Redcord Suspension System

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Redcord is a Norwegian based suspension system that makes use of ropes and bungees to perform pain-free exercises. It was developed in the early 1990s and has been used in both healthcare and fitness internationally since its inception. 

Redcord is utilized across the globe and has been cited in over 100 evidence-based articles. In each of the articles, Redcord out-performed the gold standard. 

We follow the three basic principles as outlined by Redcord:

1. Pain-Free Approach
2. Gradually increasing workload to meet the patient at their level
3. Utilizing instability and vibration to promote core and deep stabilizer activation

The methodology of Redcord is called NEURAC, which stands for NEURomuscular ACtivation. Utilizing the instability of the ropes, deeper core and stability muscles are engaged with each exercise. Simply stated, we are able to engage the right muscles, at the right time, and in the right amount. We are able to access the body as a whole, instead of focusing on a single muscle/muscle group, supporting the most appropriate functional movement patterns.

Redcord has over 25 years' experience globally in physical therapy clinics. Being used in over 30 countries for that time period has advanced the understanding of the neuro-muscular system and how suspension can be used to create the best functional movement patterns. Continuing to be at the forefront of educational research and clinical practice makes Redcord the best suspension system available across the globe. 

Our very own Dr. Nick Passe has been an instructor of the Neurac Method for other physical therapists and health professionals for the last 6 years. He has traveled throughout the United States to educate and has also had the opportunity to work with professional athletes in football, hockey, baseball and Team USA Olympics. 

Many of us know someone who had a concussion and continued to suffer from post-concussion symptoms weeks following the trauma. Often, these patients were told to restrict their behaviors and to avoid bright spaces to ease symptoms. However, no longer do we recommend that people be kept in a dark room for days following a concussion. Evidence shows that neurological input, when done appropriately in the days and weeks following concussion, can greatly reduce the long term effects of a concussion.

Dr. Passe is an ImPACT trained medical professional. Many athletic programs, including youth athletics, are now using the ImPACT system both in the pre-season to collect baseline data, and during post-concussion treatment to determine if an athlete can return to the field. We can read, interpret, and create an appropriate treatment plan based upon ImPACT testing results. 

Our brains are floating in cerebrospinal fluid (CSF). This fluid keeps the brain in constant motion during all of the activities throughout our lives. When we are impacted on the field, the brain tissue is sheared in multiple directions. When the neurons within the brain are sheared, they become more permeable for fluid and nutrients to flow within the cells. They are then taking in more energy than is available in the surrounding fluid, leaving little energy remaining for future use.

Because of this, a concussion is an issue of energy use and availability rather than just an issue due to direct impact. This depletion of available energy is what causes both the fatigue and the inability to tolerate basic activities (e.g., reading, television, academics) for extended periods of time. Until the neurons are healed, you might continue to have the hallmark signs and symptoms of concussion.

Proper training habits along with the ability of the athlete to perform the desired movements (from head to toe) in a strong, efficient, and safe manner are essential for optimal health and pain-free performance.While concussions may appear commonplace for athletes who engage in contact sports, they are not normal and should be addressed by a qualified practitioner.

Many concussion presentations will also involve a musculo-skeletal component. By utilizing Redcord and Integrated Kinetic Neurology (IKN) together, a 100% unique patient experience is created. This allows us to create the most functional and full body approach to concussion rehabilitation. 

The Titleist Performance Institute (TPI) has developed an advanced screening process for the physical requirements of golf. Over the past 15 years, data from this screening process was collected from  golfers of varying ages and skill levels. This data led the Titleist Performance Institute to outline key movements necessary to achieve the highest level of accuracy in sports performance. They found that, specifically, without proper mobility of several key areas of the body, it is difficult to be able to perform a proper golf swing. These findings can translate to other sports as well. For example, throwing athletes (e.g. quarterbacks, baseball players) also need to be assessed on their ability to control trunk rotation to enhance performance.

The "body swing connection," as defined by the Titleist Performance Institute, aims to understand the sequence of a proper golf swing and assess where athletes may be  limited in rotation. With proper screening, an efficient movement pattern can be developed and enhanced. This body-swing connection is similar whether you are hitting a golf ball, throwing a football, or pitching a fastball.

Screening from head to toe allows Functional Physical Therapy to analyze every movement pattern of not only golfers, but also other rotational athletes. Almost every functional movement pattern involves either some aspect of rotation of the body or the body's ability to control rotation. This is why components of the TPI screening process are used with all of our patients, even if they have never picked up a club before. 

Functional Physical Therapy's own Dr. Passe has completed advanced training on the Titleist Medical and Junior's coursework. He has also had the opportunity to work with several PGA Tour level athletes using Redcord and the TPI screening process.

In physical therapy, we often think of a neurological patient as someone who has had a stroke or suffers from Parkinson's Disease. However, the truth is, the same principles of neurology that are used with patients having neurological conditions should also be used with patients with a sprained ankle. 

By integrating all of the body's senses, from visual input to tactile input from the tongue, we can determine what may be at the base of many lingering musculo-skeletal injuries. With the results of the assessment, integrating neurological cues into functional activities creates better movement patterns and reduces strain on the body. With incorporation of the Integrated Kinetic Neurology (IKN) Concussion course, we are also able to map similar neurological issues for those that have suffered from multiple or chronic concussion symptoms.