I have the privilege of volunteering with the local dance company here in Fairbanks. This is a great opportunity to work with performers who push their bodies and understand what they should be able to do with their bodies. When something is not working correctly the FDM model allows for rapid diagnosis, treatment, and return to participation. Last night at the studio I had a dancer complaining of knee pain that was not the result of a dance injury but was definitely impacting her dancing. She came rushing to the treatment room from class in her point shoes, we evaluated and treated her in just a few minutes. Her knee pain was relieved. She returned to class, never even taking her point shoes off.
This is the type of treatment that we hear from FDM providers working with all sports. Rapid sideline evaluation and treatment is normal. FDM can provide the ability to return people back to participation quickly. One of my favorite quotes from an Osteopathic Physician who went on to do a sports medicine fellowship is that FDM is "the most powerful sideline tool I have!" I am looking forward to seeing more and more people who treat athletes utilizing FDM on the field and to help performers maintain their activity. As I watch sports on TV and in person I am able to diagnose injuries based on the gesture they demonstrate to the people administering care to them on the field. Last Sunday, I watched the gesture of Triggerband, HTP, and folding for one NFL team. I sure hope the trainers caring for these players had FDM in their toolkit.
Please don't get me wrong. FDM is not the only thing that works. It is not the only modality one should use, practice, or study. But having the FDM in your toolkit can help you get better results for your patients. It really is a game changer. An FDM provider shared the story of a small town basketball game. He was called to his clinic to treat a basketball player with an injury that occurred on the court. The player was unable to return to play. He went into the clinic and was evaluated and treated. He was able to return to play and finish the game. Unbeknownst to the provider he was the star player for the visiting team. When that player went back to the court and help his team beat the home team he said "tongue in cheek" that he should wait until after the game to treat players from the visiting team.
The awareness of the FDM is sports is growing. The Russian Olympic team had FDM practitioners working with them in Socchi. Other professional sports have FDM practitioners working with there players. We have not spread the word enough. If you or someone you know cares for athletes and performers please guide them to the FDM courses.