Selective Functional Movement Assessment (SFMA)

The SFMA (Selective Functional Movement Assessment) is a movement based diagnostic system composed of a series of 7 fundamental movement patterns. These tests are designed to assess patterns of movement (such as bending and squatting) in individuals with known musculoskeletal pain. The assessment provides an efficient method to systematically find the source of symptoms by logically breaking down dysfunctional movement patterns and diagnosing their root cause as either a mobility problem or a stability/motor control problem.

This systematic process allows our doctors to clearly match their intervention to the main source of the problem in our patients. The SFMA model efficiently integrates the concepts of altered motor control, the neurodevelopmental perspective, and regional interdependence into musculoskeletal practice.

The overall goal of the SFMA is to identify specific movement limitations that cause you pain. It can also determine if these movements are due to tightness or weakness. It is important to explain “tightness” or “weakness” in this context. Essentially, the SFMA calls “tightness” a joint mobility dysfunction and/or tissue extensibility dysfunction, and “weakness” a stability and/or motor control dysfunction.

To accomplish this, the SFMA looks at seven movement patterns that broadly assess how you move. There is a baseline criteria for each of the movement patterns that everyone should be able to achieve. This baseline criteria is graded in two ways: functional or dysfunctional, painful or non-painful.

Once we figure out which movements are functional, dysfunctional, painful, or non-painful we can narrow down problematic regions of the body. When one of the seven movement patterns is found to be dysfunctional, we examine a subset of movements to figure out why. The SFMA calls these sub-movements “breakouts”.

It is important to note that the SFMA is not a treatment. It is exactly what it says it is: an assessment. We take the information gained from this type of assessment (i.e. diagnosis of joint mobility dysfunction, tissue extensibility dysfunction, or stability/motor control dysfunction) to determine the best course of treatment to address the cause of the dysfunctional movement.

Our Services

Chiropractic

Chiropractic focuses on the relationship between STRUCTURE (primarily the spine, although fixations in the extremities are often involved) and its FUNCTION (as coordinated by the nervous system). Our doctors utilize specific assessment/treatment techniques to detect and correct dysfunctional spinal and extremity joints that are not moving properly. Restoring joint motion alleviates pain, improves function and […]
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Active Release Techniques (ART)

Active Release Techniques® (ART) is a non-surgical soft tissue therapy that diagnoses and treats myofascial adhesion/scar tissue within/between muscles, fascia, tendons, ligaments and nerve tracts. ART utilizes principles of joint movement combined with friction/tension to break up these adhesions to restore proper mobility and function to the targeted area.
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Fascial Distortion Model

What is the fascial distortion model? The Fascial Distortion Model (FDM) is based on the assessment of six different distortions or problems that can occur within the body’s connective tissues, known as fascia.  After finding the distortion within the body, the physician then applies a hands-on therapy involving pressure and movement to realign fascia. What […]
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Fascial Manipulation

Fascial Manipulation involves the identification of specific and localized densifications of the fascia in connection with specific patterns of limited movement. Once a limited or painful movement is identified, then a specific point on the fascia is implicated and through appropriate manipulation of this precise part of the fascia, movement can be restored to full […]
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Selective Functional Movement Assessment (SFMA)

The SFMA (Selective Functional Movement Assessment) is a movement based diagnostic system composed of a series of 7 fundamental movement patterns. These tests are designed to assess patterns of movement (such as bending and squatting) in individuals with known musculoskeletal pain. The assessment provides an efficient method to systematically find the source of symptoms by […]
learn More

Visceral Manipulation

“Viscera” relates to the internal organs of the body, such as the stomach, liver and intestines. Visceral Manipulation involves manual release of fascial restrictions in the abdomen and pelvis to encourage the normal movement and function of the internal organs. Most people are familiar with the idea of joint and muscle restrictions causing tightness, pain […]
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Graston Technique

The Graston Technique® is an innovative, patented form of instrument-assisted soft tissue mobilization (IASTM) that enables our doctors to effectively break down scar tissue and fascial restrictions. The Technique utilizes patented stainless steel instruments designed specifically to detect and effectively treat areas exhibiting soft tissue fibrosis or chronic inflammation.
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Anatomy In Motion (AiM)

Anatomy in Motion (AiM) is a movement based method of assessing / correcting postural problems, relieving pain, reducing the likelihood of future injury and improving physical performance. The premise of AiM is to encourage the body to move in ways that it has “forgotten” due to adaptation/compensation. By systematically encouraging each joint of the body […]
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Proprioceptive Deep Tendon Reflex (P-DTR)

P-DTR® is a revolutionary technique used to diagnose and treat various issues related to dysfunction of the nervous system. P-DTR® addresses issues at the level of the brain and its sensory receptors.
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Shockwave Therapy (EPAT)

Shockwave Therapy (EPAT®) is a form of ESWT (Extracorporeal Shockwave Therapy) which is an evidence based, emerging, proven treatment option for patients suffering from acute and chronic musculoskeletal injuries. EPAT® uses acoustic pressure waves to safely increase metabolism and blood flow, stimulating / enhancing healing of the injury. The microtrauma induced, triggers a cascade of […]
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Pulsed Electromagnetic Therapy (PEMF)

Pulsed Electro Magnetic Field (PEMF) therapy involves directing powerful, pulsed energy waves toward damaged or injured areas of the patient’s body. These waves painlessly and quickly pass through the cells in the damaged region, increasing the spin of the electrons contained within them. This ultimately leads to enhanced cellular growth/healing, improved circulation and helps open […]
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Physiotherapy

Physiotherapy refers to a range of passive treatment modalities used in our clinic to maximize treatment efficacy. These modalities include ice packs, moist heat (hydrocollator), electrical muscle stimulation (EMS), therapeutic ultrasound, mechanical traction and spinal decompression therapy.
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Spinal Decompression

Spinal Decompression Traction Therapy is a modern, high tech, non-surgical traction procedure that effectively treats disabling low back, neck, and radiating leg and arm pain. At Elite Spinal & Sports Care, we utilize the Triton DTS Decompression system.
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Fascial Movement Taping

Fascial Movement Taping is a rehabilitative taping technique that is designed to facilitate the body’s natural healing process. It does this by decompressing areas of swelling and inflammation, enhancing coordination of movement as well as decreasing pain.
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2041 Hallmark Drive, Suite 1
Sacramento, CA 95825
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Tuesday: 11 am - 6 pm
Wednesday: 11 am - 6 pm
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Friday: 8 am - 5 pm
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