Interview with Dr. Rick Serola
After noticing that muscle strength increased and pain reduced throughout the body with sacroiliac stabilization, Dr. Serola began research into the underlying biomechanics. Eventually, he detected a pattern developing, which drove him to the medical library to investigate literature on the musculoskeletal system more closely. After finding numerous challenges to conventional concepts in the field of manual therapy, he decided to develop his own theory on biomechanics—the Musculoskeletal Integration Theory. His theory addresses the widespread effects of musculoskeletal injury and how proper treatment can be applied. Dr. Serola is passionate about educating healthcare professionals and the public about the interrelationships of our musculoskeletal system, in which the sacroiliac joint serves as our core structure. His research was instrumental in the development and production of his patented orthopedic solutions that are manufactured by his company, Serola Biomechanics, Inc., and sold worldwide. Dr. Serola graduated from Palmer College of Chiropractic in 1983, as a member of the Chiropractic Honor Society. In 2019, Dr. Serola has lectured on biomechanics at American Chiropractic Association (ACA) Rehab Council, World Federation of Chiropractic and European Chiropractors' Union Congress (EPIC), and the Sacral Occipital Research Society International (SORSl) Annual Conference. In an interview with The American Chiropractor (TAC), Dr. Rick Serola (RS) dissects Musculoskeletal Integration.
TAC: What are the biggest misconceptions about the sacroiliac joints?
RS: I believe the biggest one would be the keystone concept of form and force closure and the beliefs that flow from that. The keystone concept supposes that the sacrum is a wedge jammed into the pelvis causing boneto-bone force transfer from the sacrum through the ilium and down to the legs. More information is needed to bridge the gaps in this theory. For example, one idea, based on keystone, is that sacroiliac joint (SIJ) surfaces are roughened, and that friction is necessary to help keep the joint stable, but we know friction is a result of dysfunction. The sacrum is suspended from the ilia, so there should be no rubbing unless there is ligament sprain or some type of dysfunction. Principles such as the ligamento-muscular reflex, muscular compensation patterns, and the effects of lumbo-pelvic traction contradict the keystone model. The Musculoskeletal Integration Theory incorporates these and other key concepts as well.
TAC: Tell us a little more about the Musculoskeletal Integration Theory?
RS: The Musculoskeletal Integration Theory is the result of over 30 years of my research. It is the only central, unifying biomechanical model that can be used to understand and effectively treat the musculoskeletal system as an integrated structure. SIJs are the major source of musculoskeletal pain and happen to be the least understood joints in the body. I have read about 1,000 peer-reviewed medical articles and 100 medical books searching for patterns. My theory is a simple, commonsense approach to understanding the musculoskeletal system. It integrates innate movement and function and can be used with any technique.
TAC: What surprises have you run into in the process of your research?
RS: The problem that’s led us down the wrong path is that we have very little understanding of the SIJ, so there is a tendency to settle for incomplete information. As I study, I find so many problems and dead ends that lead us nowhere. Since there is no model that ties everything together, back pain is a mystery and will remain a mystery unless we start thinking and asking the right questions.
TAC: What roadblocks have you hit while researching?
RS: The biggest roadblock is me. I want to be certain of the content I’m presenting and ensure that I’m not just expressing what I feel or think. So I make sure everything I share is backed up fully. It seems so simple at times, yet there are competing theories in biomechanics right now and that can be confusing. As I find issues with them, I wonder how they could be so widely accepted when many of the ideas are so obviously wrong. Sometimes self-doubt comes into play, considering that I am going against some very established and highly respected individuals, but this is something that also drives me to make sure what I’m saying is right.
TAC: Why was it important for you to create Serola Biomechanics, Inc. while also practicing chiropractic?
RS: I discovered the need for products that were not in the marketplace and began brainstorming solutions. I created my product line because no one else had produced orthopedic products that provided the specific functions and features I was after for my patients.
TAC: Initially, what changes did you notice in patient outcomes as you were able to provide them with your own orthopedic solutions?
RS: After implementing sacroiliac stabilization, I found that almost every condition I was treating improved. For example, I was treating a patient with a foot injury, and once I stabilized the SIJ, the foot pain significantly decreased. Shoulder conditions were also getting better. I even had a patient who was placed on permanent disability by a top neurologist, and within two weeks of treatment, he was stable. He went back to his doctor and asked to return to work. His neurologist was so impressed that he came to my office to watch how I stabilize the SIJ with category 11 blocking and the Serola Sacroiliac Belt.
TAC: What do you believe are the best conditions for chiropractors to select the Serola Sacroiliac Belt over others for their patients?
RS: The Serola Sacroiliac Belt is an ideal intervention for anyone suffering with lower back, hip, or pelvic pain. It’s also a preventative solution. It’s important to understand that the SIJ is the core of our body, and when it becomes sprained, the rest of the body adapts. This adaptation process comes through the muscles, and the muscles will cause the pelvis to torque, creating an imbalance between one side of the body and the other. This can lead to painful syndromes throughout the body, so almost anybody can benefit from the stabilization the Serola Sacroiliac Belt offers.
There are many reasons chiropractors should recommend an SI belt over a lumbar belt. Lumbar belts take the place of trunk muscles, so the muscles get weaker. Over time, muscles are not able to support the trunk very well on their own, and the body becomes a lot more susceptible to injury. Lumbar belts have been proven only to improve posture.
TAC: What is the outlook for Serola Biomechanics 10 years from now?
RS: We are excited to be celebrating our thirtieth year in business! I think 10 years from now, my theory on biomechanics will be recognized and taught in schools of all disciplines. Hopefully, with that recognition, awareness of my products will increase, and more people can benefit from my painmanagement solutions. We will develop more products designed to stabilize and treat the dysfunctional patterns that occur when you have an SIJ injury. So, we look forward to a lot of growth!
TAC: What advice would you give chiropractors who also want to become entrepreneurs in this industry?
RS: Challenge yourself and the ideas around you. When I was younger, I thought everything had already been developed, but it has not. We are at the beginning of space exploration. We are at the beginning of exploring the ocean. And, we are at the beginning of exploring our own bodies and the musculoskeletal system. Look for patterns and things that don’t seem right, and see if you can figure out what the right pattern is. That’s how it starts!
TAC: Any final words for our readers?
RS: I have one word: Think! TAC
To talk to Dr. Rick, visit www.serola.net or email at [email protected]
