Reading the pattern, not the spot
The assessment runs through a set of whole-body movements: bending forward and back, rotating, reaching overhead, squatting, balancing on one leg and moving the neck. Each one is rated as moving well or poorly, and as painful or not. That grid points to where the trouble started, which is often some distance from where you feel it.
From there we break a poor pattern down. A movement that fails because a joint or tissue is restricted is a mobility problem. A movement that fails because the nervous system is not switching the right muscles on at the right time is a control problem. They look similar from the outside and are corrected differently.
Where it shows up in a plan
In low back pain, hip pain and knee pain the assessment often finds a hip that will not extend, a weak gluteus medius or an ankle that will not bend. In sports and overuse injuries it is used to plan training around the injury rather than stopping it by default.
Findings decide the treatment. A restricted line may get dry needling and orthopedic acupuncture or Active Release Techniques; an inhibited muscle may get motor point needling, then an exercise that teaches it to fire again.
Movement rehab after a stroke
In stroke recovery the same principles are applied to relearning tasks: reaching, gripping, standing, stepping. That work happens here in the office, often while scalp acupuncture needles are in, and you go home with exercises to practice between visits. It complements the therapy you do with your rehabilitation team.
Keeping it safe
Exercises are chosen to stay below the point of sharp pain and are progressed gradually. If balance is a concern, home exercises are set up next to a counter or wall. New weakness, numbness that is spreading, or any loss of bladder or bowel control needs urgent medical care first.
Questions people ask
Why do you look at my ankle when my back hurts?
Pain and dysfunction are rarely at the same address. A stiff ankle or an upper back that will not rotate can push extra work onto the low back, so we test the whole pattern before deciding where to treat.
How long are the home exercises?
Short. Usually a few movements that take minutes, chosen from what the assessment found. We check your form at each visit and change them as you progress.
Do I need to be an athlete?
No. The same assessment works for a desk worker with a stiff neck, a surfer with a sore shoulder or someone relearning to walk after a stroke. The exercises are scaled to you.
What should I wear?
Clothes you can squat, bend and reach in. Shorts help for hip, knee and ankle work.
