The Language of Movement Expand Your Movement Vocabulary
How much of your day do you spend in the same positions: sitting, standing, or slow walking? Think of those postures and movements as your basic vocabulary. Now ask yourself: how much variation and granularity exist in that vocabulary? How often do you expand it?
The Importance of Nuance in Movement
Granularity and nuance aren’t just important in verbal language; they’re also essential in the language of movement. By introducing variability in your postures and movements, you can regulate yourself better and avoid the strain and overuse that often lead to discomfort or pain.
Shoulder joint health is important to prevent sports or athletic related injuries. Shoulder pain resulting from chronic overuse is related to the movement variability of the shoulder.
Signs of a Limited Movement Vocabulary
If your movement “vocabulary” is limited, you might notice:
Defaulting to habitual patterns, even when they don’t feel good.
Struggling to regulate your energy or emotions.
Feeling stuck or disconnected in how you move through life.
The Connection Between Movement and Expression
When you restrict your movement options, you also limit your capacity to think, feel, and express yourself. Movement is inseparably tied to how you experience the world and how the world experiences you. Your body is your medium of thought and expression. Expanding your movement vocabulary means expanding your potential.
When you have back pain, shoulder pain, or struggling with injury you will naturally restrict you movement and motion. If you restrict your movement for long enough, it will start to change how you think. Action shapes our thoughts.
Adding New "Words" to Your Movement Language
Learning new movement patterns doesn’t necessarily require a drastic lifestyle change. Tiny shifts in your daily habits can open new doors. The key to adding “words” to your movement language lies in two things:
Awareness of Nuances
Developing awareness is the first step. Notice differences and subtleties in how you move. Recognizing these nuances allows you to create a richer and more adaptable movement “vocabulary.”
Comfort in New Movements
Explore positions and movements that feel good to you. When something feels comfortable, it’s more likely to stick. These comforting patterns can also become your go-to when dealing with strain or pain.
After an injury we need to expand range of motion. When rehabilitating a shoulder injury, we slowly teach the body that it is safe to increase range of motion.
Practical Steps to Expand Your Vocabulary
Shift your position periodically throughout the day.
Introduce micro-movements, like gentle stretches or small adjustments in posture.
Experiment with movements that challenge your usual patterns, such as balancing on one foot or sitting in different ways.
By consistently adding small, manageable changes, you can enrich your movement language and, in turn, enhance how you navigate life. A broader vocabulary means greater adaptability and resilience—in body, mind, and spirit.
