Instinctive Movement = Injury Prevention and Safety

9 ways the Instinctive Movement System is different
from other occupational injury exercise programs

1) Changes behaviors

At the core of the IMS is behavioral changes. Behavioral changes for injury prevention and safe task performance requires that the techniques are imprinted in the employee’s sub-conscious brain. This is done through the PSC techniques, not by looking at posters, handouts or “safe lifting videos”. Once these techniques are mastered the employee will subconsciously default to safe techniques every time.

2) Focus on health, not claims

Traditional safety has focused on programs that are solely designed to drive down claims. While this is the benchmark of the success of a program how you get there is the key. Employees are not focused on claims or claim costs but they are focused on their health and welfare. IMS focuses on improving health as well as function resulting in fewer claims and improved productivity.

3) Addressing major risks

We find that most employees are already injured or have conditions that are developing. Wear and tear, aging and years of bad habits takes a toll on their body. It is safe to say that 80% of a condition will occur before a claim is made and this must be addressed.

4) Focus on function, not tasks

Traditional safety has fallen short in its efforts to train employees how to perform tasks. All tasks are movements. When proper movement is performed tasks are instinctively safe. When improper movement is present tasks are not safe and lead to accumulative stress on joints, ligaments and tendons ultimately causing injury. Until proper function has been restored it is nearly impossible to teach employees how to perform tasks safely by watching a video or reading a handout. IMS methods teach employees how to move effectively leading to safe performance of tasks.

5) Standards of performance

Many aspects of safety have strict standards that need to be adhered to ensure that particular aspect is carried out safely. Things such as “lock out/tag out” or “Hazardous Material Handling” have specific rules that must be followed. We have found that task performance standards are seldom available or created let alone enforced. Standards of Performance become your roadmap to successful injury prevention success. It’s easy with IMS because standardization is based on movement.

6) Pre-shift conditioning

The IMS Pre-Shift Conditioning (PSC) Techniques begin the process of restoring safe movement and assisting employees with the existing health concerns discussed above. Employees feel better and work safely. This program is a simple but very effective routine that requires only about 5 minutes per day to for employees to perform. When used daily the results are amazing.

7) Changing culture

Our goal is to create a “health culture” in your organization. When employees realize that they feel better and become accountable for their health they are appreciative of the company for providing them with this service.

8) Management training

Managers and supervisors are trained to lead and maintain the program. They will be able improve their observation skills as well as their coaching skills to be able to head off injuries before a claim is made. The degree of involvement of the management team will dictate the long term success of the program.

9) Support Programs

IMS Training video

IMS Pre-Shift Conditioning real time videos

IMS Seated Worker video and training handouts


IMS is an extremely valuable tool to add to your current safety program as well as your health and wellness program. Contact us today to learn how the Instinctive Movement System can improve performance and reduce the risk of injury at your workplace. Call (715) 781-6195 or email info@instinctivemovement.com.