Rhythm is the result of organizing the relating parts in a way to generate energy. In change efforts in which a result is created, there may be many sub results that are necessary and must precede the overall result. Returning to the example of making a cake we see that sequence does indeed matter. The dry product is mixed with the wet product to form the cake batter. The sequencing of putting the contents together is just as important as the quality of the contents itself. When seeking to create a treatment that produces accelerated motor learning the parts of the treatment need to be organized to generate the different rhythms desired.
In the rehab world this looks like sequencing the treatment planning towards movement related goals. Each functional movement is composed of many sub component movements. Shoulder flexion includes flexion at the glenohumeral joint as well as external rotation and abduction. Miss one or more of the movements and the shoulder will not flex. Flexion is primary, abduction supports flexion, and external rotation supports all the above. To miss this relationship results in shoulder exercises that unspecific and lack an impact on functional improvement. The best joint mob, the perfect execution of stretch, the perfectly timed trigger point release will not have an impact if performed in the wrong sequence. Yes, sequence does matter.
Changing perspectives and backing up to see how the shoulder impacts and is impacted by the rest of the body, we can use the progressing scale of center of gravity and base of support pairs to increase or decrease the functional demands on the shoulder. We can also, knowing that the position of the thoracic spine will be determinant on how the scapula will move, change our perspective to examine the hierarchically arranged parts. The shoulder will also behave differently due to the change in the behavior of the thoracic spine in sitting or stride positions, or standing on one leg.
How do we as movement specialists organize the actions of the change effort? It is a question with a variety of different stylistic answers depending on your field of study, the time frame of your practice, etc. However, if it is human movement that is the subject, there are constants. The styles of practice are a spectrum, from a free flowing impromptu jazz style, to a rigid classical approach. Whatever your technique of choice, you can learn to design a program that has an underlying groove to it. In music, the groove, refers to the underlying bass line that supports the free styling, harmonizing, and melody of the other instruments. It’s palpable in funk, Rand B, rock, and other forms of blues derived music. It is also present in classical music. In jazz, the groove, is what allows the individual musicians to solo off into the outer regions and return home without losing their way. No matter what they play it seems to work.
The groove is also obvious when it is absent. No groove means no life, no soul of the music, and without the groove no matter what the musician creates it will seem flat. Without a well organized, scalable, integrated treatment approach you will find that impact made on your patients function is at most temporary. To use rhythm to generate in conjunction with the groove is to be well positioned to create what is uniquely required for level of involvement your patient or client would like in their life.