The science of physical medicine is constantly evolving with new ideas and information that contribute to the advancement of rehabilitation. Physical therapists, who are rehabilitation and movement specialists, can vary in their approach to common injuries and conditions. Many of these different approaches can certainly lead to successful outcomes for the patient. At Spooner Physical Therapy, our clinicians are dedicated to progressing the application of rehabilitative knowledge to another level, and one way we achieve this is through our involvement with the Gray Institute.
The Gray Institute, founded by Gary Gray in Adrian, Michigan, is the foremost authority of Applied Functional Science® (AFS). AFS is a treatment philosophy founded on the principles of physics, behavioral science, and biology, with the goal of learning as much about the complete human being as possible in order to maximize results. Thoughtful consideration of how the mind, body and spirit all collectively work together in driving an individual’s choices and function is a foundational pillar of AFS, and a major part of the treatment philosophy of Spooner Physical Therapy, resulting in a much higher standard of care.
With AFS at the heart of our treatment philosophy, we push ourselves to understand the three-dimensional structure of the human body, assuming no one person moves the same as another, and that each individual patient deserves individual consideration and care.
Through the Gray Institute, physical therapists can obtain a Fellowship of Applied Functional Science® (FAFS). This fellowship is a 40-week, intensive study program directed at preparing its practitioners to understand more deeply how the body works in function, and how this changes with given diagnoses. In doing so, it equips the fellow with multiple strategies to find success with individuals at any point along the age or functional spectrum. It builds on the entry-level anatomical knowledge procured in physical therapy school and fosters the concept of the body being a glorious, intricate domino effect when working optimally. Fellows of Applied Functional Science® are able to explain in detail what motions happen throughout the body with any given function, allowing them to quickly and accurately determine points of “breakdown” in the human system that can lead to (or have already led to) injury. In this way, they are experts in movement analysis and can often times equip their patients with the necessary tools to prevent future injury. For example, a fellow is able to explain what motions should happen at the foot, the knee, the hip, the back, and neck during a golfer’s backswing. If any one of these motions is not happening, they can facilitate the motion with the patient and create the stability to improve overall function and, often times, improve performance.
Jennifer Lee, a Fellow of Applied Functional Science® and Physical Therapist at Spooner Physical Therapy Goodyear, shares “Not all therapy is created equal. Just like every doctor or dentist can provide a completely different experience, the same is true with a physical therapist.” She says some physical therapists treat most of their patients the same, no matter the diagnosis. “Even if you come into our clinic having had the same surgery or injury as someone else, you should and will end up with a different exercise program. The reason why you have acquired the injury and how your body has adapted will inevitably not be the same as the next person. You come with your own background, injuries, fears, and activity levels; that should be respected and tailored to as you progress through your therapy.”
“Furthermore, a clinician that has a familiarity with AFS or has completed the fellowship is able to critically think about the individual in front of them and prescribe successful exercises directed toward feeding healthy motion to the body,” Lee says.
She also points out that AFS teaches the clinician to adapt their strategies as the patient progresses.
“Once they’ve reached their goal, they are able to understand not only that they got better, but WHY they got better, and how to prevent recurrence of injury,” Lee says.
A good physical therapist will understand and be able to communicate to you not only what is causing your pain, dysfunction or imbalance, but why they have created your specific plan and what it is doing to help you. At Spooner Physical Therapy, we believe in an approach that is unique to each patient, and each treatment takes considerable thought. As the patient, you deserve an experience set apart; an experience that leaves you with a greater understanding of your body’s capabilities, what you need to continue doing long-term to maximize your function. And, you deserve to have fun in the process!
Call today to receive a free screen from one of our Fellow of Applied Functional Science therapists today by calling 602-559-9700 and experience Health in Motion for yourself!