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What is selective functional movement assessments?

Selective functional movement assessments (SFMA) is a systematic and thorough evaluation process that examines functional movement patterns. It identifies dysfunctions, imbalances, and compensations in the body, with the goal of uncovering the root causes of pain and movement restrictions. By pinpointing specific issues, therapists can created targeted treatment plans that address not only symptoms but also the underlying problems. This approach promotes efficient recovery, reduces the risk of recurring injuries, and enhances overall athletic performance.

At the Sport Medicine Clinic, we incorporate SFMA into treatment plans because it offers a systematic and data-driven method to accelerate recovery, reduce discomfort, and promote optimal healing for our patients.

When can selective functional movement assessments help?

Our therapists use selective functional movement assessments to address:

- Muscle imbalances: identifying and correcting muscle imbalances that can lead to overuse injuries
- Joint dysfunctions: pinpointing joint problems that hinder optimal movement and function
- Postural issues: correcting postural imbalances that contribute to chronic discomfort and injuries
- Gait abnormalities: analyzing and addressing walking and running patterns that can lead to lower extremity injuries
- Functional limitations: assessing movement restrictions that hinder athletic performance
- Repetitive stress injuries: identifying sources of overuse injuries and developing strategies to prevent recurrence
- Hip impingement: evaluating hip joint function and potential impingement issues
- Spinal dysfunctions: assessing spinal alignment and mobility
- Shoulder impingement: identifying shoulder joint issues and movement restrictions
- Knee alignment: evaluating knee joint alignment and potential problems
- Ankle instability: assessing ankle stability and potential risk factors
- Lumbar instability: pinpointing issues related to lower back stability
- Overhead mobility issues: evaluating overhead range of motion and addressing limitations

What is selective functional movement assessments used for?

The SFMA is used by clinicians to identify both movement dysfunction and pain that is specific to the individual being assessed. Essentially, the SMFA creates a more pattern-specific perspective of how each individual patient moves and how this is related to pain and dysfunction.

What's the difference between functional movement screen and selective functional movement assessment?

There are a few main differences between the FMS and the Selective Functional Movement Assessment (SFMA). The FMS is designed to focus on the client’s asymmetries in mobility and stability during functional movement patterns, while the SFMA is used to uncover musculoskeletal dysfunctions in people experiencing pain.

What's involved in selective functional movement assessments?

The SFMA is a diagnostic system that is broken down into seven (7) Top Tier tests that are graded as Functional Painful (FP), Functional Non-painful (FN), Dysfunctional Painful (DP), Dysfunctional Non-painful (DN). Should a Top Tier test not pass a grade of FN, then that specific movement will be broken down further to the find the root cause of the dysfunction. This “root cause” can either stem from tissue, joint, or stability/motor control issues.  

Do I need a referral for SFMA at the Sport Medicine Clinic?

No referral is required to do SFMA at the Sport Medicine Clinic. 

Do I need to be a Sport Medicine Clinic patient to do a selective functional movement assessment at the Clinic?

No! Please call 416-865-0903 or click here to book your appointment.