Most people train their shoulders by chasing strength, but completely miss the foundation that creates durable, pain-free movement.

In this episode of the Movement Podcast, Gray Cook and Lee Burton break down why shoulder problems are so common, why shoulder pain is often more than “just a shoulder issue,” and how posture, spinal stability, reflexive control, and movement quality all influence shoulder health.

They dive into:

Rotator cuff function and shoulder stability
Why impingement happens long before tears
The importance of scapular control and posture
Closed-chain vs open-chain shoulder training
Why push-ups, pull-ups, carries, and Turkish get-ups matter
How the neck, spine, hips, and posture affect shoulder pain
The difference between strength and reflexive stability
Why functional training should prioritize movement quality first

If you work with athletes, rehab patients, or simply want healthier shoulders that last, this episode offers a practical framework you can apply immediately.

Learn more about our Academy:
https://functionalmovement.com/fmsacademy

The Shoulder Pain Solutions Online Masterclass:
https://functionalmovement.com/Store/1274/clinical_integration_the_shoulder_pain_solutions_online_masterclass

Listen to more episodes:
https://www.movementpod.com/

Functional Movement Systems

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Neck pain is one of the most common issues people deal with—but what if the neck isn’t actually the problem?

In this episode of the Movement Podcast, we break down why the neck acts as a “crossroads” in the body—and how issues with breathing, posture, mobility, and even lifestyle habits can all show up as neck pain.

You’ll learn why treating the symptom isn’t enough…
and what to look for if you actually want lasting results.

We cover:

Why the neck is a secondary problem more often than a primary one
How breathing, posture, and movement influence neck pain
The connection between the neck, shoulders, and low back
Why “fixing posture” alone often fails
Simple ways to screen your neck (and what it really tells you)
How lifestyle habits like sleep, stress, and work setup play a role

If you’ve ever had neck pain—or work with people who do—this episode will change how you think about it.

FMS Quick Screen
The Quick Screen Online Course introduces a streamlined approach to evaluating movement quality and identifying key limitations that may affect performance, training progression, and injury risk. Designed for busy fitness and healthcare professionals, this screen helps you gather meaningful information in minimal time—without sacrificing clarity or usefulness.

Online Course
https://functionalmovement.com/Store/1275/quick_screen_movement_readiness_screen

Live Course May 15th, 2026
https://functionalmovement.com/events/4568/register

Take a deeper dive into Cervical Pain
https://functionalmovement.com/Store/198/clinical_overview_approach_into_the_classification_and_management_of_patients_with_cervical_pain

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Low back pain is one of the most common problems people deal with—but most people are still asking the wrong question.

Instead of only asking:
“What’s wrong with my back?”

This episode explores a better question:
“What am I doing that keeps this problem going?”

In this conversation, we break down why low back pain is rarely just about one body part—and why pain is often the result of a bigger mix of movement issues, lifestyle habits, stress, recovery, and accumulated risk factors.

In this episode, we cover:
Why low back pain is often more than an anatomy problem
The difference between acute vs chronic low back pain
Why medication may help symptoms—but not function
How sleep, stress, diet, inactivity, and body composition affect back pain
Why movement quality and lifestyle both matter
The difference between correlation and causation
How to think about low back pain through a functional wellness lens
Why consistency matters more than a “quick fix”

This episode is especially valuable for:
Physical therapists
Chiropractors
Athletic trainers
Strength coaches
Fitness professionals
Anyone dealing with recurring low back pain
Key takeaway:

Your back may be where the pain shows up…
…but it may not be where the real problem starts.

If you want to improve outcomes, reduce risk, and help people move better for the long term, you have to look beyond the symptom.

Learn more / Explore the tools mentioned

Try Symmio:
https://symmio.com

Explore Functional Movement Systems:
https://www.functionalmovement.com

Movement Podcast:
https://www.movementpod.com

Subscribe for more conversations on:
Movement
Injury risk
Functional wellness
Corrective strategies
Performance and rehab

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