1st March 2016
TPM Pro: Clinical Insights from ‘The Movement Health’ Arena
An interview with TPM Pro Clinic ‘Arena Fysio’, Helsingborg, Sweden
How does Arena Fysio use the movement analysis tool ‘The Performance Matrix’ (TPM)?
We use TPM in a variety of ways; with clients whose rehab requires good movement
patterns before return to sport, and with clients with recurring injury problems. We also use it with a lot with adolescent athletes, who are reaching an age where their training dose is increasing; their ability to cope with this increased amount of volume and intensity improves if their movement control is good. TPM does this. We see lots of different athletes, including those involved in football, handball, running and table tennis. The system is easy to use on all sports, as it examines movement control; we feel good movement control is the base for all training.
What do you consider to be ‘good movement control’?
First of all, we aim to get a low score during TPM testing. When we work with clients, we are looking to bring their score down to under 10/50. With the ones who really commit, we regularly see that they come down to under 5/50. When you have high scores, the general movement control is not good; not really acceptable if you are training 7-10 or more hours a week. In order to tolerate high volumes of training and not to have niggles and symptoms, we feel a score of about 10-12 max is required. Individuals with scores above this will typically have a rehab component to their training; this means they will constantly be using the physio roll to treat tension points/trigger points or managing other problems such as pain, or be struggling to complete events/training sessions due to tissue strain. Also, in terms of good movement control, individuals would have good proprioception; helping their low threshold movement control. In my experience, clients with excellent coordination and alignment have an incredible ability to learn motor tasks faster. Some people have more of ‘a feeling for movement’ and we see this time and time again reflected in excellent low threshold control components of the test results
Is low threshold more important than high threshold training?
No, both components are essential. However, over the years I have certainly seen that strong athletes, with compromised low threshold control, have more of a problem with trigger points, overuse problems and general recovery from high intensity training. This links really well to the education we received in the TPM Pro education process, which explores the impact of global mobiliser dominant patterns and altered movement quality on such markers.
Why does TPM Pro work in your clinic?
The tool is excellent, yet very simple. It provides the user with 3 essential aspects. First, a testing system with videos and test description, which means the user does not have to work from memory; it’s all set ready to go. The report is visual and descriptive, which allows the user to design a specific retraining package, yet, at the same time, provides a visual description to the client about their movement control in terms of high risk areas and green zones. The best part, however, is the scoring system; even those clients who get lost in the technical issues of low threshold and high threshold explanations still want to know their score. It’s extremely motivating to see that the retraining strategy has worked and this is reflected not only in the report, even in the score.
Is TPM easy to use?
We love the system. The videos ease the demonstration component of testing, the test titles are detailed because they give a brief summary of the test components and the benchmark description provides the tester with an overall reminder of the key components within the test. It means we can hop from one matrix to another without having to learn all the tests. The system does the work for you.
What do the clients think?
Our clients think that,” Arena Fysio” staff are really great; this system allows us to look good. To a client with recurring symptoms, the inability to meet their goals, the constant reminder of some niggle or strain that holds them back, a screen with the report provide the explanation they need to find the motivation to get started. We continually hear from the client that they have finally found a health professional who understands why they have this problem. In terms of understanding the problem and planning specific retraining this is a huge plus.
Why do you choose to work with TPM?
To be honest I wouldn’t work without it. It brings a structure to how I design retraining. The test score and high risk report description is the objective measurement behind my retraining plans. When a client is better they forget how bad they were to start off with. I have seen clients go through retraining and retest with a 7/ 50. All of a sudden everything seems easy, they forget that they were a 37/50 and what the implications of that were.
For clients looking to understand the process – what are the most important aspects?
Three key things.
· Goal setting – spending some time and defining what are the client problems but more importantly what are their goals. What is holding them back and how can we structure the training to fix the problem and reach the goals.
· Timescales – different areas clearly require different timescales. Strength work takes more time to build physiologically than coordination drills. Understanding how to design the retraining related to what the report states, helps the client to understand the timescales required to reach their goals
· Specificity – the problem with some training programs is volume. Be more specific. Using the report enables the user to see exactly what the problem is. Time effective training. Keeping it simple –being specific to what the problems are is really important. Don’t over complicate, progress accordingly step by step.
What does TPM Active mean to you, the clinic and your clients?
TPM Active allows us as movement trainers the opportunity to give our clients back a quality to their lives. The concept is simple, we explain to our clients about the system. We deliver a test system with specific retraining that enhances their freedom of movement in order to train for a specific goal or in some cases allow them to move for the first time without pain.
For the clinic – TPM active allows us to provide a service that’s is proactive and positive. Helping people stay well and involved in active lifestyles.
For the client – it gives them the tools to take care of themselves. The retest gives them en opportunity to see where they are now in comparison to their best or worst form.
Visit the Arena Fysio website here
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