What makes a movement functional? 

By definition, a functional movement is movement used in real-world situations. They are any movements you perform in to help you accomplish everyday tasks. Functional movements vary from person to person, based on your age and the activities you pursue; common functional movements include things like sitting down, standing up, walking, tying shoes, and bending down to pick something up off the floor.

When talking to clients, functional movement might be. Picking up grandkids, carrying groceries and playing golf.

Why is functional movement significant? 

Functional movement is essential because if your body had difficulty doing a task, it either compensates with a dysfunctional movement that can create more pain and dysfunction or worse, doesn’t perform the task at all.

How can massage therapy help improve functional movement? 

Improved blood flow and flexibility can give the body the freedom to move more functionally on it’s own.  Many dysfunctional movements are caused by tissue restriction and massage therapy can help.

One of the best ways to improve functional movement is with stretch therapy.  There are many modalities that incorporate stretch like Thai Massage, Active Isolated Stretching, and British Sports Therapy, to name a few.

Restoring functional movement in your clients can reduce pain and improve quality of life.