Assessments
Assessments are key to the work that both Morgan and I do. Assessments show us where your body can and cannot move so that we can more effectively treat you with structural medicine, or program strength and mobility for you.
Functional Range Assessments
(utilized in Strength & Mobility with Jessie)
In Functional Range Systems, we frequently state that “the sum of the parts is only as good as the parts.” We use the Functional Range Assessment (FRA) to see how joints work independently. Your body can’t lie – either you have the range of motion or you don’t. Each joint is assessed in both passive range of motion (PROM) and active range of motion (AROM). The passive and active ranges of motion (ROM) show linear and some rotational qualities of each joint.
Passive = flexibility; using outside force to move a joint into a range of motion
Active = functional mobility; using your own strength to move a joint into a range of motion; this is the range of motion you have control over; flexibility + strength/control
The image below is the passive and active ranges of motion overlaid so you can see the gap between them (the space between the red lines in the photo).
The gap between passive and active range of motion is where we are most vulnerable because we don’t have control or strength there. Our body can be forced to go in that gap but we don’t actually know how to use that range of motion. More specifically our Central Nervous System (CNS) only allows us access to range of motion that it can control (active ROM). We don’t want to see more than 20 degrees between passive and active.
Then we use Controlled Articular Rotations (CARs) to assess the outer limits of your range of motion in a rotational capacity and to essentially “map” your movement potential. This is a great explanation of CARs by the creator of FRS, Dr. Andreo Spina – check it out here.
These assessments are key to understanding your body so that we can address areas where you cannot move or have little control, as well as program traditional strength training exercises appropriate for your body. It is also an opportunity to discuss how you want to use your body and make sure you have the prerequisite ranges of motion, control, and strength to do those activities.
We can come back to these assessments as frequently as we like to check progress. Additionally pictures and videos can be employed to track progress.
Myofascial Length Testing
(utilized in Structural Medicine with Morgan)
Unique to Structural Medicine is a sophisticated diagnostic procedure called myofascial length testing (MFLT). MFLT is essential for treatment of complex inter-related traumas and structural imbalances. For example, many people suffer similar injuries but each person has a unique way that their body compensates for that injury depending on their movement patterns, past injuries, etc.
The objective findings from MFLT:
1) empower the practitioner to create a customized plan for treatment
2) provide a language to communicate intelligently and objectively with other medical professionals
3) provide physical measurements (pre and post treatment) to monitor or modify the treatment program, as well as enhance progress
Overall, MFLT is a powerful tool that elevates the practice of Structural Medicine substantially and drastically improves the outcomes for clients.
Additionally, Structural Medicine involves extensive evaluation of postural alignment and movement in order to balance the myofascial tone, length, and strength across all the major joints of the body. Each individual has a unique set of requirements for their body so assessment of their set of demands is crucial to working with the client towards achieving their goals. Through myofascial integration, the Structural Medicine process moves the body closer to a more efficient organization and function in gravity.
Reflection
As a client you can contemplate how you want to physically engage with the world.
Assessing where and how your body is moving now paired with a more clear goal of where you want to be is the beginning of making changes and improving your structure.
Questions to Consider:
- What activities do you currently do and want to continue to do? (gardening, pickle ball, hiking, playing with grandkids, sports, etc.)
- What activities do you hope to do but are not currently engaged in?
- For the above activities, are there physical elements that are holding you back or causing discomfort? Are there physical elements you aren’t ready for whether that is in strength, confidence, ROM, etc.