The joint by joint approach
Summary
The joint by joint approach is a theory presented by Physical Therapist Gray cook that gives us a framework to work from when talking about mobility vs stability and where to focus our attention. Generally speaking, things that tend to be more sloppy and unstable have greater need for stability and motor control to be introduced to the system; and things that tend to be more stiff and stuck have greater need for mobility and flexibility to be introduced to the system.
Joints that should be more mobile:
- Big toes
- Ankles
- Hips
- Thoracic spine
- Shoulders
- Upper cervical spine
- Wrists
Joints that should be more stable:
- Feet
- Knees
- Lumbar spine
- Scapulae (shoulder blades)
- Lower cervical spine
- Elbows
Cause
When you experience a sudden stiffness in your neck, shoulders, lower back, knees or feet, typically there will be a need for mobilization of the joints above and below to help create a better environment for the “stable joint” to live in. This will help to take the pressure off of the joint in question because the above and below joints are not moving as they should and the joints that should be stable are fighting to stay rigid. However, with the lack of movement above and below, the stable joint now becomes unstable causing it to be extremely tight and tender.
Effects
When you experience pain in ankles, hips, upper back, shoulders, neck or wrists, typically there will be a need for greater stability in the areas above and below to help create a stronger, more stable base to move from. This will create a feeling of safety to the brain allowing for more range of motion to be achieved through the perceived safety from that stability.
Treatment
Start to mobilize the mobile joints through banded distractions, floss bands, and stretches. Start to help stabilize the stable joints with corrective exercises, breathing techniques, and other mobilization tools such as pods or tape to help reduce the “threat” that the brain feels and calm down the nervous system to allow for greater stability.
This is going to be a process, so don’t get frustrated! Finding what your body needs is going to be challenging at first and difficult to navigate. Starting with the basic framework of the joint by joint approach, we have been implementing postural alignment exercises to get the appropriate stability that the body is constantly searching for and helping to strengthen your muscles and fascia to make your body more resilient , as well as mobility therapy to show you how to mobilize the appropriate way to improve the overall health and function of your joints. This process will take a few weeks to create long lasting change, but if you stay consistent, you will see amazing results with the postural alignment therapy, mobility therapy as well as your physiotherapy sessions.
Annie from Layton, UT Testimonial
I’ve been able to get my life back thanks to the therapists at Structura. Taylor and Skye were amazing at listening and critically thinking. They were both very professional. I had dealt with 1.5 years of debilitating pain in my lower back and shooting pain down my legs. After physical therapy, multiple steroid shots, and mediations to deal with the pain I heard about Structura. Thanks to these amazing people I can sleep through the night, enjoy activities I love, and play with my kids. I would highly recommend them to anyone needing more than a relaxing massage.
Kaylee from North Ogden, UT Testimonial
I was experiencing a lot of knee pain after having surgery for a torn ACL. Months of physical therapy and a 2nd knee surgery didn’t help the pain and issues I was having. I was ready to just live with the pain but I decided to give Structura’s therapy a try. It has helped my knee tremendously! My knee pain is gone and my range of motion is back! So happy I found this therapy! If you are experiencing pain that your doctors can’t figure out, I would highly recommend Structura’s therapy!
Jessica from Ogden, UT Testimonial
Structura has truly helped me so much! It was a long road to recovery, but I skipped the surgeries and was able to naturally heal over time. I continue to go on a regular basis for maintenance now. This is an amazing way to stay in top performance and learn about mobility and movement.
Lisa from Layton, UT Testimonial
I felt so good after each of the 10 sessions of Structural Integration. Parts of my body that bothered me before the session felt so much better after being worked on. My knees that hurt before, didn’t bother me after being worked on.
Pamela from Utah Testimonial
I was afraid to try Structura because I heard the therapy might be painful. But it was going into months and months with plantar fasciitis and not being able to walk without limping and waddling. That was painful too. Through the therapy sessions, I found that I was twisted and seized up all over. I’m not sure when the fasciitis actually completely healed, but it did 100%. The therapy was a little painful, but nothing like the pain of months of fasciitis and years of waddling. At 58 years old, I can finally move my legs again so I can walk normally and start exercising.
J. Sanchez from Clearfield, UT Testimonial
I was introduced to Structura Body Therapies by a family member. I have suffered from chronic pain for the past 9 years and the source of the pain was finally diagnosed. I started coming to Structura to see how their therapies could help me before, between, and after the two hip surgeries I would need to correct the source of my pain. I cannot express enough how pleased I am with the results of the therapy thus far! I recently had the first surgery and the therapies from Structura Body Therapies have cut my healing time by 4 weeks! I am looking very forward to completing my next surgery and then starting the Structural Integration program with Structura.
Debra Testimonial
The people are friendly, and make you feel at ease. They are very professional, and I saw results fast. I am thankful that there is hope to take away my pain, which I have lived with for so long. I would highly recommend Structura to anyone.
Jeannie from Clearfield, UT Testimonial
I am a 62 year old female. For several years, I have become less flexible and stiff. I was introduced to Structura and finished the 10 weekly sessions of Structural Integration. They are very professional and knowledgeable. I would highly recommend Structura Body Therapies’ therapy.
Nick from Kaysville, UT Testimonial
I was in a car accident and hurt my neck and low back. I came into Structura Body Therapies and they helped me get rid of the pain I was having. I would recommend to anyone that has been in an accident to come in and get some bodywork done from Structura!
Kellie from Hooper, UT Testimonial
I am running again! Less than a year ago, I had a doctor, physical therapist, and a chiropractor all tell me I needed to stop running because of constant back and neck pain, along with ankle and groin injuries. Well, they were wrong! Because of Stuctura Body Therapies, in the last 2 months, I have ran a half marathon, a 5K, and I am continuing to run 3 times a week. The 10-week Structural Integration program, and continued maintenance, have been a true blessing for me. The therapists and staff at Structura are the best, and are professional and caring. So grateful to have found this amazing technique.
Tiffany from West Valley, UT Testimonial
I was having some lower back pain and and they’re deep tissue massage helped me feel better. The therapist was really nice and I felt amazing after the 60-minute session. I would highly recommend anyone with back pain to go to them. -Tiffany
Susan from Neveda Testimonial
I was in a car accident and hurt my neck and low back. I came into Structura Body Therapies and they helped me get rid of the pain I was having. I would recommend to anyone that has been in an accident to come in and get some bodywork done from Structura!
Jon from Ogden Utah Testimonial
Working with Structura Body Therapies has been a life-changing experience. They are not only extremely skilled in their practice, but are very educational. I noticed a big difference after the first visit
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