The SFMA (Selective Functional Movement Assessment) is a clinical assessment specifically designed for individuals experiencing pain. It’s a movement-based diagnostic system that identifies the cause of pain, not just the source, by systematically analyzing dysfunctional movement patterns in a structured and repeatable way.
Think of it like this: if you visit a hospital for shooting arm pain, the first priority is often checking your heart rather than your arm. That’s because the symptoms in your arm may stem from a deeper issue elsewhere in the body. Similarly, the SFMA focuses on identifying the underlying dysfunction causing the pain, rather than just treating the area where the pain is felt. This concept, known as regional interdependence, explains how seemingly unrelated issues can drive movement dysfunction.
What sets SFMA apart is its focus on altered motor control — the inability to properly coordinate movement. While there are many excellent mobility treatment systems, SFMA goes a step further by reprogramming motor control using a neurodevelopmental perspective. This method mimics how we learn to move as infants, helping to reteach the brain how to communicate effectively with the body.
By distinguishing between mobility issues and motor control problems, SFMA equips clinicians with the tools to deliver effective, lasting solutions for pain and dysfunction.
