Foundations of Treatment
The 90-minute initial assessment is the most important part of the process of working with me. Integrative Movement Therapy relies heavily on as complete a picture of your health and complaints as is possible as I believe that assessment is an absolute and non-negotiable foundation of treatment. This means that we start with an intake form and an extensive interview. The intake form IS LONG and asks a lot of questions. The more details your provide, the more clues I have to help build a picture and connect the dots. Somethings that you might think are irrelevant – such as difficultly swallowing when your complaint is low back pain – are not irrelevant at all.
What else is involved in an Initial Assessment?
In addition to the full history and interview where we discuss your complaints, the initial assessment relies heavily on several other assessment types. I will watch you walk to assess your gait (Gait). I will check breathing mechanics either in standing, laying down, or both.
I also do a thorough standing posture examination, and check reflexive stability in standing. Functional movement assessments, such as watching my clients perform a toe touch or a full body rotation are important before testing strength and range of motion in specific areas. Special Orthopedic Tests like an eye movement examination or a test for ligament instabiliy might be performed at this point to hone in on problem areas and clarify a clinical impression.
Finally, and importantly, I use NeuroKinetic Therapy to verify my theories about how motor control is being affected and then formulate a plan for therapeutic interventions. Any therapeutic interventions we try are reassessed for efficacy before the session is over, so my clients know that what we are doing is going to have a positive effect.
Creating a Treatment Plan
While my efforts as your therapist are to address your most pressing complaints as directly as possible, my assessment examines the whole picture and not just parts. This means that sometimes assessments will turn up higher level problems than the one your are coming in for (The Eyes Have it). Clients always have a choice about what to work on and how be formulate a treatment plan, but I usually advice clients to work on higher level dysfunctions first – unless acute pain is impairing their ability to function.
How can you prepare for your initial assessment?
Make sure your intake form is complete at least one full day before your session, so I have a chance to review it. If you are unsure about your infant and early childhood history, take time to ask parents or other relative that might have information about accidents, illnesses and traumas from that period.
Wear comfortable athletic clothes that do not tightly restrain your abdomen, or can be easily adjusted for breathing analysis. Assessments and treatments are typically done clothed, but shorts and tank tops can be helpful as sometimes the skin needs to be assessed visually or directly through palpation. Refrain from eating a heavy meal right before the session.
All props and equipment needed during the assessment are provided. However, if you have a phone with video capabilities please bring it as many of my students like to record exercises for future reference.
