Normal movement is achieved through the integration of fundamental movement patterns with an adequate balance of mobility and stability to meet the demands of the task at hand.

The human system will migrate toward predictable patterns of movement in response to pain or in the presence of weakness, tightness, or structural abnormality. Over time, these pain attenuated movement patterns lead to protective movement and fear of movement, resulting in clinically observed impairments such as decreased ROM, muscle length changes, and declines in strength.
 
An isolated or regional approach to either evaluation or treatment will not restore the whole of function. Functional restoration requires a map of dysfunctional patterns and a working knowledge of functional patterns to gain clinical perspective and design an effective treatment strategy.

Pain-free functional movement for participation in occupation and lifestyle activities is desirable. Many components comprise pain-free functional movement including adequate posture, ROM, muscle performance, motor control, and balance reactions. Impairments of each component could potentially alter functional movement resulting in or as a consequence of pain.

We identify key functional movement patterns through the Selective Functional Movement Assessment (SFMA) and describe the critical points of assessment needed for clinical application to identify dysfunctional movement.

Traditional muscle length, strength, and special tests will be used to help identify the impairments, which are associated with dysfunctional movement. This approach is designed to complement exam and intervention with therapeutic exercise. It serves as a model to efficiently integrate the concepts of posture, muscle balance and the fundamental patterns of the movement system into pain relief.

It also serves as a feedback system for the effectiveness of a therapeutic exercise program, which should target the dysfunctional movement pattern as well as the impairments that have been identified.

 
After completing the evaluation, it helps us understand the following:

Understand the importance of identifying dysfunctional movement patterns.  Understand the difference between disability, dysfunction, and impairment as defined.  Why it is important to assess movement patterns in both the loaded and unloaded positions and how this information can be used to guide intervention.  See the relationship between automatic balance reactions and the fundamental movement patterns of squatting, lunging, and forward bending.  Understand the importance of pain provocation during the examination process and appreciate that pain alters motor control.  Select key impairments to assess and design appropriate interventions to normalize dysfunctional movement.  Link the assessment information to the initial therapeutic exercise strategy and initiate treatment.  Monitor initial changes in dysfunction and impairment to guide the therapeutic exercise progression.

Specifically, the Functional Movement Screen is a ranking and grading system created to document movement patterns that are key to normal function. By screening these patterns, functional limitations and asymmetries are readily identified. Basic movement pattern limitations can reduce the effects of functional training, physical conditioning, and distort proprioception (body awareness).

At the heart of the system is the Functional Movement Screen Score which helps to target the problem and track progress. The scoring system is directly linked to the most beneficial corrective exercises to restore mechanically sound movement patterns.

• Creates a continuous focus on the fundamentals of movement

• Creates a functional baseline to mark progress

• Reliable and reproducible screen with specific markers for movement problems

• Improves functional fitness, quality of life and athletic performance

• Helps to reduce the potential for injuries

• Provides a simple grading system to assess movement patterns

• Identifies physical imbalances, limitations, and weaknesses

• Improves fundamental movement patterns with simple corrective exercises

• Helps to individualize conditioning programs for specific results

• Works to identify potential cause and effect relationships of mirco-trauma as well as chronic injuries in relation to movement asymmetries and weakness

 Call us today and find out your score...why are you still suffering in pain?

Call for an appointment today

Pain Laser Center, LLC
@ Edge Fitness Center
150 Triangle Plaza
Ramsey, NJ 07446
(973) 800-6570
drperry@painlasercenter.com