This is a chapter 8 summary of the book “Movement” by Gray Cook. What to Look For The SFMA breakouts are utilized to determine if one’s movement deficiencies have a mobility or stability origin. There are further possibilities in each of these categories. It Could Be a Mobility Problem There are two subsets of mobility problems that include tissue extensibility dysfunction (TED) and joint mobility dysfunction (JMD). From here, we can break it down even further in each subset. Here are some potential TEDs Active/passive muscle insufficiency Limited neurodynamics (they said neural tension; come on Gray!) Fascial tension Muscle shortening Hypertrophy Trigger points Scarring/fibrosis And here are some potential JMDs Osteoarthritis/arthrosis Single-joint muscle spasm/guarding Fusion Subluxation Adhesive capsulitis Dislocation It could be a Stability Problem These issues are also known as stability or motor control dysfunction (SMCD). Most conventional therapies would treat these complaints by strengthening the stabilizers, but this is problematic. When something works reflexively, how can we train something volitionally and expect changes? To train these muscles we must focus on proprioceptive and timing-based training. There are several examples of SMCD problems. Motor control dysfunction. High threshold strategy. Local muscle dysfunction/asymmetry. Mechanical breathing dysfunction. Prime mover or global muscle compensation behavior or asymmetry. Poor static stability, alignment, postural control, asymmetry, and structural integrity. Poor dynamic stability, alignment, postural control, asymmetry, and structural integrity. Relatedness Mobility and stability can influence one another. If I were to lose mobility at one segment, motor control can be distorted at nearby segments.
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Movement Chapter 6: Functional Movement Screen Descriptions
This is a chapter 6 summary of the book “Movement” by Gray Cook. Screening Keys The FMS is not considered a training or competition tool; it simply ranks movements. Here are the keys to a successful screen. First off, know the following bony landmarks Tibial tuberosity ASIS Lateral and medial malleoli Most distal wrist crease Knee joint line 3 repetitions are performed for each movement, and it is important to stand far away so the whole movement can be seen. When testing both sides, take the lowest score if an asymmetry is present. Here are the movements (videos courtesy of Smart Group Training). The Deep Squat Purpose: Full-body coordinated mobility and stability; linking the hips and the shoulders. Here is how it is done. Hurdle Step Purpose: Evaluate stepping and stride mechanics. Here is how it is done. Inline Lunge Purpose: Test deceleration and left/right function utilizing contralateral upper extremity patterns and ipsilateral lower extremity patterns. Here is how it is done. Shoulder Mobility Purpose: Evaluate scapulothoracic rhythm, thoracic spine and rib mobility. Here is how it is done. ASLR Purpose: Tests hip flexion, hip extension, and core function. Here is how it is done. Trunk Stability Pushup Purpose: Tests reflexive core stability. Here is how it is done. Rotary Stability Purpose: Check multi-planar pelvic, core, and shoulder girdle stability. Also looks at reflexive stability and transverse plane weight shifting. Here is how it is done. FMS Conclusions The FMS is designed to give a corrective pathway that may involve
Read MoreMovement Chapter 5: Functional Movement Systems and Movement Patterns
This is a chapter 5 summary of the book “Movement” by Gray Cook. In this chapter, Gray outlines the interconnectedness of the tests and outlines all of the different breakouts. The movements will be demonstrated in later chapters. FMS There are seven movements with different clearing examinations. 1) Deep squat 2) Hurdle step 3) Inline lunge 4) Shoulder mobility 5) Active straight leg raise (ASLR) 6) Trunk stability pushup 7) Rotary stability. The first three movements are often called the big 3, as they are functional movements that check core stability in three essential foot positions. The remaining four are considered fundamental movement patterns. Often these patterns are attacked before the first three. These screens can also be broken up into those that check symmetry and asymmetry: Symmetrical patterns Deep Squat Trunk stability pushup. Asymmetrical patterns Hurdle step Inline lunge Shoulder mobility ASLR Rotary stability. The way we work the FMS is by first attacking asymmetrical patterns before straight patterns, and primitive patterns before functional patterns. The FMS is scored on a four point ordinal scale with the following scoring criteria: 3 – Complete pattern 2 – Complete pattern with compensations/deviations 1 – Incomplete pattern 0 – Painful pattern. There are also three clearing tests that are either positive or negative for pain. 1) Impingement clearing test (shoulder mobility) 2) Prone pressup (trunk mobility) 3) Posterior rocking (rotary stability) The FMS works by creating several filters to catch for compensations and problems. 1) Pain – Signal to a problem. 2)
