WHAT IS A FUNCTIONAL MOVEMENT ASSESSMENT?
By: Dr. Rebecca Temertzoglou DC
A Functional Movement Assessment is a specialized assessment that allows a therapist to observe how an individual moves. It evaluates uni-regional, bi-regional, and multi-regional movement patterns, breaking down how joints function both independently and in coordination with surrounding joints. This holistic approach helps identify movement inefficiencies, imbalances, and potential areas of dysfunction.
Whether you’re part of the general population or a high-performance athlete, understanding how your body moves is crucial:
- For the General Population: this assessment can enhance everyday mobility, reduce the risk of injury, and improve quality of life—whether it’s being able to lift groceries without back pain or maintain balance when walking on uneven surfaces.
- For Athletes: this assessment offers insights into biomechanics that can optimize performance, aid in injury prevention, and support efficient recovery. By addressing movement patterns, athletes can enhance their strength, speed, and overall performance while minimizing the risk of setbacks.
WHY WOULD SOMEONE NEED A FUNCTIONAL MOVEMENT ASSESSMENT?
There are many reasons someone why someone would benefit from a FMA. The following are reasons I have used in practice with patients:
Recurring Injuries:
“I get this hip pain a few times a year. It goes away with treatment but always seems to come back.” A functional movement assessment can uncover movement dysfunctions elsewhere in the body that contribute to chronic pain or recurrent injuries. By addressing the root cause, we can help break the cycle of recurring issues and provide a more long-term solution.
Pain or Mobility Restrictions:
Whether it’s back pain during daily tasks or stiffness when working out, a functional movement assessment can help pinpoint where your movement patterns may be breaking down. Identifying these areas allows us to target the root causes of your discomfort and work towards restoring proper movement function.
Injury Prevention:
A functional movement assessment helps detect imbalances or dysfunctional movement patterns before they lead to injury. By addressing these issues early, we can reduce the risk of both acute injuries and chronic pain over time.
Performance Optimization:
For athletes or active individuals, a functional movement assessment helps improve biomechanics, allowing you to move more efficiently.
Before Starting a New Sport or Fitness Program:
Starting a new sport or fitness routine can put unfamiliar stresses on your body. A functional movement assessment provides a baseline evaluation, identifying potential weaknesses or limitations that could increase your injury risk when introducing new physical demands. By addressing these areas beforehand, you can improve your movement quality and safely transition into your new activity.
WHAT TO EXPECT DURING THE ASSESSMENT:
During your Movement Assessment, I’ll guide you through specific movements tailored to your health and injury history. The assessment starts with gross movement patterns and gradually progresses to more isolated movements, allowing me to observe how your body moves as a whole and how joints function individually and together.
Throughout the assessment, I’ll be scoring each section, which helps identify any movement inefficiencies, imbalances, or areas of dysfunction. Once we’ve completed the assessment, I’ll walk you through the results. From there, we’ll work together on movement corrections and create a personalized plan to help you move more effectively, reduce pain, and prevent future injuries.
MY QUALIFICATIONS:
As a chiropractor trained in Integrated Assessment (IA) and Integrated Patterning (IP) through the Integrated Seminar Series (ISS), I combine evidence-based practices with a patient-centered approach to ensure your treatment is both effective and individualized. Whether you’re an athlete or looking to improve everyday mobility, my goal is to help you achieve optimal movement and enhanced quality of life.
Ready to get started? Booking your Functional Movement Assessment is easy! Simply reach out to schedule your appointment, and we’ll work together to improve your movement and well-being.
