Why You Shouldn’t Skip the Basics in Rehab — The Real Meaning of “Functional Training”
Why You Shouldn’t Skip the Basics in Rehab — The Real Meaning of “Functional Training” - Lewis Physical Therapy & Sports Rehabilitation
Introduction
If you're an active adult, fitness enthusiast, or someone who simply wants to stay strong and pain-free, there’s a troubling trend happening in the rehab world: people are getting cleared far too early for running, lifting, overhead work, and high-intensity training—long before their body is actually ready.
In my latest video, I break down exactly why the basics matter, why functional rehab often skips the steps that build real durability, and how failing to master foundational control and strength leads to frustration, recurring pain, or repeat injuries.
What You’ll Learn
Why “functional rehab” often pushes people too fast
The difference between looking strong and actually being prepared
How deficits in stability and control get disguised
Why foundational rotator cuff and scapular strength still matter
The danger of compensating through pain
How to rebuild a solid, long-lasting foundation
🎥 Watch the Full Breakdown on YouTube
Stop Getting Cleared Too Early: Why ‘Functional Rehab’ Is Failing Athletes & Active Adults
▶️ Watch on Youtube Here:
Why People Are Being Progressed Too Quickly
At our clinic, we commonly see individuals who were told they were “ready” for advanced activity—running, overhead lifting, kettlebell work, HIIT sessions—despite having clear deficits in strength, stability, or control.
This is especially common for:
Shoulder pain patients
Post-op adults returning from rotator cuff or labrum repairs
CrossFitters who progress too fast after injury
Athletes being returned to their sport
The problem isn’t the exercises themselves—it’s the timing. If your stabilizers fatigue at rep 10, or your movement compensates under load, progressing to overhead work or speed training becomes a recipe for setbacks.
Why Foundational Strength Still Matters
In a world obsessed with “functional” movements, many people skip the slow, isolated work that strengthens the rotator cuff, hips, core, or scapular stabilizers.
But here’s the truth:
You can’t stabilize a joint you can’t control.
If you can’t perform:
15–20 clean external rotation reps
Pain-free overhead mobility
Controlled tempo movements
Consistent low-load endurance
Ability to tolerate and recover from sub-maximal loads in the gym
…then you’re not ready for advanced training.
The Real Definition of Functional
Functional doesn’t mean flashy.
Functional means:
Pain-free movement
Stability under load that LASTS through fatigue
Ability to express submaximal forces
The ability to perform daily or recreational tasks confidently
If your “functional” exercises cause pain, compensation, or instability—you’re not building function. You’re building dysfunction.
How to Rebuild a Solid Foundation
Here’s what proper rehab should look like:
Isolated strength first (rotator cuff, hips, scapular muscles, core)
Stability and control (tempo work, isometrics, positional holds)
Movement progressions (pulling, pushing, hinging, carrying)
Load + speed
Return to sport or training
Skipping steps means delayed results. Following them means long-term freedom.
Conclusion
Your body doesn't care how “functional” an exercise looks—only how prepared you are to do it. If you're stuck, plateaued, or frustrated, there’s a high chance you progressed too quickly. Slow down, rebuild the basics, and your strength and durability will skyrocket.
🗓 Ready to Get Out of Pain? Book Your Evaluation Today
If shoulder pain, elbow pain, or nagging injuries are slowing you down, there’s a proven path forward.
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