Tired of back pain and 

poor posture? reclaim

You body’s natural movement.

A revolutionary system designed to address the root cause of your pain by correcting fundamental human movements.

Book your posture assessment now

What is Functional

patterns?

Functional Patterns is a system designed to address the root cause of your pain by correcting fundamental human movements; standing, walking, running and throwing. We don’t just treat symptoms, we build a foundation for a stronger pain free life.

How we Help

At your initial assessment, we conduct a thorough evaluation of your posture and gait to pinpoint imbalances contributing to your pain.

From there, we introduce targeted corrective exercises designed to retrain your body for more efficient and optimal movement.

Our certified practitioners regularly monitor your progress, adjusting and scaling your program to ensure continuous improvement.

This comprehensive approach not only alleviates pain but also enhances your overall health and wellbeing for lasting results.

Book your Initial consultation

What People

are saying

  • Martin Duhale

    “Highly recommend this place. I have a much better posture now, and it’s been a game changer in the type of exercises and how you train every inch of your body.”

  • M G

    André is amazing. So knowledgeable and brings such a lovely calming presence. He is so understanding with my autoimmune illness whilst still getting results. Highly recommend!

  • Valentina Spyridopoulos

    Fantastic place with highly knowledgeable trainers. I’ve been training with Mark for many years, and I can honestly say their programs have made a real difference in my daily life.

  • D F

    The best investment I’ve made for myself. In the past, (I’m in my mid 40’s) I had never enjoyed the experience of exercising and was hesitant to start at a new gym. But this environment and experience has changed my body for the better and I have learned so much about the way my body is meant to work.
    All the Functional Patterns trainers I work with are extremely knowledgeable and have helped me strengthen and correct my posture and strengthen my body to function the way it was meant to. I now enjoy moving my body! I saw my before photos a while back and was blown away at huge difference and how much progress has been made. And bonus, no more lower back and heal pain, which was present when I started the program.

  • Ariella Brosan

    A great group of skilled and dedicated trainers. I have quite a few postural problems and this is the only method (and Ive tried quite a few over the years) that is helping improve my posture on many fronts (albeit for me it is taking a while) and I can now walk without lower back pain. Even if you don't have severe postural problems you can learn how to train in the gym more efficiently and improve how you move. I would highly recommend FP for any level of athlete - it can take your swing or throw or running style etc to the next level.

  • Anna Turner

    The team at FP Sydney are amazing!
    I have spent my life with back pain, but the team at FP Sydney are helping me fix that. FP is the only training I have ever done where I leave ALWAYS in less pain than when I started. They are all dedicated to helping me work towards a pain free life and they work very hard every day towards that goal. FP is not a quick fix, but I believe it is a long term solution. I feel much stronger and my days in pain are much less. I have a long way to go, but I know this amazing team will get me there!

  • Mohab Eissa

    For the past 20 years I’ve struggled with debilitating back pain and was told by multiple physicians that the only option was surgery, they fixed my back pain within weeks!

  • Judah Baxendale

    FP Sydney is so friggin' cool!

    There is a reason why Functional Patterns is the world leader in biomechanics. The stuff taught here at FP Sydney is revolutionary and truly world leading. There is no doubt in my mind that, if you are wanting to get out of physical pain, improve athletic performance / the way you move and / or improve longevity, a Functional Patterns studio is the place to be.

    My 1 to 1 sessions with Shannon couldn't be more fruitful. They are worth every cent and then some. Shannon is the best teacher I've had in any realm EVER! I'm extremely happy with the progress I've made since I began working with him in June and am so excited for what we're going to be able to achieve in the years to come.

    I am also thoroughly enjoying the group classes that I attend. They are diverse, engaging and highly informative and empower you to go away and implement what you learn in your own time.

    Moreover, I couldn't want for a better culture than that of FP Sydney. The team... other clients... the place is abundant with good people.

    Becoming a client of FP Sydney is one of the best decisions I’ve ever made.

