Shirley Sahrmann and movement impairment syndromes

Pain & Rehab Forum [Moderated]
1

Hello,
I would like to know BBM rehab division opinion on Shirley Sahrmenn aproach, what do you think about it, is it worth to read her books like MIS? Many PT’s treats her like a guru of physical therapy in my country, I like BBM stuff but I haven’t seen here any comments about her.

2

I am not the most well versed in MIS, but I would say it’s fair our understanding of motor control and pain has progressed since the formation of that system. While it took some steps forward from a strict pathoanatomical diagnostic model, I still see it as a linear model that attempts to label movements as normal/abnormal while tying it back to driving mechanical nociception. Not to say that this wouldn’t have an effect on pain and function, but I don’t see it as a strong correlation given the evidence on motor control and pain. I tend to view motor control through a enactive, predictive processing approach these days, which adds some layers of context and variability to movement. It’s surely a deep topic, but I’ve attached a few papers that looks at “error” in a more positive light as an opportunity for learning.

Also, what country do you live in?

3

I’m from Poland. The similar concept called “Kinetic Control” by Mark Comerford is very popular, also has a really good marketing here.

4

I would do a literature search and critical appraisal on the efficacy of the MIS system. If you find the literature to be compelling enough to invest in the book, then okay. If not, you saved some money

5

Ah yes, I’m pretty familiar with Kinetic Control and Mark Comerford’s work. My last clinical instructor before graduating was taking his course. From what I remember, it relied heavily on anatomical studies to justify treatment directed at “local vs. global motor control” and “local vs. global mobility”. It’s not too much different than a lot of the similar systems centered around these concepts; SFMA, MIS, etc. I just think they end up taking an awkward leap from looking at anatomical/EMG studies and correlating that to pain and function. It just ends up not being that simple.