Anatomy in Motion
Gait & Movement Analysis to understand why your body is in pain.
Gait & Movement Analysis
In 2019 I undertook training with Anatomy in Motion founder Gary Ward and since the pandemic I have been fortunate to continue learning via weekly workshops and on my wonderful clients.
Anatomy in Motion (AiM) is a powerful methodology which uses gait analysis and movement assessment to understand why the body is in pain. Gary created the Flow Motion model which is a 3-D map of how all the joints in the body should move together during the gait cycle. This map helps understand the limitations of a person's mechanics and enables movement patterns to be restored. It is a whole body approach that is invaluable in understanding and resolving ongoing issues.
We often adjust to pain by changing the way we move and eventually these compensatory habits becomes the new normal; our body can maintain this perceived normal for years which not only perpetuates the original problem but can also cause new ones. If a movement asymmetry shows up in your gait, it almost definitely shows up in all your activities.
For most people it's the same spots that frequently cause all the trouble; maybe you felt better following treatment only for the pain to come back a few days later. This is because the site of pain is rarely where the problem originates from and if we continue to concentrate treatment on just that spot, we not only waste time and money but rarely see any long-term results.
If you suffer from issues that haven't been resolved with conventional treatment, AiM could be for you.
How can AiM help me?
Watching how you walk and move can be the key to unlocking the cause of your symptoms, particularly in cases of re-occurring injury or longstanding pain. Using a combination of assessment techniques I can quickly identify weak links, faulty movement patterns and compensations in your body that may be driving your symptoms.
Often these can be far away from your site of pain. So your sore knee may be rooted in your neck.
What to expect?
The Full AiM Initial Assessment package includes 2 appointments spread apart: The first appointment lasts 30 minutes focusing on a static assessment of your resting posture and taking a detailed injury history. I will take a video of you walking to assess your gait. The second appointmet lasts 60 minutes and involves me guiding you through a full one hour movement assessment with home movement exercises provided.
For your appointment, the more I can see the better. If you are comfortable, shorts are ideal and men can be shirtless. For women, crop tops and shorts are ideal.
If you are uncomfortable, fitted clothing and leggings can work just as well.
I will be hands on in my static and movement assessment.
I liken the movement assessment to an eye test. We are comparing both sides of the body. This gives you information on where you move well and where your body avoids movement and this all shows up in your gait.
"Debs is a fantastic teacher who has helped me manage my pain from Scoliosis. When I first started with Debs, I suffered with constant back pain and the impact of that was affecting my daily life. The simplest of tasks such as hoovering my house caused me great pain. But after having AiM sessions with Debs this has been greatly reduced and has allowed me to get my life back! She has helped me understand my pain, what causes it and how to manage it. I can't thank Debs enough. Her sessions have been life changing for me. I would recommend anyone who suffers with back pain to take up AiM sessions with Debs."
How does it work?
Through a standing movement assessment where I will show you and then ask you to perform a series of movements I will be able to assess where you can move and where you avoid movement.
I will video you walking as part of the assessment and may use some foot wedges to facilitate better function in your feet.
From there I will set homework. You and only you, followed by my guidance, can help your body move better.
What AiM isn't
AiM isn't a quick-fix solution.
Many people want quick relief from pain that may have taken years to develop. AiM may offer immediate results in some circumstances. On very rare occasions, clients experience enough improvement after the initial session, that follow-ups are not necessary. This is the exception, not the rule. In other circumstances it may take some time to unravel the challenges and several sessions may be needed to get the desired result.
There is tremendous power in expectation and your expectations govern and predict the outcome of your treatment.
Everyone is different so I can't predict how long it will take you to unwind patterns, habits and lifestyle choices to allow you to reach your movement goals. Factors include age, baseline strength, mindset, commitment, activity levels, and previous surgeries.
Ready to Understand Your Movement?
Book an assessment to discover how your body moves and what may be causing your pain.