Pain rarely shows up out of nowhere. More often, it's the result of movement patterns, compensations, and weaknesses that have been building for months or years before a specific moment finally tips things over. Corrective exercise is about identifying those underlying patterns and addressing them directly, so relief actually lasts instead of fading the moment you go back to normal activity.
How Movement Assessment Works
Dr. Dallas is certified in SFMA (Selective Functional Movement Assessment), a system used to screen how your body moves as a whole, not just the specific spot that hurts. Rather than only examining the painful area, SFMA looks at how nearby joints and movement patterns may be contributing to the problem. Pain in one area is often the result of a restriction or dysfunction somewhere else entirely.
Alongside SFMA, Dr. Dallas uses VALD equipment to objectively measure strength and range of motion, comparing your results to normative data and to your own progress over time. That means your plan isn't based on a guess about what might help. It's based on measurable data about what your body actually needs.
What to Expect
After your initial exam identifies the movement patterns and weaknesses contributing to your pain, Dr. Dallas builds a corrective exercise plan specific to those findings. This isn't a generic handout of stretches. Exercises are chosen based on your specific movement screen and re-tested over time to confirm they're actually working.
For patients who want a more structured, ongoing approach to correcting movement and lifestyle habits, beyond what's covered informally during adjustment visits, Dr. Dallas offers an expanded coaching option through the Rebuildr app, giving you 24/7 access to ask questions, along with custom programming and additional resources. This is optional and discussed as part of your care plan, not something every patient needs.
What Corrective Exercise Can Help With
Movement assessment and corrective exercise are particularly valuable for patients dealing with:
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Chronic low back or neck pain
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Recurring injuries that keep coming back
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Poor movement patterns following an old injury
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Reduced mobility or strength asymmetries
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Athletes looking to improve performance and reduce injury risk
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Anyone whose goal is staying active long term, not just resolving a single flare-up
Why This Matters for Lasting Results
An adjustment or a round of Cox Flexion Distraction can resolve pain quickly, but if the underlying movement pattern that contributed to the problem goes unaddressed, that same pain has a way of returning. Corrective exercise is what closes that gap, helping your body actually move better, not just feel better temporarily.
This is also where Dr. Dallas's minimum effective dose philosophy shows up most clearly. You won't be handed a long list of exercises to do on your own with no guidance. Everything is specific to what your movement screen actually shows, reassessed as you improve.
Common Questions About Corrective Exercise
Do I need this in addition to adjustments?
Not always. Some patients only need adjustments to resolve their pain. Corrective exercise is typically added when a movement pattern or weakness is clearly contributing to the problem, especially for pain that's chronic or recurring.
Will I be doing exercises during my visit, or on my own?
Both. Dr. Dallas will guide you through proper form during your visits, and you'll have exercises to continue at home, tailored to your specific assessment.
What is Rebuildr?
Rebuildr is an optional app-based coaching program for patients who want more structured, ongoing support with movement and lifestyle habits, including 24/7 access to ask Dr. Dallas questions.
Is this the same as physical therapy?
Not exactly. While there's overlap in using exercise to address movement dysfunction, Dr. Dallas combines this with chiropractic adjustments and Cox Flexion Distraction as part of one integrated plan, rather than as a separate referral.