Michael Dugan - Human Biomechanics Specialist
As is the case with most Functional Patterns Practitioners, I found FP through my own struggles with chronic pain. As a former competitive swimmer, I worked my way through the ranks to find my self competing at the Division I collegiate level at East Carolina University. During my time there I helped our team win back-to-back conference championship titles while also landing several school records. In addition to this, I earned a bachelors degree in Exercise Science with hopes that this would prepare me to take care of my body as I got older. As I began approaching the end of my athletic career, I began to experience numerous chronic pains including: neck pain, excruciating tendonitis of the shoulders and elbows, and lower back pain. No amount of rest, exercise modification, stretching, or ice could even come close to making me feel better. In fact, I felt absolutely clueless as to what I could do to actually solve my problems.
I visited our team physical therapists and doctors numerous times only to walk away with either zero relief or a temporary solution like ibuprofen or cortisone shots. I did all of the physical therapy protocols prescribed to me with no success. Unfortunately this is how most chronic pain stories go.
I discovered a youtube video from the CEO of Functional Patterns that completely changed the way I viewed the human body and why chronic pain develops. As I began to follow his methods I couldn’t believe how much relief I felt from my pains. Not only was I finally given some hope at alleviating my pain, but also the chronic anxiety, depression and insomnia that came along with it. Something else that drew me in to FP was the fact that they prided themselves on showcasing before and after results of real people using their methods. In an age where the health and fitness industry is filled with people claiming to have solutions to your problems, none of them were showing their results.
I dove into Functional Patterns head-first in 2017 beginning with the online 10-week course and subsequently every in-person course provided by the company. Present day I feel better than ever and chronic pain is something I am confident I will never have to deal with ever again. In-fact, I can confidently say that my best years are way ahead of me. I have put on 15 lbs. of muscle while building a body that moves with less effort. Instead of feeling like I am dragging myself throughout the day, I feel athletic and resilient to every day stressors.
Since being certified, I have worked with hundreds of clients with all different backgrounds including: children, mothers, professional and amateur athletes, the elderly with severe movement restrictions, and the rare human that just wants to be proactive with their health. I take pride in knowing that when someone takes my advice to heart, they will see massive changes in their lives. Pain-free living is possible with Functional Patterns.