5 Reasons Why You Should Be Using Repeated Motions

If you assess, treat, and educate patients, you should be using repeated motions. If you want the short of it, you can just stop reading there.

Here are 5 Reasons Why You Should Be Using Repeated Motions

1) Repeated Motions Are Reliable

the least any of your assessments should have is reliability
research shows that a repeated motions exam is a reliable means of classification
classification also tends to enhance clinical decision making and improve outcome
validity, is another question, but depends on the model and framework/mechanisms of explanation you are using behind repeated motions

2) Not Based On Pathoanatomy

at their purest form, repeated motions are a form of Graded Exposure
the more you dose and repeat a motion into a direction that was threatened, the less threatening that motion becomes
upon restoration of end range, other planes of motion in the same area seem to be restored, just like doing any other reset/input to the area
this is assuming you are not using convenient, but inaccurate mechanisms of explanation like the jelly donut theory

3) Replication Of Manipulation/Mobilization Effects

if the effects of all manual therapies are transient, how do you expect the patient to remain better?
they can’t exactly perform most mobilizations/manipulations on themselves
however, using repeated motions someplace in your treatment, along with the explanation that the effects are the same as your passive manual therapies is empowering
this enables them to continue to dose, and keep the brain as safe as it does in your clinic

4) Built In Special Tests

if you follow a pure repeated motions exam, and check most planes of movement, you’re bound to find repeated directions that increase and decrease the patients motion and Sx
why do tapping, palpation, or positions/movement of provocation separately? – they only tell you what not to do and potentially further sensitize the nervous system
the repeated motions exam is a natural step after checking motion actively and passively so you can skip many of the so called special tests that typically just take up valuable patient interaction time

5) Patient Empowerment

nothing empowers the patient like the ability to both self assess and self treat
the patient can easily check for pain/perceptions of tightness during a self movement screen
then they can re-test after performing a simple repeated motion self treatment which can change anything from
- pain location/intensity
- function
- mobility

The way to reach Rapid Responders and keep the improvements going between visits is with appropriate education and dosage of HEP (home exercise prescription). Doing stabilization, corrective exercises and other effective strategies is just not as practical as doing repeated motions. A patient does not often need equipment, bands, or anything to complete a repeated motion based HEP.

On my facebook page I recently shared two articles that showed:

How do you apply these to clinical practice? Make their HEP as simple as possible!

Erson Religioso

Dr. Erson Religioso III, DPT, MS, MTC, CertMDT, CFC, CSCS, FMS, FMT, FAAOMPT, graduated from D’Youville College in 1998 with a dual Bachelor’s of Science and Master’s of Science in Physical Therapy. His interests in Orthopaedics and Manual Therapy lead him to pursue a Doctor of Physical Therapy degree from the University of St. Augustine. Studying under Stanley Paris, Ph.D, PT, internationally known for his manual skills and knowledge of the spine as well as his distinguished faculty, Dr. Religioso earned his DPT and Manual Therapy Certification in 2000. He later became credentialed in Mechanical Diagnosis and Treatment of the Spine in 2000. Erson also operates several websites dedicated to Manual Therapy, www.themanualtherapist.com, www.modernmanualtherapy.com as well as www.edgemobilitysystem.com