There are so many different frameworks and associations that have been formed to provide the highest level of care to patients. Functional Movement Screen (FMS), Dynamic Neuromuscular Stabilization (DNS), Functional Range Systems (FRS) and so many more. Lately in our clinic, Ronnie, our Performance Coach and LMT, has been diving into the world of Postural Restoration Institute (PRI).
““Postural Restoration Institute® (PRI) was established in 2000 to explore and explain the science of postural adaptations, asymmetrical patterns and the influence of polyarticular chains of muscles.””
Did you know our bodies are naturally asymmetrical? The neurological, respiratory, circulatory, muscular and visual systems are not the same on your left and right side of your body. They have different responsibilities, function, position and demands on them.
Ask yourself these questions and have a friend double check for you.
-Does your right shoulder sit lower than your left?
-When you lay down, do your ribs stick out and does your left protrude further than your right?
- When you stand, do you find yourself more stacked over your right hip and leg especially when you “relax” while waiting in line?
If you answered yes to any of those, there is a good chance you have oriented yourself into a pattern!
This is not inherently bad, so no fear mongering here. It is a sign that you could benefit from a session with a PRI provider as they are trained to account for the natural asymmetries of the body and help re-establish neutrality.
This system asymmetry is a good thing and an amazing design. The human body is balanced through the integration of system imbalances. The torso, for example, is balanced with a liver on the right and a heart on the left. Extremity dominance is balanced through reciprocal function; i.e. left arm moves with right leg and vice versa.
When these normal imbalances are not regulated by reciprocal function during walking, breathing or turning, a strong pattern can emerge creating structural weaknesses, instabilities, and musculo-skeletal pain syndromes.
Curious if PRI would benefit you? PRI is for anyone ranging from professional athlete to chronic pain patients. If you’ve noticed any of the above listed patterns, want to squeeze every ounce of performance out of yourself, or have what feels like an unsolvable case of pain and movement issues you are an excellent candidate for PRI techniques! If you want to experience PRI assessment and applications for yourself, contact our office and we’ll take care of the rest!