At Schofield Chiropractic, we are always looking for the best way to take care of our patients in the most efficient, and individualized treatment plan. We have recently started using the Functional Movement Screen, developed by Gray Cook, MSPT. This screen is a quick tool for us to be able to identify movement impairments and help us better understand what patterns might be causing your impairments or pain.
 

These movement patterns are ones that are essential for human development. Think about infants and toddlers learning to crawl and walk. If an infant doesn’t have the movement patterns for rolling, they won’t have the core stability for crawling, and then eventually standing and walking. As we continue to age, if we don’t maintain these essential patterns, then we will lose the mobility and stability needed for essential movement. This will cause us to develop poor patterns and might increase our risk for injury and pain.
 

Movement performance is based upon movement Health. It shouldn’t hurt when you move. Behaviors and patterns have been developed overtime leading to individual limitations and/or weaknesses. This screen is used to identify the “Human Quality” because two patients may have the same diagnosis, but one patient might have a tight joint causing that problem, and the other might have an unstable joint causing the same issue.

Gray notes:

1. The #1 risk factor for a future injury is a previous injury because of two different factors:
   • The injury altered you for the worse (surgery)
   • The rehabilitation model isn’t complete
2. If we aren’t programming or tuning our body to use good mechanics, we are adopting poor mechanics, poor patterns and it will ultimately result in future injury or pain

As a clinic, we are always looking for the best way to help you, our patients, feel better and move better, and are excited to have an additional resource to aid in your recovery.

Dr. Kristin Henry earned her Doctor of Physical Therapy degree from Des Moines University in 2015. She has advanced training in manual therapy and pelvic rehabilitation. She also has experience with patients ranging from pediatrics to geriatrics.