Functional Movement - what is it and why does it matter?

Functional movement is the way your body naturally moves during everyday activities — things like bending, reaching, twisting, walking, lifting, squatting, standing (yes, seriously) or getting up from a chair.

We can all do those things can't we? Yes, probably. But are we doing them 'functionally'? Without pain? Without compensation? Meaning are we doing them as we should? Using muscles as they are designed? Or are we compensating for imbalances? Poor movements we have learned? Compensating for previous injuries/pain/weakness? Still answering yes? Probably not.

What is 'Functional" then? And does it really matter?

In a nutshell I think functional means real life balanced movements. Using your muscles in the correct manner to which they are designed. Stabilisers stabilising, movers moving, balancers balanced....

So we have:

• good balance

• mobility and flexibility

• strength

• coordination

• stability

• Ideal posture

• homeostasis

Why does this matter?

• Reduced risk of injury or reinjury

• FULL rehabilitation from injuries, maladapted movement patterns or surgeries

• Better posture and mobility

• Less pain and stiffness

• Improved balance and coordination

• Easier day-to-day movement

• Better sports performance

Good list. But even more basic is longevity - maintaining our bodies structures to ensure we can maintain / do the things that make us happy and living without pain. Most of us know a mis-aligned tyre on the car will wear the tyre unevenly and result in damage to the tyre. So stop and think about what mis-aligned muscles do to your joints, fascia and ligaments/tendons. That is why it matters!

This is the basis for my treatment methodology. Assessing why injury, restriction and pain has occurred. Lookiing at joint range of movements and muscle functionality. Working backwards to look at your movements, sports, habits, postures and looking at the whole body. I believe that only treating the location of pain is not enough, its not treating the cause or fixing it long term. It is a bandaid at best. Lets focus on treating the CAUSE not the symptom.

Make an appointment to assess your posture, your movements and your road to longevity with functional movement.

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