It really has been one of those days at work, and the day is not even half over, still a few more clients to see. Paperwork is piling up, phone calls, billing, it seems like there is never enough time.
And then it happens. Something special happens with a client or patient. It’s clicking. Both focused, the movements and instructions combine into collaboration. Even poorly executed moves are quickly improved on and there is energy in the session. There is a real momentum towards the clients’ goals as the actions taken have been specific and focused. Compliments are exchanged: “Great work out, I really feel great, I didn’t think I could do it.” “Yeah, you did great, way to really go for it.” “We did great.”
Given that it was unexpected what caused the change? Wouldn’t it be great if every session went the same way?
What happened?
You found the groove.
The following series of articles is an exploration of how to develop the momentum to initiate and sustain change efforts over the time required for the change to occur. This is done through the organizing of complementary data points into relationships. Depending upon the starting point of the change effort, the needed time will be different, as each outcome is a specific occurrence, unique to its circumstances and situation. Here is an example: Same patient, same shoulder, same rotator cuff tendonitis may be present in your office. However these are two unique times on the calendar, points in time. To consider that the previous approach is all that is required to restore the shoulder to function is to miss the essential data points of current reality. This assessment of current reality in relation to the desired result is the fundamental value pairs that will be the building blocks for the architecture of the “groove” building to come.
The groove may not be tangible but you can experience it. The groove is the time when all actions support the results that are wanted. A sense of momentum, building towards a result. The actions are sometimes familiar, rout movements and recognizable approaches. Other times, invention is called for as a different unexpected, unanticipated approach produces the desired result. And like a good dance team, someone needs to lead the collaboration. The practitioner is the leader. One who has mastered the skills of using structures and strategy is well positioned to improvise on the fly while maintaining the groove is leading the collaboration with the client.
By taking two complementary but different pairs and arrange them together, a cause for change is established. In biology this is seen in the action potentials generated in nerve tissue, as the potential for change is created by the difference in charge on opposite side of a membrane. In physics this is seen with the seeking of balance between hot and cold. What is the underlying dynamic here is for a structural arrangement of different pairs to seek equilibrium. This force can be organized to produce the needed dynamic over time to sustain changes.
What about clinical decision making and the plans of care that are products of this strategic process? Do they have component parts, parts that are complementary but different? And if so can they be arranged to produce a groove towards a functional outcome? As a rehabilitation or sports performance professional you value getting results. Great news is that other fields are experts in making things, creating, producing consistently. Read on to learn how the capacities of the arts are being applied to the restoration and improvement of human function.