The Functional Manual Therapy® Framework
“Functional Manual Therapy® is an integrated and artistic intervention which couples mechanical treatment of the joints, soft tissues, visceral and neurovascular systems with manual neuromuscular facilitation to enhance optimum motor control and human function.”
Inflammation
Inflammation is the body’s way of healing. After an acute injury, your body sends a lot of bloodflow with extra nutrients to help heal the damaged tissue. The problem lies when the inflammation is sustained and/or systemic. We first address any acute inflammation or injury to allow for optimal healing. Often times we are managing sustained or chronic inflammation which is managed through the next three pillars.
Mechanical Capacity
All the tissues in your body which have capacity for any amount of movement need a “springy-ness” at there end range of motion. This include the joints, soft tissues, fascia, viscera, and neurovascular structures. If there is limited ability for tissues to elongate and/or compress/fold there may be compensations elsewhere leading to movement inefficiencies and pain.
Neuromuscular Facilitation
Efficiency in the neuromuscular system requires appropriate initiation of the involved muscles, adequate strength, and endurance. The most common reason for an inability to improve strength and endurance is because of a lack of initiation. The FMT® approach will focus on your ability for all functional movement to initiation from the core.
Motor Control
Motor control involves the ability to move into, out of, and maintain functional positions. Simply put, motor control is what allows you to move efficiently through the world. Training in this area involves anything from sleep positioning to sitting or standing posture, to high level performance training. Although optimal efficiency requires the first three pillars, motor control training typically starts on day one.
