Question 1

What is Movement Coaching?

Accepted Answer

Movement coaching is similar to personal training and physical therapy, however our focus is on re-educating movement patterns with a strong and stable core. Physical therapy tends to focus on specific body parts, and personal training focuses on strength and endurance without always creating a strong foundation. This path allows us to find the root cause of pain or dysfunction in the body and to modify the way we move throughout the day.

Question 2

What is a Functional Movement Assessment?

Accepted Answer

This is a head to toe assessment of your body responding to specific functional movement patterns. Ie, Squatting, reaching, hip hinging (see below)... Sometimes these things cause pain and there is generally a reason for it that is linked to the way our body has adapted to that movement.

Question 3

How much is a Virtual Movement Assessment?

Accepted Answer

We can chat for 20 minutes free to decide if this would be a good fit for you. If we decide to move forward, then a 75 minute assessment will be scheduled for $120. I will follow up with a summary of the evaluation findings with appropriate movement corrections as well as a plan for reaching your goals. Exercise videos and images are provided with proper instruction of each. Follow up meetings are scheduled as needed for $80 per hour and $45 per half hour.

Question 4

What is a Functional Gait Assessment?

Accepted Answer

I prefer to have the client send me a 30 second video of themselves walking about 20 feet back and forth in front of the camera several times. This allows me time to analyze the content without utilizing the client's paying time. I will review the findings with the client and likely tie some habits found in gait with other movement patterns revealed during their Functional Movement Assessment.

Question 5

Gait Video Specs: How long? How to send? Barefoot or with shoes?

Accepted Answer

Optimal set up for your gait video can be taken from any smart phone either on a tripod on the ground or by a friend, family member, coworker holding the camera as close the floor yet angled up. The goal is to get as much of your full body in the lens at some point. Close to the ground allows me to see up close how your feet react to the ground.

It is beneficial to begin the video standing facing away from the camera, both feet in view. Then begin walking back and forth, and try to turn around as naturally as possible. Use whatever assistive device is necessary at this time.

The client should be walking about 20 feet away from the camera, and then back to the camera. Finish by standing directly in front of the camera with both feet in view. It is necessary for the area to be well lit, natural lighting is always best.

If you are never barefoot, send 2 videos. One of you in shoes, one barefoot.

Video should be no longer than 30 seconds and can be emailed to me katie@ptbodyfix.com

Question 6

Do You Perform Running Gait Analysis?

Accepted Answer

Yes! I love working with runners. All the specs are the same: well lit area, 30 seconds of footage. For runner we also need:

TREADMILL ONLY! Running is too quick no matter the speed, it needs to be from a treadmill. I prefer to see the full body and front, back, lateral views. If you are able: with your usual running shoes (all views), and barefoot (all views).

Get comfortable on the treadmill first so I know you have settled into your normal gait. This should only be completed if you aren't in significant pain. Slight discomfort that is tolerable for a few minutes is okay.

** See specs below for more info

Question 7

Running Gait Analysis Specs: How long, Angles, Views, Shoes?

Accepted Answer

For RUNNING gait assessments: TREADMILL ONLY! Running is too quick no matter the speed, it needs to be from a treadmill. I prefer to see the full body and front, back, lateral views. If you are able: with your usual running shoes (all views), and barefoot (all views).

Get comfortable on the treadmill first so I know you have settled into your normal gait. This should only be completed if you aren't in significant pain. Slight discomfort that is tolerable for a few minutes is okay.

If you are comfortable, please wear the least amount of clothing possible. For men, shirtless with shorts is optimal. For women, sports bra and leggings is optimal.

Question 8

How is a Movement Coach Different from a Personal Trainer?

Accepted Answer

Movement coaching is similar to personal training and physical therapy, however our focus is on re-educating movement patterns with a strong and stable core. Physical therapy tends to focus on specific body parts, and personal training focuses on strength and endurance without always creating a strong foundation. This movement path allows us to find the root cause of pain or dysfunction in the body and to modify the way we move throughout the day.

My background is in physical therapy with a certification as a Movement Specialist. I have a Personal Training certificate which allows me to perform movement based analysis virtually all over the world.

Question 9

How is a Movement Coach Different from Physical Therapy?

Accepted Answer

Movement coaching is similar to personal training and physical therapy, however our focus is on re-educating movement patterns with a strong and stable core. Physical therapy tends to focus on specific body parts, and personal training focuses on strength and endurance without always creating a strong foundation. This movement path allows us to find the root cause of pain or dysfunction in the body and to modify the way we move throughout the day.

My background is in physical therapy with a certification as a Movement Specialist. I have a Personal Training certificate which allows me to perform movement based analysis virtually all over the world.

Question 10

Do You Work with Athletes?

Accepted Answer

If you have a movement dysfunction and you are an athlete, then you will absolutely benefit from movement coaching. A movement specialist doesn't need to know every technical term related to each sport. But a good movement specialist does need to see how you move through your sport's specific movement patterns and assessing your body's ability to move through them efficiently and with optimal range of motion.

Question 11

Can You Help Me Transition to Barefoot Shoes?

Accepted Answer

Absolutely! That might be my favorite thing to do. Making the transition is not always easy and most of us have been in poor footwear choices most of our lives. It will take time to introduce our feet back into the world without adding new injuries. Transitioning usually requires patience and effort and acknowledging what we have done to our feet prior to this transition. If you feel lost and overwhelmed in the process, I can guide you with appropriate strengthening, mobility, and stretching of your feet.

Question 12

What is the difference between Barefoot and Minimal Shoes?

Accepted Answer

Really there is no difference. It is a choice of wording. I prefer "functional footwear" as some of these shoes don't really meet "barefoot" or "minimal" standards.

Barefoot and Minimal = zero drop from heel to toe, wide toe box, flexible sole with the most minimal of cushioning so your feet can react to the ground optimally. Ie, Xero Shoes, Vivobarefoot, FeelGrounds.

Functional Footwear = zero drop, wide toe box, flexible sole but still have cushioning to decrease ground force reaction. These are good as transition shoes or for higher impact sports like running.

Question 13

What's the Best Minimal Shoe?

Accepted Answer

That is a question for your own foot to answer. Every foot is different, every foot has a different shape and a different history. Your foot is different from mine and the next 50 people you talk to. Our feet could have the same size and shape, but my history may be different. You may have a higher arch than me and for different reasons.

There is no "best" shoe out there. All the brands I've talked about and used, are awesome. Some fit my foot better than others, but some of those work better with other clients than for me. Check my shoe list under "Feet".

Question 14

What's the Best Running Shoe?

Accepted Answer

This is an easy one because there are only 2 options, unless you already accustomed to running in a minimal shoe - then I would say read the previous question about the best minimal shoe.

Otherwise, if you are used to running in a standard running shoe: Brooks, Saucony, Asics, Nike, etc., then your next shoe should be either Altra or Topo Athletic. Both check all the boxes as far as functional footwear go. Topo still offers a slight heel to toe drop, so if you have suffered from chronic achilles issues in the past, I would recommend transitioning to Topo.

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