech President Vaclav Havel, which included traveling and serving as the President’s personal clinician when he went abroad. Because of the profound influence of DNS to rehabilitation in the Czech Republic, Professor Kolar was awarded the prestigious Presidential Lifetime Award for Professional Excellence by Czech President Vaclav Klaus in 2007. This award is typically reserved for those in their later years after many decades of significant contributions to society, while Professor Kolar’s contribution of DNS earned him the coveted award while still in his early 40’s!!

Professor Kolar is currently directing an extensive research project in his department concerning developmental kinesiology and its application in early diagnosis of central nervous system disorder in newborns and infants. He and his trained therapists utilize DNS techniques in the treatment of newborns and infants with cerebral palsy. Professor Kolar is also currently involved in a second research project, studying dynamic MRI research regarding the stabilization and respiratory function of the diaphragm.

Professor Kolar has taught DNS in Europe, North America, New Zealand and Australia.

Professor Kolar resides in Prague with his wife and three children.

For more information, visit www.rehabps.com or www.vojta.com