Asymmetries are normal — but not all asymmetries are created equal. In this episode of the Movement Podcast, Gray Cook and Lee Burton break down the difference between anatomical, functional, and developmental asymmetry, and explain when asymmetry becomes a slippery slope that impacts performance, durability, and injury risk.

They also discuss why the goal isn’t “perfect symmetry,” but keeping asymmetries from getting worse, and how movement screening helps coaches and clinicians make smarter training decisions.

In this episode:

• The 3 types of asymmetry: anatomical, functional, developmental
• When asymmetry becomes a risk factor (and when it’s just sport-specific)
• Why “don’t let it get worse” is the real goal
• Key impairment asymmetries to watch: ankle dorsiflexion + grip strength
• Why dynamic balance + functional patterns matter more than isolated measures
• Practical ways to “scrub the corners” and restore awareness

More from the Movement Podcast: https://www.movementpod.com/

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In this episode of the Movement Podcast, Lisa Chase returns—this time as an author. Drawing from decades of work with professional athletes and everyday patients, Lisa dives deep into the importance of addressing the whole person in rehab, not just the symptoms.

She and Gray discuss:

• The inspiration behind her new book Be Responsible
• Why heart rate variability (HRV) is a game changer in patient care
• How nervous system regulation must come before movement
• Using technology like Newbie, BFR, and Oura Ring to guide interventions
• The five wellness pillars: nervous system regulation, sleep, biology, movement, and environment

Whether you're a clinician or someone navigating your own healing journey, this episode will change how you view recovery and patient outcomes.

-Lisa’s Book: Be Responsible — Because the System Isn’t: https://beresponsiblebook.com/home
-Learn more about Lisa and her clinic
-Tools Mentioned: HRV scanner, BFR, Newbie, New Calm, Oura Ring

More from the Movement Podcast: https://www.movementpod.com/

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In this episode of the Movement Podcast, Gray Cook and Lee Burton dig into what the data really says about wellness. From widespread sleep issues and shoulder mobility limitations to the surprising role of stress, posture, and breathing, they explore how movement and lifestyle are deeply connected.

Learn how Functional Movement Systems uses its Functional Wellness Screen to identify patterns—not just problems—and why tracking individual trends is more effective than chasing general advice.

Topics include:
Why population-level data can’t define your personal health
The top 3 wellness issues FMS is seeing across the board
Why pain is often the hidden culprit sabotaging sleep
Real-world examples from athletes and first responders
The critical need to “track it before you attack it”

If you're a coach, clinician, or just trying to improve your own health, this episode will change how you think about lifestyle change, movement health, and the power of personalized screening.

Get your free wellness assessment today!
https://www.symmio.com/whats-your-wellness-score

Subscribe for more episodes, and don’t forget: First Move Well, Then Move Often.

Functional Movement Systems

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