What is the Melita Method?

From the skeletal system, to the muscular, to the neurological, the Melita Method is the step by step approach to see exactly what the human body is doing, where movement is or is not occurring, and why. When there is dysfunction in the structure of the foot, an altered chain of forces is going to occur throughout the human body resulting in various biomechanical adaptations to allow for movement. These adaptations will oftentimes lead to postural deviations, which can result in chronic pain and/or increased risk of injury. 

In order to resolve chronic altered movement patterns, acute injuries, and other biomechanical dysfunctions, the neurological signal that creates overactive or underactive muscles must be addressed first. To do this, we can use the physiological principles of nociception.  In short, nociception is the activation of a pain receptor from outside stimuli which sends a signal from the peripheral to the central nervous system. We can test where there are heightened levels of nociception in different structures by stimulating this mechanoreceptor system of the body.  By increasing nociception via stimulation, we decrease the delta between the current level of nociception in the stimulated area and our body’s nociceptive threshold. When the threshold is passed, the body will have a physical reaction that can be tested.

A grossly overactive, or hypertonic muscle, cannot be dampened unless neurological activity to that muscle is decreased. This is where manipulations of the central nervous system are used to down regulate the signal to a given area. Certain midline structures of the human body can create peripheral dysfunction by sending an altered signal to the brain. An example of a midline structure that can create peripheral dysfunction would be the eyes. The direct connection of the eyes through the frontal lobe via the occipital nerve forms the neural basis of motor control. When the tracking of the eyes becomes altered, movement patterns will as well. Other examples of midline structures that need to be addressed consist of anything in the cranium as well as structures off the spine.  

The practice of manual therapy works by decreasing activity of different structures that may be causing pain due to over activity. Golgi tendon organelles.