From Passive to Powerful:
Rethinking Rehab Through Strength & Movement Retraining
Course Objective:
To educate physiotherapists on why active strengthening and functional movement retraining often provide superior long-term outcomes compared to stretching and passive modalities — and how to identify and correct common compensation and dysfunction patterns in clinical practice.
Meet the Course Instructor: The Functional Physio (Eric)
Eric Hammer (aka “The Functional Physio”) is a physiotherapist with over 15 years of experience, dedicated to helping patients take an active role in their recovery. With advanced training in orthopaedics, the McKenzie Method, acupuncture, and pain management, he offers a comprehensive, evidence-based approach to care. His focus is on empowering patients through movement, education, and practical strategies that build lasting strength, resilience, and confidence.
Course curriculum
Module 1: Why Strength is the Foundation of Rehab
Topics Covered:
- The evidence against passive-only models
- Strength training as tissue tolerance, resilience, and mobility enhancer
- The myth of tightness vs true weakness
Module 2: Understanding the Stretch Trap
Topics Covered:
- Overstretching risks: joint laxity, poor motor control
- When mobility work is actually a substitution for stability
Module 3: Common Compensation Patterns & Their Drivers
Lower Body:
- Quad dominance in squats/lunges
- Knee valgus from hip or foot control failure
- Posterior pelvic tilt in bridges (glute inhibition)
Upper Body:
- Shoulder elevation in pressing (upper trap overdrive)
- Scapular winging during pushing
- Rib flaring in overhead work (core dysfunction)
Whole Body:
- Overuse of global movers (e.g. TFL, QL) vs local stabilizers
- Holding breath to substitute core control
Module 4: Assessing and Identifying Dysfunctional Movement Patterns
Functional Tests:
- Overhead squat
- Single-leg bridge and squat
- Prone shoulder lift off
- Rolling patterns
- Sit-to-stand sequencing
Focus:
- What goes wrong
- What’s compensating
- What muscle isn’t doing its job
Module 5: Strength-Based Correction Strategies
Core Approaches:
- Motor control first → then load
- Strengthen through range, not just in isolated positions
- Use resistance as feedback, not just load
Key Exercises by Pattern:
- Hinge: RDLs, glute bridges with feedback
- Squat: Goblet squats with pause & breath control
- Push: Wall push + serratus reach
- Pull: Single-arm rows + thoracic rotation
- Carry: Farmer + suitcase variations for lateral control
Module 6: Rethinking the Role of Manual & Passive Care
Topics Covered:
- Passive care as short-term input only
- Neurophysiological effects vs structural change
- Educating patients to shift from dependency to agency
Module 7: Integrating Strength in Every Session
Clinical Application:
- How to reframe your assessment and prescription process
- Combining corrective + global strength work
- Education: what to say to patients who expect passive care
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1Module 1: Why Strength is the Foundation of Rehab
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2Module 2: Understanding the Stretch Trap
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3Module 3: Common Compensation Patterns & Their Drivers
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4Module 4: Assessing and Identifying Dysfunctional Movement Patterns
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5Module 5: Strength-Based Correction Strategies
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6Module 6: Rethinking the Role of Manual & Passive Care
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7Module 7: Integrating Strength in Every Session