SomatoSensory System

“The somatosensory system (Greek soma, the body), is the system in which sensory coding was first studied electrophysiologically. Somatic information is provided by receptors distributed throughout the body. One of the earliest investigators of the bodily senses, Charles Sherrington, noted that the somatosensory system serves three major functions: proprioception, exteroception, and interoception.

Proprioception is the sense of oneself (Latin proprius, one’s own). Receptors in skeletal muscle, joint capsules, and the skin enable us to have conscious awareness of the posture and movements of our own body, particularly the four limbs and the head. Although one can move parts of the body without sensory feedback from proprioceptors, the movements are often clumsy, poorly coordinated, and inadequately adapted to complex tasks, particularly if visual guidance is absent.

Exteroception is the sense of direct interaction with the external world as it impacts on the body. The principal mode of exteroception is the sense of touch, which includes sensations of contact, pressure, stroking, motion, and vibration, and is used to identify objects. Some touch involves an active motor component—stroking, tapping, grasping, or pressing—whereby a part of the body is moved against another surface or organism. The sensory and motor components of touch are intimately connected anatomically in the brain and are important in guiding behavior.

Exteroception also includes the thermal senses of heat and cold. Thermal sensations are important controllers of behavior and homeostatic mechanisms needed to maintain the body temperature near 37°C (98.6°F). Finally, exteroception includes the sense of pain, or nociception, a response to external events that damage or harm the body. Nociception is a prime motivator of actions necessary for survival, such as withdrawal or combat.

The third component of somatic sensation, interoception, is the sense of the function of the major organ systems of the body and its internal state. Although most of the events recorded by receptors in the viscera do not become conscious sensations, the information conveyed by these receptors is crucial for regulating autonomic functions, particularly in the cardiovascular, respiratory, digestive, and renal systems. Interoceptors are primarily chemoreceptors that monitor organ function through such indicators as blood gases and pH.

Abnormal function in major organ systems resulting from disease or trauma can evoke conscious sensations of pain. Much of our knowledge of the neural mechanisms of pain is derived from studies of cutaneous nociceptors because the mechanisms are easier to study in cutaneous nerves than in visceral nerves. Nevertheless, the neural mechanisms underlying visceral pain are similar to those for pain arising from the surface of the body.

This diverse group of sensory functions may seem an unlikely combination to form a sensory system. Individual neurons in a dorsal root ganglion respond selectively to specific types of stimuli because of morphological and molecular specialization of their peripheral terminals.

P-DTR is a unique neurological therapy based on neurology, biomechanics, neurophysiology, anatomy and profound research. It works directly with the Central Nervous System and has a logical scientific explanation for all of its teachings. Under the guidance of Dr. Jose Palomar (founder) P-DTR is constantly being researched, and the scope of practical application of its unique material is being expanded on a yearly basis. 

Put simply, P-DTR is the practical application of theoretical neurology. The inspiration and source material for this technique is drawn primarily from a profound understanding of neuroanatomy, physiology and orthopedics. All of the information that is delivered as part of our practitioners’ educational journey can be found in any neurology, physiology or orthopedic textbook anywhere in the world. The difference is that P-DTR training will enable our practitioners to understand exactly how to interact with all of the neurological theory in each and every person that they treat. The textbook knowledge becomes immediately applicable to each person being assessed and treated using P-DTR which enables both practitioner and patient to see neurology acting and adapting in real time. 

Unique to P-DTR as a therapy, is an understanding of the role that sensory nerve endings (which will be called ‘receptors’ henceforth) play in the function and processes of the central nervous system. P-DTR uses receptors as its entry point to understand, assess and treat all kinds of dysfunction, pain and symptoms that it is possible to experience in the human form.