How can you use SFMA to identify asymmetries?

2 How does SFMA work?

SFMA is a two-tier system consisting of the top-tier quick screening of seven essential movement patterns, and the breakouts which are more detailed tests. The top-tier includes cervical spine patterns (flexion, extension, and rotation), upper extremity patterns (shoulder mobility and stability), multi-segmental flexion, multi-segmental extension, multi-segmental rotation, single-leg stance (balance and stability), and overhead deep squat (lower body mobility and stability). Each movement pattern is scored as either functional (F), dysfunctional (D), painful (P), or dysfunctional and painful (DP). The breakouts are used to identify the source of the dysfunction or pain, divided into four categories: cervical spine, upper extremity, lower extremity, and core. Tests in each category examine the mobility and stability of the joints, muscles, and nerves in that region to classify the dysfunction or pain as either mobility-related or stability/motor control-related.

3 How can you use SFMA to identify asymmetries?

Asymmetries are differences in movement quality or performance between the left and right sides of your body. They can be caused by various factors, such as injury, overuse, habit, or preference. Asymmetries can affect your balance, coordination, strength, power, and endurance. They can also increase your risk of pain and injury by creating compensations and stress in other parts of your body.

You can use SFMA to identify asymmetries by comparing the scores and the breakouts of the movement patterns on both sides of your body. For example, if you score a D on the left upper extremity pattern and an F on the right upper extremity pattern, you have an asymmetry in your shoulder mobility and stability. You can then use the breakouts to determine whether the asymmetry is due to a mobility issue, a stability issue, or both. You can also use the breakouts to pinpoint the specific joint, muscle, or nerve that is contributing to the asymmetry.

4 How can you use SFMA to improve your functional training?

Functional training is a type of exercise that focuses on improving your movement quality and efficiency for daily activities, sports, and recreation. Functional training uses exercises that mimic or enhance the movement patterns that you need for your specific goals and challenges. Functional training also addresses your mobility, stability, strength, power, endurance, and coordination.

You can use SFMA to improve your functional training by using the results of the assessment to guide your exercise selection, progression, and regression. You can use the SFMA scores and breakouts to identify your strengths and weaknesses, your pain triggers, and your movement compensations. You can then use this information to design a functional training program that targets your specific needs and goals.

For example, if you have an asymmetry in your lower extremity mobility and stability, you can use exercises that improve your joint range of motion, tissue flexibility, and muscle activation on the affected side. You can also use exercises that challenge your balance, stability, and coordination on both sides. You can modify the exercises by changing the load, speed, direction, or complexity to match your current level of function and to progress or regress as needed.

5 What are the benefits of using SFMA for functional training?

Using SFMA for functional training can offer you multiple advantages, such as reducing pain and improving your function by targeting the root cause of your movement dysfunction. Additionally, it can enhance your movement quality and efficiency by correcting asymmetries and compensations. Moreover, it can optimize your performance and prevent injury by strengthening mobility, stability, strength, power, endurance, and coordination. Furthermore, SFMA scores and breakouts can be used to customize your functional training program. Finally, monitoring progress and adjusting your program by retesting the SFMA movement patterns and breakouts periodically is essential.

6 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?