Getting AMPT: Athletic Movement Performance Testing with Natalie King

I got AMPT on January 29.

I met with Natalie King, PTA, CIMT, for an innovative series of functional movement tests, postural assessments and gait analysis called AMPT. Being a triathlete herself and recognizing the challenging demands that training for each of the three sports – swim, bike and run – places on a triathlete’s body, Natalie has developed AMPT specifically for triathletes.

The entire test took about 45 minutes after which Natalie emailed me a detailed breakdown of my limitations and weaknesses along with her assessment of my condition and recommendations for treatment. For me, I have excessive foot pronation and limited ankle mobility that is causing compensation patterns in the leg, hip and pelvis, which puts abnormal stress on my joints, muscles, ligaments and tendons. Ultimately, we believe this is what has led to the problems I’m currently experiencing with my right gluteal and leg pain.

Two aspects of AMPT that makes the test worthwhile even for triathletes traveling from a distance are that:

1. it was developed specifically for triathletes and
2. the assessment and recommendations can then be taken to the athlete’s own PT, chiropractor, massage therapist or other therapy provider for local treatment.

Subsequent to my test, I have begun treatment with Natalie, which has included adjustments done by her and take home stretches and exercises done by me. Tomorrow, she’s fitting me with orthotics. I’m excited about the treatment and looking forward to running pain-free in the near future. Here is more information about AMPT from Natalie:

The AMPT evaluation uses objective functional movement tests, postural assessment and gait analysis to accurately identify physical limitations of your body. These limitations can cause loss of power and lead to potential injuries. Video analysis allows you to visually see how these physical limitations are affecting your performance in running and biking. Each individual has their own strengths and weaknesses. By identifying and understanding your physical limitations, you will be able to improve your performance, reduce the risk of injury and enjoy your sport for many years to come.

Natalie King’s Brief Bio:

Natalie has 12 years of experience treating a wide range of athletes with a “hands-on” manual approach to physical therapy for performance enhancement, injury prevention and treatment. She also specializes in gait analysis and custom orthotics. She treats her clients at Schrier Physical Therapy in Gaithersburg, MD and recently developed the innovative AMPT program for athletes. Natalie has been interviewed and quoted in Swimmer Magazine and has developed programs for elite swim teams. She has treated members of the US Long Course Triathlon Team and nationally ranked cyclists and runners. Natalie also works in close association with Elite Bicycles to enhance their client’s efficiency and comfort and reduce injuries. Passionate for her sport, she competes regularly as a triathlete.

To find our more about Natalie and AMPT, please visit schrierpt.com.

Krista and I are excited that Natalie will be a guest presenter at the She Does Tri Camps for Women in March and April.

Live life richly and boldly!

David

—-

David B. Glover
Experiential Writer, Elite Athlete, Coach and Race Director
Author of Full Time and Sub-Nine: Fitting Iron Distance Training into Everyday Life
Blog: davidglover.net
Web: enduranceworks.net

© 2009 David B. Glover