The Selective Functional Movement Assessment (SFMA) is a comprehensive movement evaluation system that identifies dysfunctional movement patterns contributing to pain and injury risk. This clinical assessment helps healthcare providers pinpoint specific movement limitations and develop targeted treatment strategies for improved function and performance.
Understanding the Selective Functional Movement Assessment
When you experience pain or movement limitations, the underlying cause often lies deeper than the obvious symptoms. The Selective Functional Movement Assessment represents a systematic approach to uncovering these hidden movement dysfunctions that contribute to your discomfort and reduced performance.
Dr. Dustin Drussel, DC, MS in Sports Rehabilitation, utilizes this evidence-based assessment tool at Integrative Motion Utah to evaluate patients experiencing various conditions. The SFMA goes beyond traditional static examinations by analyzing how your body moves as an integrated system during functional activities.
The Science Behind Movement Assessment
According to the American Physical Therapy Association, movement dysfunction assessment has become a cornerstone of effective rehabilitation. The SFMA builds upon this foundation by examining seven fundamental movement patterns that reveal compensation strategies your body has developed over time.
These compensations often develop gradually, making them difficult to detect without systematic evaluation. What starts as a minor ankle restriction might eventually manifest as back pain or neck pain as your body adapts to the limitation.
The Seven Key Movement Patterns
The Selective Functional Movement Assessment evaluates seven fundamental movement patterns that form the foundation of human movement. Each pattern provides unique insights into different aspects of your mobility, stability, and motor control.
Cervical Flexion Pattern
This assessment examines your ability to flex your neck while maintaining proper spinal alignment. Restrictions here often correlate with headaches and upper back tension, particularly common among desk workers in the Orem and Provo areas.
Upper Extremity Patterns
The assessment includes specific patterns for overhead reaching and internal/external rotation. These movements reveal shoulder blade function, thoracic spine mobility, and coordination between your arms and core. Athletes frequently show dysfunction in these patterns following sports injuries.
Spinal and Hip Patterns
Multi-segmental flexion and extension patterns evaluate how your spine and hips coordinate during bending movements. These patterns often reveal the root cause of chronic lower back pain and help distinguish between mobility and stability issues.
Lower Extremity Patterns
Single leg stance and overhead squat patterns assess your body's ability to maintain stability while moving through multiple planes of motion. These assessments are particularly valuable for identifying sciatica risk factors and ankle dysfunction.
The SFMA Process at Integrative Motion Utah
When you undergo a Selective Functional Movement Assessment with Dr. Drussel, the process follows a systematic approach designed to uncover the true source of your movement dysfunction.
Initial Movement Screen
The assessment begins with the seven fundamental patterns performed in their most basic form. Dr. Drussel observes your movement quality, noting any painful or dysfunctional patterns. This initial screen provides a roadmap for deeper investigation.
Pattern Breakdown
For any dysfunctional patterns identified, the assessment breaks down the movement into smaller components. This process helps differentiate between mobility restrictions, stability deficits, and motor control issues. The systematic breakdown continues until the specific dysfunction is isolated.
Classification and Treatment Planning
Each identified dysfunction receives a specific classification that guides treatment decisions. Some dysfunctions require chiropractic adjustments to restore joint mobility, while others benefit from soft tissue therapy or corrective exercises.
Benefits of SFMA for Different Conditions
The comprehensive nature of the Selective Functional Movement Assessment makes it valuable for addressing various conditions seen at our Utah County practice. Understanding how this assessment applies to your specific situation can help you appreciate its role in your recovery.
Chronic Pain Conditions
For patients dealing with persistent pain, the SFMA often reveals movement compensations that perpetuate symptoms. By addressing these underlying dysfunctions through targeted interventions, many patients experience significant improvement in their chronic conditions.
Research published in the Journal of Manipulative and Physiological Therapeutics (2019) demonstrates that movement-based assessments improve treatment outcomes for chronic musculoskeletal conditions when compared to symptom-focused approaches alone.
Athletic Performance Enhancement
Athletes benefit from SFMA by identifying movement limitations that restrict performance and increase injury risk. The assessment helps create individualized sports rehabilitation programs that address sport-specific movement demands.
Post-Injury Recovery
Following injuries, including car accident injuries, the SFMA helps ensure complete recovery by identifying compensatory patterns that develop during healing. This comprehensive approach reduces the likelihood of re-injury and chronic complications.
What to Expect During Your Assessment
Preparing for your Selective Functional Movement Assessment helps ensure accurate results and a productive evaluation session.
Preparation Guidelines
Wear comfortable, loose-fitting clothing that allows for full range of motion. Athletic wear or shorts and a t-shirt work well. Avoid heavy meals immediately before your appointment, as some movements require core engagement that may be uncomfortable with a full stomach.
Duration and Process
A complete SFMA typically takes 45-60 minutes, depending on the complexity of your movement dysfunctions. Dr. Drussel will explain each movement before you perform it and may demonstrate proper technique to ensure accurate assessment.
Post-Assessment Discussion
Following the movement evaluation, you'll receive a detailed explanation of findings and their relevance to your symptoms. This discussion includes specific treatment recommendations and may incorporate other services available at our practice, such as functional medicine approaches when appropriate.
Integrating SFMA Results into Your Treatment Plan
The true value of the Selective Functional Movement Assessment lies in how the findings translate into effective treatment strategies tailored to your specific dysfunctions.
Immediate Action Steps
Based on your assessment results, Dr. Drussel will provide specific recommendations you can implement immediately. These might include posture modifications, basic stretches, or activity modifications to prevent symptom aggravation while beginning formal treatment.
Progressive Treatment Approach
Treatment typically follows a logical progression addressing the most fundamental dysfunctions first. This approach ensures that improvements build upon each other, creating lasting change rather than temporary symptom relief.
Depending on your specific needs, treatment may include various modalities such as acupuncture for pain relief, kinesiology taping for movement support, or targeted manual therapy techniques.
Monitoring Progress
Regular reassessment using SFMA protocols helps track your improvement objectively. This data-driven approach allows for treatment modifications as your movement patterns improve and new dysfunctions potentially emerge.
Frequently Asked Questions
How is SFMA different from a regular physical exam?
SFMA evaluates movement patterns and functional abilities rather than just individual joints or muscles. It identifies how your body compensates for restrictions and reveals the root cause of movement dysfunction.
Is the SFMA assessment painful?
The assessment should not cause significant pain. Movements are performed within your comfortable range of motion, and you can stop any movement that causes discomfort.
How often should SFMA be performed?
Initial assessment is followed by periodic reassessments every 4-6 weeks during active treatment. Athletes may benefit from quarterly assessments for injury prevention.
Can SFMA help prevent future injuries?
Yes, by identifying movement dysfunctions before they cause symptoms, SFMA helps create targeted prevention strategies. This proactive approach significantly reduces injury risk.
What should I bring to my SFMA appointment?
Wear comfortable athletic clothing and bring a list of current symptoms, previous injuries, and any relevant medical history. No special equipment is needed.
The Selective Functional Movement Assessment represents a paradigm shift from treating symptoms to addressing underlying movement dysfunctions. At Integrative Motion Utah, Dr. Drussel's expertise in sports rehabilitation and comprehensive approach to patient care ensures that your SFMA results translate into effective, lasting solutions for your movement and pain challenges.
Ready to discover what your movement patterns reveal about your health? Schedule a consultation with Dr. Drussel to begin your comprehensive movement assessment. For questions about the SFMA process or to discuss your specific concerns, call (801) 396-1100 and speak with our knowledgeable team today.
