The Selective Functional Movement Assessment (SFMA) is an advanced, movement-based diagnostic tool that is specifically designed to assess and identify dysfunctions in individuals experiencing musculoskeletal pain. By focusing on seven fundamental movement patterns, the SFMA evaluates how the body moves during basic, everyday motions, allowing clinicians to pinpoint areas where movement is compromised.
One of the key features of the SFMA is its ability to go beyond simply identifying the source of pain. Instead, it aims to uncover the true underlying cause of a patient’s symptoms. Dysfunctional movement patterns are systematically analyzed and categorized into two primary categories: mobility issues (restricted range of motion or movement quality) and stability/motor control problems (the body’s ability to stabilize and control movements). By distinguishing between these two causes, clinicians can provide more accurate and effective interventions that target the root of the issue.
This assessment provides a logical, step-by-step framework that helps clinicians match their interventions directly to the patient’s specific needs, ensuring that treatment plans are not only individualized but also directly aligned with the problem at hand. For example, if the issue is identified as a mobility problem, treatments will focus on improving joint or soft tissue mobility. Conversely, if a stability or motor control problem is found, the focus will shift to improving strength, coordination, and motor patterns.
What makes the SFMA particularly powerful is its ability to integrate several key concepts into musculoskeletal care. The model incorporates altered motor control, which examines how the nervous system and muscles interact to create efficient movement patterns, as well as neurodevelopmental perspectives, which view movement dysfunction through the lens of developmental patterns of human movement. Additionally, SFMA embraces the concept of regional interdependence, which recognizes that dysfunction in one area of the body can have a direct impact on other, seemingly unrelated, regions.
Ultimately, the SFMA offers a holistic approach to diagnosing and treating musculoskeletal pain, providing clinicians with a clear, structured method to assess the body as a whole. By focusing on functional movement patterns, the SFMA not only helps to alleviate symptoms but also works to prevent future injuries and improve overall movement efficiency. Whether treating acute injuries or chronic pain conditions, the SFMA helps ensure that treatment is both precise and comprehensive, allowing patients to return to their optimal level of function more effectively and safely.