Health & Wellbeing Archives - Page 2 of 2 - Integrative Physiotherapy

2021-09-01T23:27:22+00:00

As you might have seen in recent social media posts, we’re offering a FREE SFMA to anyone who refers a patient to IP this month!

What is the SFMA? Read below to find out!

The SFMA is a set of seven full-body movement tests evaluated and scored in patients. This assessment examines what movement pattern is dysfunctional and non-painful first, and then is broken down in detail to determine the root of this dysfunction. The two main root problems typically stem from a lack of MOBILITY or STABILITY (motor control deficit). This dysfunction can then be treated by the clinician using targeted therapeutic exercise, manual therapy, and neuromuscular reeducation.

Do you have pain performing normal day to day activities or carrying on your active lifestyle? For most of us, pain free functional movement with any activity is the goal. Many components comprise pain-free functional movement including adequate posture, ROM, muscle performance, motor control, and balance reactions. Impairments of each component could potentially alter functional movement resulting in or as a consequence of pain. Utilizing the SFMA, the clinician is able to identify key functional movement patterns and describe the critical points of assessment needed to efficiently restore functional movement.

During your SFMA, we will examine and assess:

Cervical Flexion (looking down)
Cervical Extension (looking up)
Cervical Rotation (looking side to side)
Upper Extremity Pattern 1 (reach behind back)
Upper Extremity Pattern 2 (reach overhead)
Multi-Segmental Flexion (touch toes)
Multi-Segmental Extension (lean back)
Multi-Segmental Rotation (twist and look behind back)
Single-Leg Stance
Arms Down Deep Squat

Let us know if you’ve referred a friend for the IP experience in the past month so we can schedule your SFMA today!

November 2018: Fallin’ Into Fall Prevention

Kalah Hardt2021-09-01T23:27:23+00:00

Fall Into the Root of the Problem:
Falls are one of the leading causes of injuries across the ages in the U.S. However, as you likely expect…the prevalence of fall-related injuries is higher in older adults and is more common in women compared to men. Factors such as balance (vestibular), vision, and deficits in gait patterns all contribute to fall risk.

In people ages 65+ falls are a major cause of injury related to hospitalization. In this age group specifically, fall-related injuries are frequently associated with disability, loss of independence, fear-avoidance behavior, restriction in daily activities, and functional decline.

Preventing Falls (And Picking Yourself Back Up)
Maintaining an active lifestyle is one of the most effective ways to avoid fall-related injuries and to help you pick yourself back up so you don’t find yourself saying “I’ve fallen and I can’t get up!”. Consuming enough calcium (milk, yogurt, fish, broccoli…) to prevent osteoporosis and weight training for strong bones will help reduce any damage if you take a tumble. Use good gait patterns (avoid shuffling, pidgeon-toe patterns…) and don’t forget to swing your arms! The counterbalance between arms and legs when moving is imperative to promote positive gait patterns.

Fall Facts:
As we’re heading into snow season, falls become more prevalent in ALL age groups. Whether you’re snowboarding, navigating icy parking lots, winter hiking, or hanging decorations outside in slick conditions, some key approaches will help keep you strong and stable!
 Strengthen your knees
 Stabilize and strengthen low back
 Keep posterior chain active
 Maintain glute activation in ambulation (“Strong Foundations” as Dr. John likes to say!)

IP Exercise: Plow
For this exercise you need a friend, partner or friendly neighbor! (As well as slippery socks, sliders, or paper plates). Stand on the sliders and wrap the band around your friend, hold the ends of the band and bend the knees have your partner pull you – side to side and make it fun. Have more questions? Schedule today to learn more about how to move to your best self!

Get Assessed This August

November 2018: Fallin’ Into Fall Prevention