Selective Functional Movement Assessment (SFMA) in Bergen County, NJ
What Is the Selective Functional Movement Assessment (SFMA)?
The Selective Functional Movement Assessment (SFMA) is a comprehensive, movement-based diagnostic system used to uncover the root causes of pain and dysfunction. Instead of focusing solely on symptoms, SFMA helps clinicians identify how and why your body is moving incorrectly—allowing for more accurate diagnosis and targeted treatment.
At The Spine & Health Center of New Jersey, our experienced physical therapy team uses SFMA to evaluate functional movement patterns, uncover imbalances, and develop personalized treatment plans to restore proper motion and prevent future injury.
We offer SFMA assessments at our Closter, Park Ridge, and Montvale locations, proudly serving patients across Bergen County, NJ.
How SFMA Works
SFMA evaluates how the body moves as a whole, not just isolated joints or muscles. During the assessment, your therapist will guide you through a series of seven fundamental movement patterns, such as:
- Deep squat
- Inline lunge
- Shoulder mobility test
- Active straight leg raise
- Multi-segmental flexion and extension
- Rotational movements
Each pattern is carefully analyzed to identify pain, restriction, weakness, or asymmetry. By observing how you move through these motions, your therapist can pinpoint whether the issue is caused by mobility limitations (tightness, stiffness, restriction) or stability dysfunctions (weakness, control issues).
This detailed insight allows your provider to create a custom treatment plan that restores balanced, pain-free movement.
SFMA vs. FMS: What’s the Difference?
- Goal: Screens general movement quality
- Used By: Trainers, coaches, fitness professionals
- Focus: Prevention and performance
- Approach: Identifies movement limitations
- Goal: Diagnoses pain or dysfunction
- Used By: Physical therapists, medical clinicians
- Focus: Rehabilitation and recovery
- Approach: Determines the root cause of pain and dysfunction
In short, FMS is preventive, while SFMA is diagnostic—making SFMA ideal for patients recovering from pain, injury, or chronic mobility issues.
What Conditions Can SFMA Help Diagnose and Treat?
SFMA is used to uncover and treat a wide range of musculoskeletal problems, including:
- Back and neck pain
- Shoulder, elbow, or wrist pain
- Hip, knee, and ankle injuries
- Postural imbalances and movement dysfunctions
- Chronic muscle tension or restricted mobility
- Sports-related injuries
- Overuse and repetitive strain injuries
By understanding how the body moves as a system, SFMA allows our therapists to address not just the painful area, but also the underlying dysfunction that caused it.
Benefits of SFMA
Root-Cause Diagnosis
Identifies the source of dysfunction rather than masking pain symptoms.
Personalized Treatment Planning
Tailors therapy to your unique movement patterns for faster, longer-lasting results.
Improved Mobility and Strength
Corrects compensations and restores proper movement control and flexibility.
Comprehensive Whole-Body Insight
Evaluates the entire kinetic chain—from head to toe—for complete functional understanding.
Enhanced Performance and Injury Prevention
Optimizes movement mechanics to reduce future risk of injury.
Faster, Measurable Results
Patients often experience noticeable improvements in movement and pain reduction within a few sessions.
What to Expect During Your SFMA Assessment
An SFMA evaluation typically lasts 60–90 minutes and begins with a full medical history and physical assessment.
You’ll perform guided functional movements such as squatting, bending, reaching, and rotation while your therapist observes and documents findings. Painful or limited movements are analyzed in greater detail to determine whether the restriction is caused by:
- Mobility dysfunction (muscle or joint restriction)
- Stability dysfunction (motor control or weakness)
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Manual Therapy To improve joint and soft tissue mobility.
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Corrective Exercises To retrain proper movement patterns.
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Neuromuscular Re-education for strength and stability.
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Functional Training To integrate better movement into daily activities.
Why Choose The Spine & Health Center of New Jersey?
At The Spine & Health Center of NJ, we integrate advanced movement assessments like SFMA into our comprehensive care model for physical therapy, chiropractic care, and sports performance.
- Experienced physical therapists with advanced SFMA certification
- Over 20 years of physiotherapy expertise in diagnosing complex pain patterns
- Integration of manual therapy, exercise therapy, and corrective movement science
- Personalized plans for athletes, workers, and active adults
- Convenient locations in Closter, Park Ridge, and Montvale, NJ
Our goal is simple: to identify the cause of your pain, correct the dysfunction, and help you move better—for life.
Schedule An Appointment!
If you’re experiencing pain, stiffness, or movement limitations, the Selective Functional Movement Assessment (SFMA) can help reveal the root cause and guide your path to recovery.
Closter: 31 Vervalen St, Closter, NJ 07624
Park Ridge: 146 Kinderkamack Rd, Park Ridge, NJ 07656
Montvale: 32 Philips Pkwy, Montvale, NJ 07645
FAQs About SFMA
What is SFMA used for?
How long does an SFMA take?
Is SFMA the same as physical therapy?
Does SFMA help with chronic pain?
Who can benefit from SFMA?
Is SFMA covered by insurance?
External Resource
Learn more about the Selective Functional Movement Assessment from the Functional Movement Systems official website.
Service Areas
We proudly serve patients throughout Bergen County, NJ, including Closter, Park Ridge, Montvale, Westwood, Hillsdale, Woodcliff Lake, Alpine, Englewood, and Hackensack.