S&S: local & integrated patterns
This collection develops ‘local’ and ‘integrated’ spinal patterns, forming the foundational layer of spinal-work through which spinal literacy is first established. Here, movement is approached at the level of specific regions of the spine - cervical, thoracic, and lumbar - using identifiable pattern forms such as circles, rolls, and glides expressed across different planes and directions.
In ‘local’ patterns, the practitioner focuses on regionally-biased movement, for example drawing motion through the head (cervical), sternum (thoracic), or pelvis (lumbar). While true isolation is not anatomically possible, this approach functions as a conceptual and coordinative tool to develop fine motor control and intersegmental articulation. This is where the practitioner begins to access what may be described as small-frame mobility, improving the ability to express movement through specific areas of the spine with clarity and control.
yAs proficiency develops, these local patterns are progressively brought together into ‘integrated’ patterns, where multiple regions of the spine and associated structures (including the scapulae, pelvis, and head) begin to coordinate within unified movement expressions. This stage bridges the gap between isolated intention and whole-body organisation, developing the ability to combine segments into coherent, flowing patterns while maintaining control over each contributing part.
A key focus throughout this collection is the development of coordination through differentiation and combination. The practitioner learns first to differentiate - to control specific regions independently - and then to recombine them into larger patterns, allowing movement to transmit more effectively across the body. This establishes the structural and coordinative foundation required for more complex global spinal patterns.
In addition, these patterns serve an important role in maintaining the health and function of the mesokinetic system, supporting joint articulation, tissue elasticity, and segmental motor control. Through regular practice, the spine remains hydrated, pliable, and responsive, contributing to efficient force distribution across the body’s tensegrity structure and reducing the likelihood of stiffness or discomfort.
In application, this collection builds foundational spinal control, segmental awareness, and coordinative capacity, forming the essential base from which global spinal movement, expressive patterns, and broader movement integration can emerge.
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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...