MORE Google reviews

Real people, real results

  • Scoliosis posture improvement and back pain relief

    Ruby

    SCOLIOSIS, KYPHOSIS, PAIN IMPROVEMENTS with Shannon Hegarty HBS4

    Ruby came to us in pain and discomfort. After 20 sessions of applying the Functional Patterns methodology we were able to make some significant changes to bring her into more alignment. This directly affected her pain levels which lowered from a 8/10 to a 3/10. This is what is achievable when you address the body as a system and not just treat the symptoms.

    Here is Ruby’s experience after training with Shannon Hegarty here at Functional Patterns Sydney

    “Before doing FP I felt sore and stiff. I play a lot of sports but the day after I was always sore.

    After the 20 sessions I felt less restricted, less pain and my posture improved.

    Now I experience more muscle soreness instead of back pain the day after i am active. My back pain has dropped significantly, and playing sports is a lot more enjoyable without the pain and discomfort”.

    Before 😕

    ❌ Lateral hip shift & hike
    ❌ Scoliosis & kyphosis
    ❌ Post-sports pain
    ❌ Lower back & neck pain 8/10
    ❌ Rib compression
    ❌ Poor intra-abdominal pressure

    After (20 sessions)

    ✅ Improved joint alignment
    ✅ Reduced scoliosis and kyphosis
    ✅ Less pain during sports
    ✅ Lower back/neck pain down to 3/10
    ✅ Enhanced intra-abdominal pressure
  • Older male with weight loss result and back pain relief

    Onur

    Neck, Shoulder, Back, and Leg Pain improvements at Functional Patterns Sydney with Jonathan Sealey HBS3

    “I had severe back pain for almost 15 years and felt numb in my leg all the time. I tried many personal trainers, reformer Pilates, and lots of massages, however I still had the pain; specially in my back, neck and shoulder.

    I’ve been doing FP for over a year now with Jonathan Sealey and all the pain is gone. I was unable to walk for more than 5 minutes without getting leg pain and numbness. The pain level is now 0 of 10. I’m so glad that l’ve tried FP and fixed my posture.

    Thanks for your professional manner and patience during our sessions which made me more confident and disciplined”.

    Before 6/11/23
    ❌ Poor joint stacking & intra-abdominal pressure
    ❌ Spine compression
    ❌ Back pain
    ❌ Neck & shoulder pain 5/10
    ❌ Leg pain & numbness 10/10
    ❌ Unable to walk over 5 minutes

    After 28/3/25

    ✅ Better joint alignment
    ✅ Increased intra-abdominal pressure
    ✅ Spine decompressed
    ✅ No back pain
    ✅ Neck & shoulder pain 0/10
    ✅ Leg pain 0/10
    ✅ No leg numbness
    ✅ Pain-free walking

    Onur has been really consistent and committed with his weekly training sessions, MFR and homework. Only taking a 5 month 1-on-1 training break for travel (Sep 24).

    Shout out to Shannon Hegarty for continuing to work with Onur since his return to training (Feb 25) and for his guidance and mentorship.

  • 11 year old bot improvements Pectus excavatum and Scapular winging

    Anthony

    Pectus Excavatum & Scapular Winging Improvements in 8 months (11 years old) at Functional Patterns Sydney with Alana Portelli HBS1

    Before 14/12/24

    ❌ anterior hip shift
    ❌ anterior pelvic tilt
    ❌ scapular winging
    ❌ collapsed arches & feet out
    ❌ ribcage compression
    ❌ thoracic kyphosis
    ❌ forward head posture

    After 30/8/25
    ✅ improved pelvis, scapular & foot positioning
    ✅ increased ribcage expansion
    ✅ better joint stacking & thoracic extension
    ✅ improved head/neck alignment

    Anthony’s mum testimonial:

    “My son started weekly training with Alana because we were concerned about his pectus excavatum. In the last 8 months we’ve seen a massive change! His pectus is noticeably less depressed, he stands taller, moves better, and has grown so much stronger both physically and in his confidence. It’s been really encouraging to see how much progress Anthony has made, and we’re so thankful for the help and support Alana has given him!”

  • Posture improvements young female Musician

    Lauren

    POSTURE and GAIT CYCLE IMPROVEMENTS with Catalina Ghisso HBS3

    Lauren is a musician, working long hours teaching and performing. Before FP she was active, training 3-4 times per week with skipping, HIIT and yoga. Lauren reported a lack of energy and lack overall tension in her body.

