Selective Functional Movement Assessment (SFMA) Physical Therapy Q&A

SFMA, which stands for Selective Functional Movement Assessment, is a comprehensive assessment tool utilized by physical therapists to evaluate an individual’s movement patterns and determine if there are any specific dysfunctions or limitations that may be contributing to their musculoskeletal issues.

This assessment is considered to be the first step in managing and treating musculoskeletal injuries and/or conditions.

The primary goal of SFMA is to identify the underlying cause of pain and/or discomfort, rather than simply addressing the symptoms. By assessing the entire body’s movement patterns, physical therapists can identify any compensatory movement patterns or asymmetries that may be putting stress on certain body regions.

During an SFMA assessment, the physical therapist or performing specialist will systematically evaluate each individual joint’s mobility, stability, and overall movement quality.

The assessment typically involves various functional movements, such as squatting, lunging, bending, reaching, and rotating to evaluate the individual’s cumulative movement patterns. The therapist will closely observe the individual’s movement for any restrictions, limitations, or compensatory movements that may be contributing to their condition.

The SFMA assessment also integrates very specific tests to determine the individual’s pain response, as well as to differentiate between stability dysfunctions and mobility dysfunctions.

Based on the findings of the SFMA assessment, the specialist can then develop a personalized treatment plan that targets the problem area to alleviate pain and improve overall functionality. This may include a combination of manual therapy techniques, therapeutic exercises, neuromuscular re-education, and functional training to address each identified dysfunction and to restore optimal range of motion.

Many people get these two forms of testing confused, as Functional Movement Screen (FMS) and Selective Functional Movement Assessment (SFMA) are both screening tools used to assess movement patterns.

FMS is a widely used screening tool that assesses movement quality and identify physical imbalances in the body. 

In contrast, SFMA is a more advanced screening tool that is used for diagnosing and treating musculoskeletal problems. SFMA assesses very specific movement patterns and evaluates the body’s ability to move in three planes of movement to identify the underlying cause of the patient’s issue(s).

While FMS is a valuable tool in assessing overall movement quality and identifying limitations in mobility and stability, SFMA takes a more in-depth approach to identifying musculoskeletal problems and can offer more targeted treatment.

While the duration of the SFMA can vary depending on the complexity and extent of a patient’s condition, it typically takes between 60-90 minutes to complete.

The initial screening process includes a detailed history and physical examination, followed by a series of eight movement patterns designed to identify movement issues, asymmetries, and limitations. This includes movements such as a deep squat, hurdle step, inline lunge, shoulder mobility, and spinal rotation, which are monitored and evaluated for pain, restriction, weakness, or asymmetry.

After the SFMA assessment is completed, the specialist will provide detailed feedback to the patient regarding their performance and provide recommendations for appropriate treatment moving forward.

If you’re looking for specialized care to get you back on the right track with your health, contact us at The Spine and Health Center or schedule an appointment online. Our team of knowledgeable professionals would be happy to serve you and perform the testing you need, such as SFMA. For more information, contact us or request an appointment online. We are located at 31 Vervalen St, Closter, NJ 07624. We serve patients from Montvale NJ, Closter NJ, Westwood NJ, Hillsdale NJ, Woodcliff Lake NJ, Alpine NJ, Englewood NJ, Hackensack NJ, Dumont NJ, and surrounding areas.