PDR: A preventive physical exam

PDR: A preventive physical exam by Dr. Jenefer Huntoon, Naturopathic Physician, Seattle, WA www.DrHuntoon.com

When working with health problems, a patient's standard laboratory and physical exam are often normal. The person frequently has symptoms whose source does not show up on standard tests. Standard tests are necessary to rule out major health problems but when a person continues to have symptoms, it helps to utilize preventive laboratory and physical exam tests to determine the cause of the patients concern. Tongue analysis is a preventive tool I use to reveal information about the digestive system.

I also use the Palpatory Diagnostic Reflex (PDR) Test which is a preventive physical exam designed by Dr. Howard Loomis in 1986. It has been used on many thousands of patients to determine which organs and glands are not functioning optimally. The PDR is not intended to replace a standard physical exam but rather to complement it.

The PDR exam can detect subtle nutritional and metabolic imbalances which are often missed by standard medical examinations. Also, the PDR can help screen for more serious pathology which can then be verified by other diagnostic procedures such as physical exam, laboratory tests, X–ray, MRI, CT scan, etc.

Many of the people who come to our office have already been thoroughly examined through a wide range of medical tests with no success in determining the cause of their symptoms. The PDR exam is quick and precise in detecting nutritional and metabolic imbalances that cause considerable discomfort to the patient.

The PDR identifies muscle contraction or the “jump sign” in various areas of the body. Muscle contraction corresponds with visceral organ imbalance, because muscles share common neurological pathways with the visceral organs and the skin surface. By identifying the “jump sign” in certain parts of the body, the doctor knows exactly which organs and glands are affected.

The PDR is helpful in determining: if the condition is primarily structural, biochemical or emotional in nature; mineral deficiencies caused by sympathetic or parasympathetic imbalances; respiratory problems; sinus congestion; digestive conditions including poor digestion of fat, sugar, milk and wheat; circulatory and vascular problems; hypoadrenalism; anemia; liver toxicity; intestinal toxicity; kidney and lymphatic congestion; hormonal imbalances.

We are happy to have the PDR exam available because identification of the cause of the problem makes it easy to determine a treatment plan.

Dr. Huntoon is a Northwest expert in plant enzyme therapy and has studied under Dr. Howard Loomis (the world expert in plant enzyme therapy) since 1987. She is currently one of a few Internal Health Specialists certified by Logan College.