How To Prepare
for Your initial consultation
We advise on the following to best maximise your session.
Ensure you are well hydrated in the days prior to your session. Why?
Not only is exercising while dehydrated never a good idea, but we will be manipulating your fascia and structure which requires you to be hydrated. Our aim is to get more hydration into your tissue and this cannot be done if you are dehydrated.
Limit / remove grains, gluten and processed dairy 3 days prior to your session.
We have found these to be associated with abdominal bloating. Much of the work we do involves engaging your core to connect your upper and lower body correctly during your movement’s.
Even slight abdominal bloating inhibits your ability to engage your core and negatively affects spinal alignment and posture. You can read more about this in an article by Functional Patterns Founder, Naudi Aguilar, by clicking here. He says ‘Not only do grains inflame the gut and lead to a range of issues related to chronic inflammation, but they interfere with deep core tension and the intrinsic stability of the spine.’
You can begin doing Myo-fascial release (MFR) on yourself in the weeks/days prior to your initial session.
Not only will this likely improve our ability to manipulate your structure and fascia during your first few sessions, it will allow you to become more in-tune with possible ‘trouble’ areas on your body. You will also feel more comfortable when one of our specialists perform MFR on you during your initial session
What To Bring/Wear To Your Session
On your first session we will be assessing your body’s structure. This includes both static posture pictures and a gait cycle analysis. In order to get the most accurate assessment we require you to wear clothing that best allows us to analyse your ribs, spine, shoulders and legs. For this portion of the session we advise males to wear a singlet or t-shirt that can be removed for the posture pictures, for females – a sports crop top or bra if you feel comfortable to do so. This can then be replaced once the images have been taken. If you are at any stage uncomfortable with this, please note we also have privacy screens available. Please speak with your practitioner at the time if this is of concern to you.
- Water bottle
- Small towel
- Male - singlet or tshirt and shorts
- Female - singlet or tshirt (crop top or sports bra underneath for posture pictures)
- No sports shoes necessary (your assessment will be barefoot as is all the training in the facility)
what is included in your first functional patterns session
Get an accurate and fundamental chronic pain assessment in Melbourne
Discuss a training plan suited to your individual needs and goals
From your first session you will begin to implement corrective exercises and movements designed to address your dysfunctions and pain
Learn at-home techniques to such as myofascial release to reduce pain