Read MoreMovement Chapter 2: Anatomical Science Versus Functional Science
This is a chapter 2 summary of the book “Movement” by Gray Cook. Funky Muscles There are anatomically two basic types of muscles; shunt and spurt. Shunt muscles compress and produce structural integrity because the distal attachment is far from the moving joint. Spurt muscles produce movement because the distal attachment is close to the axis of rotation. While these two muscle types are present, they can vary depending on the function performed. For example, if we perform a movement in the closed chain, the spurt and shunt roles become reversed. Focusing on a single muscle group causes us to lack understanding of the supporting matrix behind superficial muscle action. Muscle function depends on body position and joint in action. We can see this point illustrated in Lombard’s paradox, which involves the coactivation of hamstrings and quadriceps when performing a sit to stand. These muscles are antagonistic to one another at their respective joints, yet movement is produced. The resultant effect is the quads and hamstrings becoming global stabilizers. Muscle activity is task specific, therefore Gray purports four types of muscles: 1) Global Stabilizers: Multi-joint muscles contracting to produce stability and static proprioceptive feedback. 2) Global Movers: Multi-joint muscles that produce movement and dynamic proprioceptive feedback. 3) Local Stabilizers: Deep segmental muscles (1-3 segments) that produce stability and static proprioceptive feedback. 4) Local Movers: Single joint muscle that produce movement and dynamic proprioception. These different muscle types require different training modalities. The example given is stabilizer muscles. These muscles cannot
Read MoreMovement Chapter 1: Introduction to Screening and Assessment
This is a chapter 1 summary of the book “Movement” by Gray Cook. Intro This chapter’s central point, and for that matter the whole book, is that movement needs to standardized just like all other therapeutic and performance measures. Movement is fundamental to who we are. Despite movement being at our center, we continually classify patients and clients by body region. Unfortunately through this reductionism, much is lost. We cannot measure parts and expect that to give us an adequate picture of the whole. Screening Before we begin training, it is advocated that movement be screened to facilitate an optimal training environment. The screen will determine movement as one of the following three areas: 1) Acceptable 2) Unacceptable 3) Painful Movement is screened for many reasons. Gray often states that the number one risk factor for injury is previous injury. A movement screen helps find potential risk factors for re-injury. Moreover, if movement is dysfunctional, then all things built on that dysfunction could predispose one to more risk. The screen also helps separate pain from movement dysfunction. It is widely known that when one undergoes a pain experience, motor control is altered. Because motor control is altered, we may not get the desired training effect secondary to pain. Pain screening gives us an avenue for further assessment a la the Selective Functional Movement Assessment (SFMA). Movement screening is the first step away from quantitative analysis to movement quality; from reductionism to holism. Once we have a basic movement map we
Read MoreCourse Notes: The Elite Speed Seminar
I just finished up the Elite Speed Seminar at what has become my home away from home, Indianapolis Fitness and Sports Training. The presenters were Lee Taft and Nick Winkelman, and I learned a great deal in an area that I am weak in. Here are the notes and quotes. Multi-Directional Speed Tools That Make Change – Lee Taft Lee talked about 5 qualities to train that separate great from good athletes. Performing well under urgency, as sympathetic states change how we move. Reactivity – These are reacting to finite reactions, such as a gun going off in a sprint. Random reaction – This uses the stretch-shortening cycle more frequently by foot repositioning. Think a shortstop. Tactics – Reacting to fakes and deception. Mistake Recovery – Training to recover from worst case scenarios. Here were Lee’s recommendations for program design. Skill acquisition – The ability to control desired movements. This portion can be trained by either skill components (3-4 exercises), skill itself (1-3 exercises), or linking skills (shuffle to sprint). Force application – Performing the desired movement patterns with increased force or resistance. Random reactive training – Challenge movements under a random setting, but make sure the above 2 components are rock solid first. Here were Lee’s recommendations to progress to reactive training Acceleration → deceleration → Change of direction →One direction reaction → Multi-direction reaction. Some great cues that Lee used Stay in the tunnel. Arms long and strong. Tear the paper – Get in the athletic position, load the big toes, and try to rip
