Frequently asked questions
What is Functional Patterns Training?
1. Release restrictions in the muscles through myofascial release
Your body stores tension in a network of tissues that wrap around and support your organs and muscles. We use a self-massage technique called myofascial release to smooth and rehydrate points of stiffness that are keeping you in restrictive positions and movement patterns.
2. Strengthen musculature to hold joints in their most optimal alignment as you move
FP exercises train your body to efficiently perform the core functions of the human body – standing, walking, running, and throwing.
This is achieved through training 2 crucial functions:
Elastic recoil: The ability of your muscles to “spring” back after applying a stretching force and
Contralateral reciprocation: When opposite sides of your body are moving in opposite directions in a coordinated way.
These functions teach your muscles to move as the agile and integrated system they have evolved to be. And this is what most other modalities are missing:
Chiropractic may realign the joints, and massage relieves muscle tension, but in both modalities, nothing is done to rebuild the musculature in a way that keeps the results from reverting.
On the other hand, yoga, crossfit, weightlifting and physical therapy provide some isolated strength increases, but they typically don’t train elastic recoil and contralateral reciprocation across the body. Thus, your body doesn’t know how to hold the joint alignments and muscle engagements it needs to move pain-free.
In FP training, we start with the foundational exercises that teach you to engage your main muscle groups correctly. Once these engagements are established, we then build into movements that use these two functions in more dynamic and powerful ways.
3. Reduce sources of inflammation through intentional lifestyle changes
Learn how to support your body’s healing through shifting your diet and daily practices to accelerate the results of your training.
How is myofascial release different from stretching?
While stretching lengthens tissues, the stickiness or adhesions in the fascia can only be released via sustained pressure techniques, such as those we will teach you in this course!
I already get massages, why learn myofascial release?
Massages are great, but our aim is to teach you techniques you can do at home to keep your body healthy on your own. Fascia is constantly changing and reorganizing itself, so with MFR in your toolbelt, you’re able to give your body what it’s needing on a day to day basis.
I'm completely new to my health & wellness journey, can myofascial release help me?
Yes! MFR is a great place to start to know your body from the inside out. Anyone and everyone can learn the techniques we’ll cover in this class to get to know their body better and start seeing improvements in their pain and energy levels.
Are there any contraindications for myofascial release?
MFR should be very strategic in instances of extremer hypermobility or Ehlers-danlos syndrome. In these cases I would suggest attending our Posture for Pain Relief Class as an alternative.
How is Functional Patterns different from physical therapy?
Traditional physical therapy methods take an isolated approach to training the body, oftentimes utilizing generic, cookie-cutter exercises and single-joint movements. The method we employ (Functional Patterns) is an integrated approach that always considers the body as a system. As a result of this integrated approach, the structural changes we make on the body tend to last.
I'm completely new to my health & wellness journey, how will posture Training benefit me?
Balanced standing posture is the foundation of good health. Achieving symmetry in your posture (and movement) will prevent pain, increase movement efficiency, and prepare your body to lift objects or safely take on the impacts of life.