Functional Strength: The How and Why Behind Your Exercises

At the completion of this seminar, the participant will be able to:

• Given a case study, assess functional weakness in a patient using the four pathological barriers to ideal/optimal movement
• Perform an assessment of a dysfunctional movement pattern and specifically identify 2 primary and 1-2 secondary compensatory movements occurring due to weakness and/or pain
• ​Accurately justify the use of functional strength testing versus manual muscle testing when assessing a patient
• Properly exhibit and/or correctly perform 4 exercises using a functional approach to muscle activity
• Correctly state the rationale for an in-depth functional strength assessment of upper extremity, lower extremity and trunk
• Properly execute an in-depth functional strength assessment of upper extremity, lower extremity and trunk
• Correctly apply force couples, synergies, and muscle slings to the body to address function-specific strength deficits
• Develop and implement a comprehensive functional exercise program, progressing from basic to advanced levels for patients

At the completion of this seminar, the participant will be able to:

• Given a case study, assess functional weakness in a patient using the four pathological barriers to ideal/optimal movement
• Perform an assessment of a dysfunctional movement pattern and specifically identify 2 primary and 1-2 secondary compensatory movements occurring due to weakness and/or pain
• ​Accurately justify the use of functional strength testing versus manual muscle testing when assessing a patient
• Properly exhibit and/or correctly perform 4 exercises using a functional approach to muscle activity
• Correctly state the rationale for an in-depth functional strength assessment of upper extremity, lower extremity and trunk
• Properly execute an in-depth functional strength assessment of upper extremity, lower extremity and trunk
• Correctly apply force couples, synergies, and muscle slings to the body to address function-specific strength deficits
• Develop and implement a comprehensive functional exercise program, progressing from basic to advanced levels for patients

Approved for 16.5 hours for Physical Therapists and Physical Therapist Assistants: AL, AK, AZ, AR, CA, CO, CT, DE, DC, FL, GA, HI, ID, IL, IN, IA, KS, KY, MD, MA, MI, MN (16 hours in MN), MO, MT, NE, NV (15 hours in NV), NH, NJ, NY, NC, ND, OH, OK, OR, PA, RI, SC, SD, TN, UT, VT, VA, WA, WI, WY

Approved for 16.5 hours for Occupational Therapists: AL, AZ, AR, CA, CO, CT, GA, ID, IN, IA, KS, MA, MN, MO, NE, NV, NH, ND, OR, SC, SD, TX, UT, VA, WA, WV, WI, WY

Approved for 16.5 Category A hours by the BOC for Athletic Trainers.

If you do not see your state or discipline listed above, please contact us at info@glseminars.com for more information.

Click here for the state approval list for all in-person courses.

What will I learn in this course?
You will learn to assess and address functional weakness using a fresh approach to movement and strengthening. The course covers functional/dysfunctional movement patterns, force couples, muscle slings, and how to customize strengthening programs to achieve patient-specific goals.

Who should take this course?
This course is ideal for clinicians who want to enhance their understanding of functional movement assessment and develop individualized, effective strengthening programs for patients of all populations.

What will I be able to do after the course?
You will be able to assess functional weakness, identify compensatory movements, justify functional strength testing, perform functional exercises for the upper and lower extremities and trunk, apply force couples and muscle slings, and create comprehensive functional strengthening programs.

Are there any prerequisites?
There are no prerequisites, though a solid understanding of anatomy and basic manual therapy techniques will help you get the most out of the course.

What course materials are provided?
You will receive a full printed course manual and a post-course follow-up video from the instructor.

What should I wear to the course?
Wear comfortable athletic clothing that allows full movement. Please bring or wear shorts and a tank top or t-shirt so instructors can observe movement patterns clearly.

How hands-on is this course?
Most of the course is hands-on lab, giving participants the opportunity to practice exercises, perform assessments, and apply concepts immediately to patient care.

Is this course part of a certification program?
Yes, this course is one of the five prerequisite courses for the new Exercise Certification: Certified Therapeutic Exercise Specialist.