Cracking the Case on Dysfunction—One Clue Room at a Time

Anatomy of Movement for Massage Therapists

You know how clients come in clutching their necks like they’ve just survived a brawl with their office chair? Or their hip "just started hurting” but mysteriously avoids all blame? Welcome to the world of functional movement—where we stop playing Guess That Knot and start piecing together the plot twists their fascia’s been hiding.

Health History vs. Movement Analysis: Who’s the Real MVP?

Health history is like reading someone’s dating profile: helpful, full of red flags, but possibly outdated. (“Old ankle injury, occasional migraines, loves long walks...”) Functional movement, on the other hand, is like following their GPS in real time—you’ll know exactly when things veer off course.

While a form might say "low back pain," movement says, "Actually, I’ve been covering for some disengaged glutes for years, and I’m tired."

Massage Therapist’s Most-Watched Movement Fails:

The Low Back Diva: Trying to carry the whole show when the glutes forgot their lines.

Tech Neck Tragedy: The head creeps forward like it’s trying to sneak out of the body undetected.

The Hip Hustler: Anterior pelvic tilt so dramatic, it should come with jazz hands.

Knee Collapse Crisis: Like two teenagers slow-dancing at their first prom—too close, too soon, and no coordination.

Breathing Drama Queen: Chest puffs like it’s auditioning for a lead role. Meanwhile, the diaphragm exits stage left.

Why It Matters for Our Work

Functional movement is the unscripted truth. It tells you what tissues are stepping in where they shouldn’t, which areas are throwing tantrums, and where your hands need to go before your client even says a word.

By assessing how someone bends, reaches, and wobbles, you uncover the underlying dysfunction—not just chase symptoms like you’re playing therapeutic whack-a-mole.

So next time you find yourself elbow-deep in someone’s QLs for the third week in a row, maybe pause and ask: “What role are these guys playing, and who should be on the scene?”

Because in the body’s mystery novel, movement leaves the biggest breadcrumbs.