Probably not.
That’s because reprogramming your brain’s sensorimotor control is a unique approach to pain relief, offered at MVMTLAB; a multidisciplinary sports clinic with locations in Gastown and North Vancouver that helps athletes, fitness enthusiasts and the general population reach their max potential and treat complex and chronic pain.
In addition to physiotherapy, chiropractic, registered massage therapy, osteopathy, acupuncture and naturopathic medicine services, MVMTLAB offers a neuroplasticity gym program through its “Ground Control” and “Bazooka” classes.
Ground Control is an intensive fitness-meets-active-rehabilitation class where attendees will hold up to 6 basic infant movement pattern positions for long periods of time (anywhere from 5 to 30 mins per position). These positions seem extremely simple at first, but after a short period of time, students start to notice deep burning in parts of their body, as well as their brain, which is telling them to move, twitch or stop.
That’s where things get interesting...
This sensation is the point where students can unlearn the poor physical habits that underlie chronic pain. In order to replace these habits with proper movement patterns, also known as “infant movement milestones”, our bodies have to re-learn how to hold ourselves up using the least amount of effort possible, just like an infant does naturally.
According to MVMTLAB’s owner and founder Dr Jeff Almon, the Ground Control protocol will “reprogram your brain into using the proper segmental stabilizer muscles in all of our normal daily movements and activities”, meaning it helps to reduce pain and discomfort caused by imbalances in the body. This is a fantastic option for anyone looking to treat pain, discomfort or old injuries that just won’t go away. It’s also for clients that simply want to move and feel their absolute best, as the program has preventative properties as well.
Ground Control classes are held seven times a week at their Gastown location, and cost just $18 per 1hr drop-in. Ground Control is available on ClassPass and you can learn about purchasing an unlimited $90 monthly pass HERE. Bazooka, their shoulder-specific class, runs monthly.
Ground Control and Bazooka aren’t your average fitness classes and Dr Jeff Almon isn't your average clinician. He is pioneering the next generation of clinic experience with his way of approaching health, wellness and sports performance through MVMTLAB. He and his team are constantly learning how to neurohack the body and brain, so that they can make stars shine even brighter. They work with various high-level athletes and industry leaders - like Industrial Light and Magic and Icebreaker - helping their teams understand how to maximise their bodies’ potential.
MVMTLAB is also certified as a Complete Concussion Care clinic, which includes pre-concussion screenings for sports teams and individuals, in addition to services for post-concussive clients that want to ensure they recover properly before returning to work or play.
While MVMTLAB has earned a stellar reputation for maximizing sports performance amongst pro, elite and university athletes, the Gastown-based clinic treats everyone from weekend warriors to general active folks, offering relief for anyone living with physical pain or wanting to improve their well-being. If you’re looking for the most up-to-date approach to physical health in Vancouver, be sure to check out MVMTLAB Performance Clinic.
To learn more about their classes and services, visit MVMTLAB.com