    She started at Functional Patterns Sydney in Sept 2023 with Davide Marsala who laid the foundations of FP she then started training with me in August 2024. She has been consistently training once a week, does her homework, and applies FP principles to everyday movements.

    Before FP her pain scores were 5/10 in her neck and 6/10 in her back during a flare up. Now her neck and back pain rarely get past a 2/10 during flare ups that now infrequent.

    Since doing FP her posture and gait has improved. She is able to run pain free and was able to reach a speed of 18km/hr in the second video.

    ‘Before I came to FP I was working out 3-4 times a week doing skipping with weighted ropes, HIIT and yoga. No matter how much I exercised, I never felt very strong or fit and every now and again I suffered from random pains in my back or neck. I’ve been doing FP for about 2 years now and even with a 1 hour session a week at FP, I’ve never felt stronger and generally have way more energy. Catalina’s been an amazing guide and her meticulous instructions have helped me achieve improved posture and more tension in the right places, giving me results much quicker than I expected.’

    Lauren has been a very responsive client that takes on the information and applies it to reality. It has been a rewarding experience to watch Lauren’s progress and I look forward to seeing her continue to gain with FP.

  • Young female with posture improvements and alleviated lower back painbefore and after

    Tugce

    CHRONIC LOWER BACK PAIN IMPROVEMENTS at Functional Patterns Sydney with Shannon Hegarty HBS4

    “I used to struggle with severe lower back pain and rounded shoulders due to long hours at the office. Some days, the pain was unbearable. I did a couple of years of yoga and Pilates 2021 to 2023 and was ready to do anything to fix the pain.

    After meeting Shannon and starting training with Functional Patterns (FP) principles, the results were remarkable. The pain began to subside quickly, and my posture improved significantly. Beyond that, I’ve gained muscle, strength, and, most importantly, a sense of comfort in my own body that I hadn’t experienced before.

    Shannon’s guidance and expertise have been life-changing. I can’t recommend FP training and Shannon enough for anyone looking to improve their posture, strength, and overall well-being.”

    Before (April 2023)

    ❌ Scapula winging, rounded shoulders
    ❌ Poor intra-abdominal pressure, tense thoracic & glutes
    ❌ Compressed ribs, lateral rib shift
    ❌ Hyperextended knees
    ❌ Lower back pain 8/10, weakness

    (After December 2024)
    ✅ No scapula winging or rounded shoulders
    ✅ Improved joint stacking with proper tension
    ✅ Rib decompression, reduced lateral shift
    ✅ Less knee hyperextension
    ✅ Lower back pain 0-2/10
    ✅ Increased strength and muscle gain
  • Older female with improvements in abdominal tension and overall posture

    Jacqui

    POSTURE IMPROVEMENTS AND PAIN RELIEF with Catalina Ghisso HBS3

    Jacqui began training at Functional Patterns Sydney on November 22, 2024 training consistently with me (Catalina Ghisso) at FP Sydney 2-3 times per week, seeking answers and solutions to her ongoing physical pain and discomfort. She reported experiencing overall discomfort, with her neck pain often reaching levels of 7-8 out of 10. With a history of multiple surgeries, scoliosis and injuries, her discomfort was exacerbated by these prior conditions.

    Before starting her training with me, Jacqui was practicing yoga regularly (2-3 times per week) and visiting a chiropractor on a consistent basis. Since adopting the elimination protocol and training exclusively FP methods with me from November 2024, her pain has significantly reduced.

    Her current pain level is approximately 1 out of 10, limited to her neck. Jacqui’s progress reflects a meaningful improvement in her physical well-being through the FP approach.

    “I’m learning so much about how my body should work, fueling my motivation to keep pushing forward.”

