GIFT Content Overview Unlocking Potential Through Comprehensive Movement Science

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The GIFT program is an in-depth mentorship designed to elevate Movement Professionals to the highest level of expertise in Applied Functional Science® (AFS). This 40-week program combines online education, hands-on learning, and community engagement to provide a transformative educational experience.

The GIFT curriculum is designed to equip movement professionals with advanced knowledge and skills in Applied Functional Science®. Through more than 500 sessions and content videos (about 4-5 hours/week of activity), our faculty covers all major areas of the body, focusing on functional assessment, training, and rehabilitation techniques.

Key Areas Covered

Lower Extremities:

  • Foot and ankle mechanics, progressions, and common issues such as Achilles tendinitis.
  • Knee joint analysis, including motion and position.
  • Hip function, addressing femoral-acetabular impingement (FAI) and other maladies.

Upper Extremities:

  • Shoulder mechanics, including functional assessments and rehabilitation techniques.
  • Elbow and wrist function, addressing issues like carpal tunnel, valgus extension overload, and lateral epicondylitis.
  • Analysis of the critical contributions of other key body parts to shoulder function, such as the thoracic spine.

Spine:

  • Lumbar spine assessments and treatments, focusing on conditions like lumbar facet pain and scoliosis.
  • Thoracic spine mechanics, such as 3D coupling, and functional training.
  • Cervical spine analysis and rehabilitative strategies.

Core and Pelvis:

  • Pelvis in motion in every plane.
  • Core stability and strength, addressing issues such as spondylolisthesis and core conversion techniques.

Movement Integration:

  • Chain Reaction® biomechanics, understanding the interconnectedness of body segments during movement.
  • Transformational zones (TZ1 and TZ2) to analyze and enhance performance in different activities.
  • Movement progressions are explored for every joint in the body.

Special Techniques:

  • Functional Manual Reaction® (FMR), a hands-on technique to facilitate optimal movement patterns.
  • 3D Matrix systems, focusing on multi-planar exercises for comprehensive functional training.
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Syllabus Overview

GIFT is meticulously designed to ensure participants gain a deep understanding of human movement, develop advanced assessment and treatment skills, and become elite professionals in the field of movement science. Through a blend of theoretical knowledge and practical application, GIFT Fellows will be equipped to deliver the highest standard of care and achieve exceptional outcomes for those they serve.

Applied Functional Science® Foundations:

  • Physical, Biological, and Behavioral Sciences
  • Transformational Zones and Sequence
  • Behavioral Drivers and Tweakology™
  • Functional Movement Spectrum
  • The Power of Encouragement, Enablement, and Engagement

Principle-Strategy-Technique (PST) Process:

  • Strategies of AFS
  • Principled Strategies in Mobility, Stability, and Chain Reaction®
  • Real and Relative Joint Motions
  • Transformational Zone Analysis (TRAZMA)
  • Balance and Progression Techniques

Functional Nomenclature:

  • Vertical Logic and SFT Syntax
  • Triangulation and Driver Concepts
  • Manipulation of Beginning and Ending Positions

Key Dates:

  • Semester 1: February 6 - May 17, 2025
  • Semester 2: May 18 - November 17, 2025

Advanced Applied Functional Science:

  • Pain Management and Neuropathic Pain
  • Scoliosis and Spondylolisthesis Strategies
  • Lumbar, Thoracic, and Cervical Spine Techniques
  • Locomotor Performance Series

3D Matrix Systems and Functional Techniques:

  • Variety of Global Human Movement Matrices / Movement Patterns
  • Cervical Spine – Transverse, Sagittal, and Frontal Planes
  • Performance System Series
  • Functional Flexibility, Strength, Balance, and Cardiovascular Exercises

Community and Personal Growth:

  • Leadership Development
  • Business Marketing Strategies
  • Community Challenges and Group Dynamics
  • Encouragement, Empowerment, and Engagement Techniques

Functional Manual Reaction® (FMR):

  • Integration and Application of FMR Techniques
  • Case Study Project and Capstone Learning Experience
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