There are 4 stages of startle response
- Investigative response
- Assertion and annoyance
- Anger or avoidance
- Submission and collapse
Contents
Investigation - stage 1 of startle response
- There is a initial suprise which leads to a investigative repsonse
- There is a shift of position to upright as in readiness for action
- There is a straightening of the spine, which is paradoxical because reaction to fear is folding the body inward to protect internal organs
- There is increased focus, and therefore the body braces
- The increase in focus affects the eyes, ears and nose which are highly alert
- A position where everything 'stops', a beginning of startle response
- Body is in a state of alert
- Territorial stance to protect one's ground is seen
- There is a high degree of attention to the threat
- The following responses from mild caution to severe shock or terror, the degree of rigidty increases until it anaesthetizes the organism (which also affects dysassociation)
- In an extreme state of shock, there is total immobility of the muscles, spinal cord, and the lungs, a defocusing of the eyes, and a partial congealing of the fluids and the arterial blood supply
Function of investigation
- Identifying potential threats as harmful or safe for the individual
Muscle reaction in investigation
- Extension of erector spina muscles
- Slight retraction of head
- Stabilization of the head
- Mouth closes
- Nostrils flare
- Eyes open
- Hands are ready to open
- Arms flex
- Chest is raised by intercostals
- Diaphragm descends
- Legs stiffen slightly
Muscles which can be considered for treatment
- Superficial back line
- Especially erector spinae, and suboccipitalis
- Scaleni
- Superficial back arm line
- Deep front arm line
- Lateral line
- Intercostals
- Sternocleidomastoideus
- Muscles of the chest