    ❌ abdominal distension
    ❌ protracted cranium
    ❌ kyphosis
    ❌ pelvis rotated left
    ❌ chronic pain 7-8/10
    ❌ compressed shoulders
    ❌ inflammation
    ❌ poor sleep

    ✅ improved abdominal engagement
    ✅ cranium stacking corrected
    ✅ thoracic spine extended
    ✅ pelvis neutral
    ✅ pain reduced to 1/10
    ✅ better shoulder position
    ✅ reduced inflammation
    ✅ improved sleep
  • Young male with increased muscle mass and pain relief

    Thibaud

    PROGRESS. 12KG WEIGHT AND GAIT GAINS with Shannon Hegarty HBS4

    I posted results 11 months ago of my client Thibaud where he had some solid gains going from chronic pain that was interrupting his livelihood and quality of life to virtually no pain. One year later he increased is lean muscle mass another 8kg bringing his total FP weight gain to 12kg. This has coincided with increased speed and efficiency in his gait and movement. Thibaud is committed to FP as he listens and applies all he is able to grasp whilst always wanting to learn more and it shows in his gains. Looking forward to seeing more in the coming months/years.

    Before June 2022
    ❌ 68kg
    ❌ Pain walking/running
    ❌ Scapula winging
    ❌ Constant numbness/pain in arms/hands/fingers
    ❌ Couldn’t play piano >2 mins
    ❌ Hip hike/lumbar compression
    ❌ Shoulder instability/subluxation
    ❌ Poor intra-abdominal pressure

    After April 2024
    ✅ 80kg
    ✅ Faster, efficient running; no pain
    ✅ Minimal arm numbness/pain
    ✅ Plays piano 5+ hours pain-free
    ✅ More elastic recoil, stable lumbar
    ✅ Improved shoulder stability; no subluxation
    ✅ Increased intra-abdominal pressure

    “Embracing FP has been like embracing new technology in which everything I have done previously feels stone age in comparison. FP is a new paradigm which has opened up new possibilities for my life that I desperately needed as someone struggling with years of chronic pain. Since building a solid foundation of pain free movement first, I’ve been able to gain 12 kgs within the last year with consistency, but little effort. My sprinting has drastically improved without any practice (I’ve only sprinted a couple of times in the last 6 months) and I feel healthier and more athletic than I ever have. My goal is to be a good example of what FP can do on the off chance it can motivate others to get in control of their health.”

  • Posture gains and pain relief middle aged male

    Rob

    POSTURE RESULTS with Mark Labib HBS4

    Results with Rob after 14 months of Functional Patterns. Rob has been doing 1 private session with 1-2 group classes per week at at FP Sydney .

    Before 04.04.22
    ❌ compressed ribcage & spine
    ❌ poor core & joint stacking
    ❌ scoliosis & frequent AS flare-ups

    After 29.06.23
    ✅ decompressed spine
    ✅ better core engagement
    ✅ expanded ribcage
    ✅ reduced inflammation
    ✅ neutral spine
    ✅ fewer AS flare-ups

    “I started Functional Patterns with Mark a year ago after fifteen years of trying to fix my physical ailments that stem from my condition Ankylosing Spondylitis, with all the common modalities: yoga, pilates, cycling, swimming, conventional strength training, acupuncture, rheumatology, and many physios & chiropractors. None produced long term improvements in my pain mobility, strength, symptoms or wellbeing. I came to Mark in a bad mental and physical state: I resented my body and felt like a victim of it. At first, I found the work we did together baffling and counterintuitive. Some principles contradicted everything I'd been told previously. It took time for me to get out of the mainstream exercise mindset, such as static stretching, which I now see was causing me pain, not solving it. I stuck with it and started seeing physical results. Rather than simply seeing improvements in my training per se, it also affected my movement outside in the ‘real world’. I stopped putting my back out, gained a lot of strength and physical confidence. Outside of the training I found my body moving with FP principles while doing daily activities, and often it was happening without any conscious effort or awareness. It’s the only form of exercise that teaches your body to skilfully navigate a complex three-dimensional world. This in turn allowed me to improve more rapidly. After sticking with FP for 12 months, I’m now in a completely different relationship with with my body. I no longer have debilitating episodes of 'putting my back out'. I still have flare ups with my Ankylosing spondylitis (AS), but they’re much more manageable and I have the tools to get myself out of them. “

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