Understanding Relative Motion: The Key to Pain-Free Movement
What is Relative Motion, and Why Does It Matter?
Most people don’t realize how interconnected their body’s movement is—until they experience pain or stiffness. Every movement we make involves multiple joints and muscles working together. This concept, known as relative motion, is crucial for maintaining mobility, reducing compensation patterns, and preventing pain.
At Function Thru Fitness in Green Bay, WI, we specialize in optimizing movement patterns to help our clients stay active and pain-free. Whether you’re an athlete looking to improve performance or someone experiencing chronic discomfort, understanding how your body moves as a system can make a significant difference.
How Does Relative Motion Work?
Try this simple test at home:
1. Stand with your feet hip-width apart.
2. Shift your weight to the outside of your feet.
3. Bring it back to center, then shift to the inside.
In this short movement, you’ve engaged your ankles, knees, and pelvis—proving that movement doesn’t happen in isolation. If one part of your body isn’t moving correctly, another part compensates, which can lead to pain and imbalance over time.
Compensation: The Root Cause of Pain
Pain doesn’t just appear out of nowhere—it’s often the result of years of movement compensations.
✔ If your shoulders lack mobility, your body shifts the load elsewhere.
✔ If your hips are tight, your lower back picks up the slack.
✔ If your ankles are stiff, your knees work overtime.
Your body will always find a way to move, but if it’s moving inefficiently, it will wear down over time—leading to chronic pain, stiffness, and even injury.
At Function Thru Fitness, we help people identify and correct these compensation patterns to restore optimal function and movement.
How to Train for Better Relative Motion
One of the most effective ways to prevent pain is by training your body to move in harmony. Instead of isolating muscles, focus on integrated movements that challenge your body’s stability and coordination.
✅ Romanian Deadlift (RDL) Foot Placement Trick
Foot placement plays a key role in how well your hips and pelvis can move through relative motion. Try this small adjustment for better hip mobility and stability:
✔ Place one foot flat on a box
✔ Keep the opposite foot slightly forward
✔ Hold weight in the opposite hand
✔ Hinge at the waist and move through relative motion
This helps each side of your body work in coordination by moving in opposite but complementary ways, preventing muscle imbalances and improving mobility.
✅ Shoulder-Friendly Press Alternative
Many people push through shoulder pain in the gym, unknowingly reinforcing harmful compensation patterns. Instead of forcing a bench press, try this banded single-arm press:
✔ Stand in a staggered stance
✔ Reach one arm forward while maintaining height
✔ Press forward without overextending
This movement engages your core, shoulders, and stabilizers, ensuring proper alignment and strength without excessive wear and tear.
Why This Matters for Your Long-Term Health
If you only train with compressive movements (such as heavy lifting without stability work), you may lose mobility over time. Your body will eventually reach a point where it can’t compensate anymore—leading to pain, dysfunction, and injury.
By incorporating relative motion training into your workouts, you can:
✔ Improve joint health and mobility
✔ Reduce chronic pain and movement restrictions
✔ Enhance athletic performance and daily function
Located in Green Bay, WI | By Appointment Only
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Call us at (920) 610-0004
Email: funcfitpt@me.com
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