S&S: local & integrated patterns
‘Local’ and ‘Global’ patterns
‘Local’ and ‘global’ are terms used to specify and structure areas of ‘spinal-work’. They function both as overarching categories for organising the practice, and as literal references to regions of the spinal structure - understood as conceptual “parts”, the integration of those parts, and movement of the spine as a whole.
When speaking of ‘local’, we are referring to movement patterns – such as ‘circles’, ‘rolls’, and ‘glides’, expressed across different directions and planes of motion – which are localised to specific regions of the body in relation to the spine. For example, movement of the head alone is localised to the head and predominantly cervical spine. Likewise, a pattern “drawn” through the sternum is localised to the chest, and primarily to the thoracic spine. Pelvic movements are local to the pelvic region, and predominantly involve the lumbar spine.
Local patterns can be progressively integrated to form a ‘global’ pattern, in which all regions of the spine move harmonically together as a unified “meta-pattern”. The ‘Spine & scapular-circles integration’ is a clear example, beginning with purely localised patterns and gradually bringing them together into integrated, and ultimately global, movement. In this program, however, as such a pattern is more accurately a constituent of “parts”, it is referred to as ‘integrated’.
More generally, ‘global’ refers to movements in which the spine as a whole coordinated to express the same pattern, whether simultaneously, such as global extension & flexion, or sequentially, such as in ‘waves’. Whilst spinal-waves are essentially articulations of partial-range, localised rolling patterns (hence they
precede global waves in programming), they are not the same as ‘local’ patterns in full, brought together in integration. On the same global-scale, breathing forms such as the ‘Teacups’ express equalised extension and flexion across the global spine, without emphasising any specifically local vertebral pattern at all.
Lastly – it is important to emphasise the impossibility of truly “isolating” any movement in the body. As a global, tensegral network, even the smallest movement in one area intrinsically affects all others. To speak of bodily “parts” is already a conceptual simplification; to use the term “isolation”, even loosely, is more so. These terms therefore serve solely as conceptual cues for intention and expression within movement practice, and for practical structural pedagogical progression-purposes, rather than as representations of anatomical reality.
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Hanging & pelvic-tilting/'rolling'
THE WHAT:
A context for self-directed exploration of the lumbar spine in a hanging, axial "traction-stretch". To do so, it ustilies pelvic-tilting and "rolling" patterns to diagnose and mobilise restrictions which may occur. This work is also well-combined with "Breathing into the lumbar-spine" (... -
Scapular Function & Coordination Routine
THE WHAT
A basic routine to mobilise, develop neuromuscular-efficiency/”neural-drive”, and restore fundamental function in the scapula and ‘large-frame’ spinal-movement. Working mostly in a prone position on all 4's allows for easier exploration of MAXIMAL shoulder & scapular retraction (facilita... -
Spinal ‘segmentation’ drills
THE WHAT
These drills are provided as frames within which to develop range, foundational motor-control, and also semantic & physical literacy concerning regions of the spine (lumbar, thoracic, cervical) and planes of motion (frontal, sagittal, transverse: https://www.movemoremp.com/wp-content/upl... -
Frontal pelvic-roll & the 'Hip-hiking' & 'Hip-dropping' concept
THE WHAT:
Taking an 'In Focus' look at the concept of 'Hip-hiking' and 'Hip-dropping', a mechanism which is implicit in and must be understood & EMBODIED for optimal execution of developmental spinal-patterns located to the lumbar-region, such as the 'Frontal pelvic-roll' and the integrated 'Pelv... -
IN FOCUS: Spinal 'rolling'
THE WHAT:
Sharing some perspectives on the practice of "spinal 'rolling', as both the concept and its embodiment in execution is often challenging for beginners of "isolated" spinal-work, or spinal-work in general. In more technical terms, we are practicing set thoracic & pelvic undulations about... -
Rib-cage & pelvic "rolling" (concept & patterning)
THE WHAT
Rib-cage & pelvic-"rolling" is a conceptual practice of drawing circular patterns through planes of motion (sagittal & frontal/coronal) in space. It is impossible to truly "isolate" any movement, but we work with this as a CONCEPT to focus & structure practice around a given spinal-regio... -
Spine & scapular ‘circles’ integration
THE WHAT
A developmental project which ultimately brings together 4 'circles' of the spine & scapulae into harmonious integration. The isolated practice of each of the 'circles' (2x scapular, 1x thoracic & 1x 'pelvic') initially serves an incredibly valuable THEREPEUTIC role, teaching the practit... -
Integrated spinal ‘rolling’ and ‘circles’
THE WHAT
An open-form, 'free-association' (FA) context which expresses a vocabulary of localised 'rolling' and 'circles' patterns already learnt in previous projects of practice. A recap of the fundamental "pieces":
‘Rolling’:
- Rib-cage roll, sagittal (forward & back)
- Rib-cage roll, frontal (l... -
‘Torso-rotations’ spinal-segmentation
THE WHAT
A novel spinal-segmentation drill expressing rotation of the torso in the transverse-plane whilst hinging at the level of the waist & the HEAD remains fixed in space. It is essentially the inversion of the 'Transverse neck-rotation' in which the head rotates whilst the TORSO remains fixe... -
Transverse spinal-segmentation
THE WHAT
A range & motor-control development context focused on transverse-rotation of the pelvis, and the torso. As with other spinal 'segmentation' drills, end-range isometrics are used in a 'dropset' structure to increase & "mark" those end-ranges. Ultimately, beyond just spinal-mobilisation &... -
Transverse spinal “flagging”
THE WHAT
A spinal-wave context oriented around the TRANSVERSE-plane, i.e. rotation left & right around an axis. It integrates pieces isolated in the practice of 'transverse spinal-segmentation'. Notably, it is performed on ONE leg, whilst also offering a 'toe-supported' variation when in the proc...
