Cognitive Functional Therapy

This approach targets the beliefs, fears and associated behaviors (both movement and lifestyle) of each individual. It leads the patient to be mindful that pain is not a reflection of damage, but rather sensitized structure that is fueled by hypervigilance and negative beliefs, fears, lost hope, anxiety and avoidance, linked to maladaptive (provocative) movement and lifestyle behaviors. 

This approach is integrated by using a motivational interview to communicate where it identifies discrepancies between beliefs and behaviors and acknowledge that the solutions that “stick” is usually found by the patient themselves. It is strongly behaviorally oriented and explores different movement options using visual feedback in order for people to reestablish their body schema and relearn the basic building blocks of relaxed normal movement. It empowers the person to do the very things they fear and/or avoid, but in a graduated relaxed and normal manner. It conditions them if they are weak. It motivates them to engage with exercise and active living based on their preferences and goals.