Conflicted Series Part 1: Parts vs. Patterns - Is Function Governed By Structure?

Written by Gray Cook FMS Live

*Recorded Live on March 27, 2020

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Watch as I talk about my growing pains moving from an exercise specialist to an orthopedic specialist to a movement specialist.


If the whole is greater than the sum of its parts then something truly miraculous happens when the parts come together. If this saying applies to movement (and I believe it does) then it obligates us to consider whole movement first before deep investigation of a particular body part.

Why not look at the whole first? As long as the pattern checks out, there’s no need to go to the parts.
 
What if a whole pattern (like forward bending, squatting or a leg raise) is dysfunctional? Why not try to fix them through an integrated approach first and isolated approach second?
 
If you found a functional problem, then allow function to be regained in a manner that follows as closely to the developmental model as is possible.
 
When is an isolated approach most appropriate? Think isolated when pain is involved. That means that there’s a healthcare problem. But remember . . . the problem isn’t always where the pain is.

 


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10 Comments

  • author

    annette lang 3/27/2020 3:37:30 PM

    Hi Gray! Annette Lang here!

    author

    FMS 3/27/2020 3:43:14 PM

    Thanks for tuning in Annette!

  • author

    James Quinlan 3/27/2020 3:51:48 PM

    In working with some athletes, it does seem than many immobile/stiff and muscular individuals sustain more injury. if it results in poor movement in these individuals Would you consider a program based heavily or solely on self and passive mobility, massage, breathing, to promote muscle relaxation and mobility and not have them do any resistance training?

    author

    FMS 3/30/2020 7:12:33 PM

    Depending on the goals of the individual, physical capacity may be necessary for a physical fitness or sports endeavor. The foundation or movement prerequistes for the physical capacity (strength, power, speed, conditioning, endurance) however is functional movement competancy (mobility, motor control and functional loading). Being able to resist injury, develop physical capacity or be successful in an athletic goal will be supported by moving well. This is called the Performance Pyramid in our system.

  • author

    Lucio Maurino 3/27/2020 3:52:36 PM

    May you give a clear definition on what is the difference between Screen, Test and Assessment ? And how to use and/or correlate them ? Thanks and best appreciation.

    author

    FMS 3/30/2020 7:13:11 PM

    A screen is a systematic check to see if someone would benefit from corrective strategies or further testing to rule out any underlying healthcare issues. A test is a measure of ability such as in physical capacity or energy systems. An assessment evaluates various factors in order to identify inability or dysfunction.

    author

    Lucio Maurino 4/6/2020 1:59:41 PM

    Thanks a lot for reply

  • author

    john sardos 3/27/2020 3:53:47 PM

    You talked about the firing pattern may be off. Have you done any work with RPR or Chapmans reflexes to clearing to the appropriate firing patterns? have you used these techniques to improving movement patterns or reset the body?

  • author

    Julie Coryell 3/27/2020 4:17:24 PM

    I have been an enthusiast of FMS since 2012. This month of the Pandemic coming home makes me so appreciative of Gray Cook's teaching, philosophy, humor! The Live talk is illuminating and bears rewatching and sharing. It is really revolutionary-imagine taking control ourselves, cooperating, and changing our culture, moving toward common welfare, healthy soils, food, air, water, the planet! Thank you! Julie Coryell

    author

    Michele Desser 3/27/2020 6:26:26 PM

    Thanks for being part of our team Julie!