FIT Coordinator, Brian Schulte from Spooner Scottsdale has integrated his movement education and love for golf to provide a program to enhance a golfer’s skill and movement ability. The FIT (short for “Functional Integrated Training”) program bridges the gap from physical therapy to greater movement goals.
Although infrequent, limitations in insurance coverage cause some patients to discontinue their physical therapy plan, the FIT program can be utilized as an alternative option to continue progress without leaving the Spooner Physical Therapy clinic. Brian noted one patient in particular who entered the FIT program needing a walker to move, and now can perform full jogging movements without assistance.
FIT training is similar to exercises found in physical therapy but adjusted to greater movement demands. Typically, Brian starts his clients with exercises they are familiar with, then progresses to more challenging tasks.
As a former golf professional, Brian integrates his skills as a movement professional in order to have a better understanding of how the body functions in the golf swing, and ultimately creating an ideal swing.
“A lot of traditional golf professionals don’t understand the body and how it moves. Concurrently, physical therapists aren’t always specialized in the mechanics of the golf swing,” Brian explains. “If you’re a golfer, your exercises and treatment strategy should look and feel like golf.”
After a whole-body movement screen, Brian uses a high-speed camera to watch his client’s golf swing and study their body movement. Combining the outcomes of the movement screen with the swing itself, Brian prescribes exercises using the strengths the golfer already has to target the areas of improvement.
Another option for individuals to keep their “health in motion” is for clients to join Spooner’s Wellness Program. For $25 a month, anyone can use the facility to work out like a traditional fitness facility. This is especially popular for past patients, as this provides them a comfortable and familiar environment to exercise.
“FIT not only helps with golfer’s performance to hit the ball, but it helps with their overall attitude towards the game. If they are feeling better about their golf swing and producing better scores, they are going to want to play more. Getting people playing more golf is the goal here,” Brian states.
Lower back pain, balance issues, or dizziness while bending to pick up the ball are all common issues golfers may receive treatment for in both physical therapy and FIT. Acknowledging potential issues and receiving treatment as soon as it arises is the best route for golfers to stay on the links. So, whether you’re picking up your ball out of the hole for birdie, or picking up your grandchild off the floor, the FIT program at Spooner Scottsdale has something for you.
Ready to get your Health in Motion? Contact Brian at b.schulte@spoonerpt.com or by calling 480-551-4960.