What is the Bugnet method?
Bugnet posture resistance therapy is a exercise method for patients who have problems with stability, posture and mobility.
The position of posture resistance therapy in physiotherapy is in the physiotherapists sector. See left-hand toolbar, Bugnet Method.
How does this method work?
The exercises work on the basis of the posture reflexes which are the basis of coordinated posture and movement patterns. If a person is asked to maintain a certain position when a force which threatens to change this position is applied, the person will flex a large number of structures (muscles, tendons, plantar fasciitis). This is called posture resistance. Scientific insights into myofascial force transmission underline the effect of this therapy.
By exercising the muscle chains and related structures, coordinated posture and movement patterns are learnt (again) and maintained, depending on the complaint and the relevant options. The body becomes stronger, more stable and less sensitive to symptoms of strain.
When can the method be used?
The method was used in the past for the treatment of polio and scoliosis. The number of indications was expanded due to the positive results. The posture resistance exercises can be used in the treatment of various neurological, orthopaedic and rheumatic disorders and lifestyle and work-related complaints where there is a reduction in the capabilities of the posture and movement apparatus.
Patients
This exercise method can be widely used.
- Neurological disorders. Think of paresis/ paralysis, peripheral nerve injury, hemiplegia, spina bifida, (post) polio, dystrophy/ regional pain syndrome.
- Posture deviations. Think of scoliosis, kyphosis, kyphoscoliosis, also with corset/ brace.
- Hypermobility and hyperlaxity, HSD, EDS, Marfan. Think of complaints stemming from over-activity, such as back problems at various levels, (sub) luxations of various joints, tiredness/ pain, strained ligaments and tendons in feet, knees, pelvis/hips etc.
- Chronic pain and joint strain. Think of sprains, unsteady walking, pelvic pain/ instability, movement problems, X-legs, O-legs, weak/
- limp posture and muscle weakness.
- Retaining/ improving motoric functions. Think of immobilisation in plaster/ corset/ brace, wheelchair use, before and after surgical procedures and bedridden patients.
- Whiplash-related complaints. Think of pain and instability during everyday movement, finding a less painful/ tiring posture, headaches, etc
- Lifestyle complaints due to long-term damaging postures and movements. Think about RSI/ arm, neck and/or shoulder complaints, symptoms from repetitive movement in sport activities.
The exercise programme can usually be learnt relatively quickly and can then be maintained by the patient himself. You may apply for treatment via CONTACT, preferably by sending an email.
There are few physiotherapists in The Netherlands who offer this therapy.
Physiotherapists
A network of physiotherapists who can apply Bugnet therapy is needed. You may apply for information and training via CONTACT if you are interested.
Overview Bugnet method and recent developments
Bugnet Posture Resistance
Bugnet posture resistance therapy is a method of treatment based on the ability and tendency of people to maintain a certain body posture against outside forces. Maintaining the posture is a neuro-physiological fact and develops as a reflex via the depth sensibility. Human posture reflexes are employed and applied with a therapeutic goal during the Bugnet posture resistance therapy.
The position of posture resistance therapy in physiotherapy
In the nineteen-fifties physiotherapy was supplemented by a practical and effective method: posture resistance therapy according to the Bugnet method. During these years a polio epidemic in The Netherlands caused serious handicaps to the locomotor apparatus- including paresis and paralysis. Many patients were desperately searching for effective therapies, and over the years, could visit 10 to 20 different therapists looking for help with rehabilitation. The mother of one of the patients gathered information from home and abroad, in her quest for the one suitable therapy for her daughter's future development. She met Madame Bugnet, who made use of posture and patterns of movement: neuromyotherapy. In fact she was building up a facility technique, the same as was used later in the P.N.F. method by Knott and Voss. Madame Bugnet's method proved in practice to work for many polio patients.
In practice the method proved to have a much wider applicability in physiotherapy as a form of therapy. The exercises, working on the basis of posture reflexes, could be a valuable addition to physiotherapy because posture stability is the basis for functional movement. Patients with various neurological disorders, (i.e. hemiplegia, spina bifida, peripheral neuropathy, dystonia), orthopaedic disorders (scoliosis, posture deviations of joints), post-operative conditions with for example symptoms resulting from diminished capabilities of the posture and movement apparatus such as hypermobility/HMS benefit from posture resistance therapy. In the present setting Bugnet also offers, besides the therapy, the valuable opportunity of a rehabilitation programme that is suitable for do-it-yourself training. The physiotherapist can instruct the patient in a relatively short time and then only needs to supervise now and again.
See the History section for the personal story of the first Dutch patient (page 2 and onwards). An interview with this patient can be found in the Publications section: Literatur study Bugnet method Bugnet