Selective Functional Movement Assessment
Selective Functional Movement Assessment (SFMA) is another comprehensive movement assessment system commonly used in physical therapy. It differs from the Functional Movement Screening (FMS) in that it focuses on a more detailed evaluation of movement patterns, aiming to identify the root causes of dysfunction rather than just identifying limitations or asymmetries.
Here’s an overview of SFMA:
Comprehensive Assessment
SFMA is a more comprehensive evaluation tool compared to FMS. It involves a systematic assessment of multiple movement patterns, including both mobility and stability components, to identify dysfunctional movement patterns throughout the entire body.
Seven Fundamental Movement Patterns
SFMA categorizes movement patterns into seven fundamental patterns: cervical spine, shoulder, multi-segmental flexion, multi-segmental extension, multi-segmental rotation, single leg stance, and overhead squat.
Breakdown of Patterns
Each movement pattern is broken down into its individual components to assess both mobility and stability. This allows the therapist to identify specific impairments or dysfunctions within each pattern.
Reactive Evaluation
SFMA incorporates a reactive evaluation component, where the therapist observes how the individual responds to certain movements or positions. This helps to identify compensations or dysfunctional movement patterns that may not be evident during static assessment.
Identifying Dysfunctions
SFMA aims to identify the underlying causes of movement dysfunction rather than just addressing the symptoms. By identifying dysfunctional movement patterns, asymmetries, or limitations, therapists can develop targeted treatment plans to address the root causes of dysfunction.
Treatment Planning
Based on the findings of the SFMA assessment, therapists can develop individualized treatment plans that target specific impairments or dysfunctions identified during the assessment. These treatment plans may include manual therapy techniques, corrective exercises, therapeutic modalities, and patient education.
Monitoring Progress
Similar to FMS, SFMA can be used to monitor progress over time. By periodically re-evaluating movement patterns, therapists can track improvements and make adjustments to the treatment plan as needed.
Integration with Other Assessment Tools
SFMA can be used in conjunction with other assessment tools and clinical tests to provide a comprehensive evaluation of movement dysfunction.
Overall, SFMA is a valuable tool in physical therapy for identifying and addressing movement dysfunctions throughout the body. It provides a more detailed assessment than FMS, allowing therapists to develop targeted treatment plans aimed at addressing the underlying causes of dysfunction and improving overall movement quality and function.
