Systems Approach for Integration of Medicine and Therapy to Alleviate Pain of Human Musculoskeletal System

Chronic pain and general physical discomfort are common symptoms for those seeking medical or physiotherapy treatment, as this relates to disorders found within the Human Musculoskeletal System (HMS). Since this system is highly complex and large in scale, clinical pain research has been confounded by many complex factors. To help alleviate chronic pain and other symptoms, Asian countries such as Japan, India and China have developed various traditional medicine‐based exercise techniques over many years. Although some are critical of these non‐orthodox medical approaches, others support the ‘overwhelming effort towards integrating alternative medicine into the mainstream’. In addition, these traditional techniques have been enhanced by recent scientific research into the HMS, undertaken by biomedical and mechanical engineers. The goal of our research is to establish a multidisciplinary approach integrating Systems Engineering, traditional oriental techniques, conventional medicine and related science. To pursue such an integrated approach this paper examines the therapist‐guided exercise for restoring human musculoskeletal balance called the Somatic Balance Restoration Therapy (SBRT). The SBRT is a simple but effective self‐exercise therapy with minimal assistance by a trained therapist. This therapy is analyzed by a Systems Engineering Approach using a mechanical engineering method by modeling the human body as a multi‐body subject to a static equilibrium condition. In addition, the wording has been rewritten in functional anatomical terms, enabling smooth communication between specialists of three different disciplines: therapy, conventional medicine and Systems Engineering. Examples will be given to demonstrate an integrated and systematic approach for identifying and remedying malfunctions within the HMS.