Selective Functional Movement Assessment (SFMA) Overview
The Selective Functional Movement Assessment (SFMA)
The Selective Functional Movement Assessment (SFMA) is a powerful diagnostic tool developed by Gray Cook and colleagues, the creators of the Functional Movement Systems. The SFMA is specifically designed to assist clinicians in diagnosing and treating musculoskeletal disorders by identifying dysfunctional movement patterns in patients who experience pain.
The SFMA is intended for use by a range of healthcare professionals, including physiotherapists, athletic trainers, chiropractors, and physicians. By employing a series of full-body movements, the SFMA allows practitioners to assess the quality of movement, rather than focusing solely on quantity. It aims to uncover asymmetries and dysfunctional movement patterns that may be the root cause of pain, guiding the clinician in developing an effective treatment plan.
Why Use SFMA?
The SFMA is an invaluable tool for clinicians seeking to identify movement dysfunctions that contribute to musculoskeletal pain. This system evaluates the quality of movement using a regional interdependent approach, examining how limitations in one area of the body may impact other areas. This helps clinicians pinpoint dysfunctions that can then be effectively treated to restore pain-free movement and function.
Unlike other movement assessments that measure strength or flexibility in isolation, the SFMA assesses integrated movement patterns, allowing clinicians to identify areas where patients have poor movement quality. It is ideal for evaluating chronic musculoskeletal issues that are resistant to standard treatment approaches.
How SFMA Works
The SFMA process begins with a series of seven top-tier movement tests, each designed to assess a specific movement pattern. These tests help the clinician identify movement limitations and dysfunctions that can then be further explored through detailed breakout assessments. The main goal of the SFMA is to identify whether dysfunctions are caused by issues with mobility (such as joint restriction or tissue extensibility) or stability/motor control.
The SFMA categorizes movement patterns into four main categories:
Functional Non-Painful (FN)
Functional Painful (FP)
Dysfunctional Non-Painful (DN)
Dysfunctional Painful (DP)
These categories help guide clinicians in determining which movement patterns require immediate attention and which patterns may need further investigation. If a movement pattern does not pass the FN grade, a series of breakout tests are performed to determine the true cause of the dysfunction. The ultimate aim is to address the underlying issues causing dysfunctional movement patterns, thereby promoting effective and lasting recovery.
SFMA vs. Functional Movement Screen (FMS)
It is important to note that the Selective Functional Movement Assessment (SFMA) and the Functional Movement Screen (FMS) are both part of the Functional Movement System but serve different purposes. The SFMA is used in a diagnostic capacity, specifically to identify musculoskeletal dysfunctions in individuals who are experiencing pain. In contrast, the FMS is a screening tool used to identify imbalances in mobility and stability among pain-free individuals. While the SFMA aims to address existing pain, the FMS is a preventive tool that helps reduce the risk of injury by uncovering potential movement limitations.
The SFMA Process
The SFMA consists of seven top-tier assessments, each aimed at identifying limitations in key movement patterns:
Cervical Patterns: Assessing flexion, extension, and rotation of the neck.
Upper-Extremity Patterns: Evaluating internal and external rotation, as well as extension and abduction of the shoulder.
Multi-Segmental Flexion: Assessing the ability to bend forward while maintaining a smooth and symmetrical movement pattern.
Multi-Segmental Extension: Evaluating the ability to extend the body backward in a coordinated fashion.
Multi-Segmental Rotation: Assessing the ability to rotate the body while keeping both feet flat on the ground.
Single-Leg Stance: Evaluating the ability to balance on one leg.
Overhead Squat: Assessing the ability to perform a full squat with hands raised overhead.
Each movement is scored based on pain and dysfunction, and breakout assessments are used to explore the root cause of any problems found during the top-tier tests.
Benefits of SFMA
The SFMA is beneficial for identifying the underlying causes of pain and dysfunction in patients, allowing clinicians to provide targeted treatment aimed at restoring proper movement. By evaluating the quality of movement across multiple areas of the body, the SFMA allows clinicians to understand how different regions of the body interact and contribute to the patient's overall function.
The SFMA is particularly helpful for individuals who have persistent or recurrent pain, as it offers a more comprehensive assessment than traditional methods that focus solely on isolated joint function. It also aids in developing a personalized treatment plan, focusing on restoring both mobility and stability to affected areas.
Getting Started with SFMA
If you are a clinician interested in utilizing the Selective Functional Movement Assessment in your practice, specialized training and certification are available to ensure you can effectively implement the assessment. The SFMA is an advanced tool that requires a thorough understanding of movement analysis, making it essential for practitioners to receive proper training to maximize its benefits.
For more information on SFMA training and certification, you can visit the officialFunctional Movement Systems website.