As the Motion Palpation Institute (MPI) approaches its 25-year anniversary, it's appropriate to take a close look at the organization's history and what lies ahead. MPI was founded in 1981 by Leonard J.
From the 1930s to the 1960s, a number of other researchers were developing motion palpation-related concepts. Outstanding in the field were Cyriax, known for his model of soft and hard end-feel,2 and Mennell, who found that a normal joint possessed a characteristic "joint play."3 Perhaps Gillet's most important contribution to chiropractic was his fixation theory. By differentiating classes of fixation and their characteristics, Dr. Gillet gave chiropractors an alternative means of finding a subluxation and evaluating the effectiveness of their adjustments.
Dr. Faye incorporated the teachings of Gillet and other pioneers into a new paradigm with the formation of MPI. This new paradigm would elevate the chiropractor from a role of technician to that of a rational, vitalistic physician. The core principles and the new paradigm that served as the foundation for MPI included the following: (1) a change from static to dynamic concepts; (2) a shift from reductionistic to wholistic principles; and (3) a scientific practice rationale over anti-science and dogma.
Prior to the formation of MPI, Dr. Faye produced the most comprehensive model of the subluxation to date - the vertebral subluxation complex. He originated the five-part "subluxation complex" in 1967 for the student lectures he presented at the Anglo European Chiropractic College.4 The five-part model, modified by Charles Lantz, DC, conveys both the cause and effect of subluxations in the body and is the foundation for most of the teaching of MPI. Dr. Faye co-authored Motion Palpation and Chiropractic Technic - Principles of Dynamic Chiropractic, published by MPI in 1989.5 He also produced a videotape series on motion palpation of the spine and extremities.
Dr. Keith Innes was the second president of MPI. Dr. Innes expanded the classes taught by MPI and provided strong anatomical, biomechanical and neurological research to support the dynamic concepts set out by Dr. Faye. As part of the expansion, Dr. David Seaman taught courses on neurology and nutrition for MPI. Dr. Seaman helped validate the vertebral subluxation complex originated by Faye and coined the term "joint complex dysfunction."6 Dr. Warren Hammer led the way in the field of soft-tissue analysis and treatment for MPI under Innes.7
Mark A. King, DC, became president of MPI in 2001 and has transformed the organization in the new millenium by combining practical, clinical skills with current scientific research. Dr. King has provided a unique presence to MPI because he maintains a full-time, multi-doctor chiropractic office in addition to his duties as president. Dr. King added a chiropractic course to the curriculum, titled "Case and Practice Management." Dr. King has established MPI globally, with seminars being taught in Canada, Australia, Europe and Japan, as well as in the United States.
Dr. King continues to improve the spine and extremity seminars by staying up-to-date in the fields of physical rehabilitation, biomechanics and neurology. The concepts of spinal fixation still apply, but new terminology and research exists that can be incorporated into a clinical setting. MPI teaches that joints are (1) over-compressed/fixated/subluxated; (2) under-compressed/hyper-mobile/unstable; or (3) normal.8-12
The future of MPI is bright. The faculty and staff will remain focused on the advancement of chiropractic education for students and doctors. MPI will continue to provide a hands-on approach to the analysis, diagnosis and treatment of spinal and extremity joint disorders.
References
- Gillet H, Liekens M. Belgian Chiropractic Research Notes. Huntington Beach, Calif. Motion Palpation Institute, 1984.
- Cyriax J. Diagnosis of Soft Tissue Lesions. In: Textbook of Orthopaedic Medicine, Vol. I. London: Bailliere Tindall, 1982.
- Mennell J McM. Joint Pain. Boston: Little Brown, 1964.
- Faye LJ. Personal communication, e-mail, Jan. 4, 2006.
- Schaefer R, Faye L. Motion Palpation and Chiropractic Technique. Huntington Beach, Calif. The Motion Palpation Institute, 1989.
- Seaman D. Joint complex dysfunction: a novel term to replace subluxation/subluxation complex: etiological and treatment considerations. Journal of Manipulative Physiological Therapy 1997; 9:634-641.
- Hammer W. Functional Soft Tissue Examination and Treatment by Manual Methods, 2nd ed. New York: Aspen Publishers, 1999.
- Panjabi M. The stabilizing system of the spine. Journal of Spinal Disorders 1992;5:390-377.
- Hodges P. Pain and the Motor Control System. Presented at The 4th Interdisciplinary World Congress on Low Back Pain and Pelvic Pain. Montreal, 2001.
- McGill S. Ultimate Back Fitness and Performance, Wabuno Publishers, 2004.
- Lee D. The Pelvic Girdle - An Approach to the Examination and Treatment of the Lumbopelvic-Hip Region, 3rd ed. London: Churchill Livingstone, 2004.
- Richardson CA, et al. Therapeutic Exercise for Spinal Segmental Stabilization in Low Back Pain - Scientific Basis and Clinical Approach. London: Churchill Livingstone, 1999.
Dr. Steve King is a 1996 graduate of Life Chiropractic College. He is a coach and co-founder of Cutting Edge Chiropractic Consultants and has provided consulting services for several companies including Proctor & Gamble and the Cincinnati Bengals professional football team.