Selective Functional Movement Assessment (SFMA) is a series of 7 full-body movement tests designed to assess fundamental patterns of movement such as bending and squatting in those with known musculoskeletal pain. When the clinical assessment is initiated from the perspective of the movement pattern, the clinician has the opportunity to identify meaningful impairments that may be seemingly unrelated to the main musculoskeletal complaint but contribute to the associated disability. This concept, known as Regional Interdependence, is the hallmark of the SFMA.
The assessment guides the clinician to the most dysfunctional non-painful movement pattern, which is then assessed in detail. This approach complements the existing exam and serves as a model to efficiently integrate the concepts of posture, muscle balance and the fundamental patterns of movement into musculoskeletal practice. By addressing the most dysfunctional non-painful pattern, the use of targeted interventions (manual therapy and therapeutic exercise) are not adversely affected by pain.
Pain-free functional movement for participation in occupational and lifestyle activities is desirable. Many components comprise pain-free functional movement including adequate posture, range of motion, muscle performance, motor control, and balance reactions. Impairments of each component could potentially alter functional movement resulting in or as a consequence of pain. Utilizing the SFMA, the clinician is able to identify key functional movement patterns and describe the critical points of assessment needed to efficiently restore functional movement. This approach is designed to complement the clinician’s existing exam and intervention model with the prescription of movement based therapeutic exercise. The SFMA serves to efficiently integrate the concepts of posture, muscle balance and the fundamental patterns of the movement system into musculoskeletal practice. Additionally, it provides feedback for the effectiveness of the therapeutic exercise program, which targets the dysfunctional movement pattern and related impairments.
First Colony Aquatic and Rehabilitation Center performs this screening methodology on nearly all patients as a starting point in the evaluation process. If a dysfunctional pattern of movement is identified during the evaluation, a corrective exercise program and potentially other forms of manual therapy would be instituted with the goal of normalizing mobility, increasing functional strength, improving balance, and returning to pain free function. If you would like the therapists at First Colony Aquatic and Rehabilitation Center in Sugar land and Rosenberg to provide you with a Selective Functional Movement Assessment, please contact us today.