Pain is a complex and multi-faceted experience that affects millions of people worldwide. A wide range of factors, including injury, disease, and degenerative changes can cause it. One of the most important factors that contribute to pain is movement, or more specifically, how we move our joints and muscles.
As healthcare professionals, it is essential that we assess how a person moves and identify any dysfunctions that may be contributing to their pain. This is where a movement assessment comes in, providing us with valuable information that helps us to better understand the underlying causes of a person’s pain.
A movement assessment evaluates how a person moves, including how they perform activities of daily living (ADLs), how they complete more complex movements and exercises like the squat and deadlift, and how they respond to stress or load. During a movement assessment, we will observe a person’s posture, joint motion, muscle strength, and coordination. We may also ask the person to perform specific tasks or movements to help identify any areas of pain or weakness.
Assessing joint function is a critical part of a movement assessment. Joints are the point where two or more bones meet, and they allow for movement and support. When a joint is not functioning properly, it can lead to pain, decreased mobility, and even further injury.
We use a variety of tests and assessments to evaluate joint function, including range-of-motion (ROM) tests like ankle dorsiflexion, kneeling and prone knee flexion, the toe touch test, hip flexion, stability tests, and other manual tests. During a ROM test, we assess how far a person can move their joint in different directions, while stability tests evaluate how well a joint can support weight and resist movement. Manual tests, on the other hand, involve the healthcare professional physically manipulating the joint to assess its function.
In addition to assessing joint function, it is also important to assess muscle function. Muscles are responsible for moving the joints, and when they are not functioning properly, it can lead to pain, decreased mobility, and even further injury. We evaluate muscle strength, flexibility, and coordination during a movement assessment to identify any areas of weakness or dysfunction.
One of the key benefits of a movement assessment is that it provides a comprehensive understanding of a person’s pain. By assessing joint and muscle function, we can identify the underlying causes of a person’s pain and develop an effective treatment plan. This can include exercises and activities to improve joint and muscle function and strength, improve joint mobility, and education on proper posture and body mechanics.
In conclusion, a movement assessment is an essential tool in pain management. By assessing joint and muscle function, we can gain a better understanding of the underlying causes of a person’s pain and develop effective treatment plans that address the root cause of their symptoms. At One Life we specialize in assessing movement and strength, so if you’re experiencing pain, let’s chat.๐ช Click Here to set up a free no sweat intro consultation.