Movement Model Limitations

The movement model tends to produce fewer easy wins as issues move farther toward the periphery, especially the hands. Pain is multifactorial, and movement is only one component of pain care. A movement-only model may not address trauma, nutrition, sleep, or other systemic drivers of persistent pain. The movement approach is less reliable for neurological populations, especially people who cannot follow verbal coaching. Locked-up necks, headaches, strong occipito-atlantal flexion postures, and restrictions from C2 downward are described as challenging. For patients who cannot participate in complex coaching, developmental positions may be more practical than precisely coached breathing drills.