Read MoreDNS B Course Notes
Whew, I recently finished (and still trying to process) the B level DNS course from the folks at The Prague School. Instructors were Martina Jeszkova and Dr. David Jeurhing. There were a lot of things covered during this 4 day course and I definitely learned a few things. Here are the highlights. Developmental Principles The focal point of DNS is the concept of joint centration, a static and dynamic maximal joint surface approximation. When joint surfaces achieve optimal bony congruency, the muscles surrounding the joint achieve optimal activation and highest mechanical advantage. The reverse is also true. If muscles coactivate properly, then joint centration occurs. Conversely, if optimal joint centration is not achieved then muscle imbalances occur. The reverse is also true. This change becomes very problematic, as decentration at one joint effects centration at all the other joints. This may lead to decreased performance at best and at worst increased wear on joint surfaces. Take lower crossed syndrome (or open scissors if you are a DNS fan) for example. Let’s say we had a problem with our lower back. In order to cope with this trouble, we increase lumbar lordosis and decentrate the lumbar spine. See how it affects the surrounding structures. The pelvis anteriorly tilts, which affects length tension relationships to glutes, hamstrings, and hip flexors. Thoracic kyphosis increases as well, affecting the shoulder girdle and cervical muscles. Basically, play with one body region or joint position and see how it affects the others, and you can develop
Read MoreExplain Pain Section 2: The Alarm System
This is a summary of section 2 of “Explain Pain” by David Butler and Lorimer Moseley. Alarm Signals Our body’s alarm system alerts us to danger or potential danger. This alarm system is composed of sensors throughout the body, the eyes, nose, and ears. It is these sensors that are our first line of defense against harm. If one sensor fails the others take over. Most of these sensors are located in the brain and respond to various stimuli. Some to mechanical movement, some to temperature change; the sensors in the brain particularly respond to chemical activity. What is important to know with sensors is that they have a very short life expectancy of a few days. This cycling means our body’s sensitivity is constantly changing. It is with these life cycles that there is hope for those with chronic pain. Moreover, the rate at which sensors are made is normally stable but can change very quickly in regards to a particular stimulus. So if we take for example one with persistent pain, the rate at which pain sensitivity occurs can be changed. Nociception We lack pain receptors in our bodies. Instead, the various tissues have special neurons that respond to different stimuli. These receptors are called nociceptors, which translates into “danger receptors.” Nociception is occurring all the time, but only sometimes will it end in pain. Nociception is neither necessary nor sufficient for pain. The sensors correspond to particular neurons. In order for these neurons to become excited and
Read MoreThe Sensitive Nervous System Chapter XV: Clinical Aspects of Neurodynamics
This is a summary of chapter XV of “The Sensitive Nervous System” by David Butler. Intro In this chapter we discuss many specific neurodynamic pathologies and implementing the nervous system into treatment approach. Conservative Nervous System Decompression Here is a general step-by-step approach to decreasing threat throughout the nervous system. 1) Decrease tissue sensitivity by removing relevant stimuli and decreasing CNS threshold. 2) Improve container tissue health. 3) Improve the nerve tract’s ability to absorb traction forces. 4) Assess and improve the nerve to container relationship. 5) Assess/modify any adverse ergonomic or environmental factors. Carpal Tunnel Syndrome Tests to perform. ULNT1 & reverse. ULNT2 (median) & reverse. Compression (can add ULNT). Phalens and reverse Phalens. Phalens + ULNT. Treatment There are several options to treat carpal tunnel syndrome. Mobilizing not only the median nerve, but radial and ulnar is beneficial because the nerves are closely connected. Movement is critical because nerve inflammation and swelling does not leave the carpal tunnel easily. This problem is because there are minimal lymphatic channels in the tunnel. Nerve Root Complex Nerve root issues often have corresponding postural adaptations. Cervical – forward head posture. Lumbar – Flat lumbar spine with knees flexed, positioned toward the injured sign. In acute instance, it may be okay to let the patient rest in these antalgic postures until AIGS settle. Other presentations indicative of nerve root complex pathology include numbness/tingling down the extremities. Other possibilities include coldness, shooting, tiredness. Pain rarely goes into the extremities. Double Crush Double crush
