The human body is a machine with a brilliant and complex design. If you use the machine in the way it was designed to be used it will provide years of efficient, injury free function. Like any machine, if you use it in ways that it was not designed to be used, it will break down.

Unlike a machine made of nuts, bolts or circuits, the human machine has the ability to compensate, substitute and adapt. So, you can have parts that are not working normally and you can still function because other parts of the system can help out. Eventually, you reach a point where you exhaust your adaptive potential and injury results.

The functional exam is a way to assess the function of your machine and compare it to "normal". Tissues of the body have force specifications, meaning they all have individual tolerance to stress placed upon them. If your machine is not working properly, tissue will eventually break down. The functional exam shows you the areas where you are out of balance and advises ways to bring you into balance, so that you can avoid injury.

You need to be physically fit, but equally important you need to be functionally fit. If you are functionally fit you can exercise, participate in sports, and compete safely. If you are not functionally fit these activities can lead to injury.

To learn more or schedule an exam contact Richard Jackson, PT, OCS at 888.889.6363.