Chris Carlson
Chris Carlson
FP Certified Human Biomechanics Specialist 1
Biography
I grew up in the suburbs of Chicago playing every sport possible. In my teens I was chronically under muscled which led to a lack of confi dence in my performance and eventually to me quitting. At 18, I decided to do something about it and started weightlifting. Things were going well until my early twenties, when I started experiencing shoulder injuries and issues with my back that hindered my ability to be active and eventually took their toll on my joy in life.
In 2018, I began working at a chiropractic and physical therapy clinic, having become familiar with the practice from my efforts to heal the pain from my injuries. Over time, however, I started to suspect that these methodologies were more of a “band-aid” approach that didn’t really offer long-term solutions for me or other patients. My suspicion was confirmed when I found an Instagram post showing an x-ray of someone with scoliosis that was massively improved by following Functional Patterns protocol. Our clients were definitely not getting those kinds of results…
So I dove deep into the world of FP– I bought their intro 10 week online course and read everything I could about their lifestyle suggestions. After a few weeks, my pain was decreasing more quickly and thoroughly than it ever had with physical therapy.
I haven’t looked back since.
I became a Human Foundations Practitioner in 2020 and got my Human Biomechanics Specialist certification in 2023. I am now living my dream of helping people get out of pain and have the ability to pursue their goals.
When I first came to Functional Patterns, I was active and generally healthy. However, despite being physically fit, my body’s motion wasn’t aligned or efficient. After recovering from a hip replacement, I developed an awkward gait and poor posture. Just before starting with Functional Patterns, I injured my knee during a kickball game, which left me with a persistent click in my right knee. My primary challenges included significant weakness in my right glute and leg, constant aches and pains in my neck and shoulders, and almost daily strain, fatigue, and discomfort in my sacrum. If I turned, jumped, or reached the wrong way, I’d experience a pulling or catching sensation in my lower back that could linger for days.
Before discovering Functional Patterns, I tried numerous methods to alleviate my pain, including rolling, massage, chiropractic care, yoga, stretching, and ice baths. I was motivated to start Functional Patterns based on a trusted recommendation and sheer exhaustion from trying so many other approaches. For 5 to 6 years, I had been working to strengthen my body and alleviate the pain from joint replacement and sports-related injuries. While I found some relief, I always seemed to return to tightness, aches, or injury.
From the first session, I felt comfortable and safe. Seeing my physical state in pictures and videos helped me understand how my body was compensating to protect vulnerable areas. Initially, I had some doubts because I had always been taught that being active required extensive stretching and warm-ups. However, the immediate results quickly shifted my perspective.
A milestone in my training that convinced me I was on the right path was realizing how much stronger my glutes were becoming. I no longer experienced severe soreness and fatigue after high-intensity activity. My body was ready to go without the lengthy warm-ups I used to require. I stopped waking up with a stiff neck and no longer needed to stretch before starting my day. Functional Patterns has completely transformed my physical state. It’s hard work and requires a commitment to a holistic approach to health, not just a workout.
I’ve always believed that health and wellness are full-time jobs, but I didn’t realize how much my daily posture and natural movements were affecting my long-term comfort. Since starting Functional Patterns and learning new techniques to maintain a neutral stance, keep my body balanced, and properly tensioned, my entire life has changed. I have two small children, and what used to leave me feeling crippled after playing with them now feels effortless. I can be active all day, roll around, hop, and sleep in different positions without waking up with aches and pains.
Now, I can play 3 to 4 hours of pickleball at a time with quick recovery, no injuries, and no discomfort during the game. My stamina has increased, my strength has grown, and my overall trust in my joints has improved. My whole body feels re-hydrated, revived, and stronger than ever.
When I was 13 years old, I had a snow skiing injury that left me with two fused vertebrae and a bone graft. For years and years, I medicated with Advil and sought PT, other therapies, and surgeries to try and fix the pain. Thirty years after that traumatic injury, I found Functional Patterns. After starting with my trainer, I was pain-free in six months. At eight months, I had the most enjoyable ski trip of my life! My body is pain-free, and to someone without chronic pain, this may sound simple. But if you’ve experienced the way pain interferes with your physical and mental health, you know that this feels like nothing short of a miracle.