Read MoreThe Sensitive Nervous System Chapter XIV: Management Strategies: Integration of Neurodynamics
This is a summary of chapter XIV of “The Sensitive Nervous System” by David Butler. The Big Picture Evidence Based Approach Here is the step by step patient care process that Butler advocates. 1) Identify red flags and manage accordingly. 2) Educate on the whole problem to include tissue health status, the nervous system’s role, and test results. 3) Provide prognosis and make realistic goals. 4) Promote self-care, control, and motivation. 5) Decrease unnecessary fear and manage catastrophization. 6) Get patients moving as early as possible. 7) Help patients identify success and sense of mastery of a problem. 8) Perform a skilled exam. 9) Acknowledge that biopsychosocial inputs combine with the nervous system to produce pain and disability. 10) Use any measures possible to reduce pain. 11) Minimize number of treatments and contacts with all medical personnel. 12) Chronic pain may need a multidisciplinary approach. 13) Manage physical function and dysfunction. 14) Assess and assist in improving general fitness. 15) Assess how injury affects creative outlets and assist the patient with regaining creativity and discovering new creative outlets. Incorporating Neurodynamics There are several ways to incorporate neurodynamics into the patient’s plan of care which will be outlined below. Reassessment. Explanation. Passive mobilization. Active mobilization. Posture and ergonomics. Reassessment There are many evaluation protocols that warrant constant reassessment after applying an intervention. Be it a comparable sign or audit, neurodynamic tests can be utilized well within these systems. A word of caution with instant reassessment, as quick changes could merely be
Read MoreThe Sensitive Nervous System Chapter XIII: Research and Neurodynamics: Is Neurodynamics Worthy of Scientific Merit?
This is a summary of Chapter XIII of “The Sensitive Nervous System” by David Butler. Intro Research has demonstrated that often evidenced-based medicine is low on the list for why clinicians choose a particular treatment. From an ethical standpoint, it is important to consider evidence. This chapter is very short so I will just provide the highlights that I got from it. Appraising a New Theory or Approach There are six criteria that a new theory should be evaluated by: 1) Support from anatomical and physiological evidence. 2) Designed for a specific population. 3) Studies from peer-reviewed journals. 4) Include a well-designed randomized controlled trial or single experiment. 5) Present potential side effects. 6) Proponents discuss and are open to limitations. Agreement Here are some definitions of different ways research measures agreement. – Cohen’s Kappa: Measures nominal data reliability. >0.75 is excellent agreement. 0.40-0.75 is fair to good. <0.40 is poor. – Pearson product movement correlation: Measures interval/ratio data. – ICC: Measures continuous data. The closer to 1, the better. Validity There are also many different validity types defined throughout this chapter. The first two are proven through logic and have the least evidence support. – Construct Validity: Valid relative to a theoretical foundation. – Content Validity: Can I use this measure to make an inference? The next two are higher up on the evidence support hierarchy. – Convergent Validity: The test shows a correlation between two variables. – Discriminant Validity: The test shows a low correlation between two variables.
Read MoreThe Sensitive Nervous System Chapter XII: Upper Limb Neurodynamic Tests
This is a summary of Chapter XII of “The Sensitive Nervous System” by David Butler. Intro Today we will take a look at assessing upper limb neurodynamic tests (ULNT). These assessments used to be called tension tests, but that terminology is now a defunct mechanical description. We now describe these as neurodynamic tests to better appreciate the neurophysiologic aspects of mechanosensitivity and upper limb homunculi stability. These tests are numbered based on the movement sensitizer, which are as follows: 1 – Shoulder abduction. 2 – Shoulder depression. 3 – Elbow flexion. ULNT1: Median Nerve Here is the quick test first. Here is how to do the manual test. A quick heads up regarding head motions. Sidebending away increases symptoms in 90% of people. Sidebending toward decreases symptoms in 70% of people. ULNT2: Median Nerve Here is the manual test ULNT2: Radial Nerve Here is the active test. And the manual test. ULNT3: Ulnar Nerve Here is the active test And the manual test. Musculocutaneous Nerve Here is the active test And the passive test. Axillary Nerve Here is the passive test. Suprascapular Nerve Here is the test. Final Words Have some fun with these tests, and be mindful that you are not too aggressive. Thanks to Scott and Sarah for your videotaping help. You guys rock.
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