Understanding how you move can help make an exercise or rehabilitation plan more specific. At Prime Sports Performance & Therapy in Jupiter, Florida, the Functional Movement Screen (FMS) and Selective Functional Movement Assessment (SFMA) are tools used to examine movement patterns. The appropriate approach depends on whether you have pain and what you want the assessment to address.
Who may benefit from a movement assessment?
Athletes and active adults may seek an assessment when movement feels restricted, training is difficult to progress or symptoms repeatedly interrupt activity. The aim is to gather useful information about current movement rather than attach a label based on one task.
- People wanting a clearer starting point for an exercise plan.
- Athletes with mobility or control limitations during training.
- Patients whose painful movement needs clinical assessment.
- People reviewing progress during rehabilitation.
What is the difference between FMS and SFMA?
FMS: screening fundamental movement
The FMS looks at seven movement patterns to identify limitations, differences between sides and tasks that need further attention. It can help inform exercise priorities. Pain during a screen warrants further assessment rather than simply training through it.
SFMA: assessing movement when pain is present
The SFMA is a clinical assessment framework for people with musculoskeletal pain. It helps organize a closer examination of movement and contributing limitations. It forms part of clinical reasoning rather than acting as a standalone diagnosis.
These tools serve different purposes. You do not necessarily need both, and the choice should follow your symptoms, history and goals.
How findings guide your plan
Choose relevant priorities
Findings can help focus attention on mobility, strength or movement control. The next step should relate to the activities you want to do, not simply improving a score.
Select and adapt exercises
Your physical therapy plan may include exercises addressing identified limitations. Progression depends on your response and how the changes transfer to functional tasks.
Review meaningful progress
Reassessment can provide a way to compare movement over time. Symptoms, activity tolerance and your own goals remain important alongside the assessment findings.
Movement assessment in sports rehabilitation
For an athlete, movement findings can contribute to sports rehabilitation planning and later return-to-sport work. A screen cannot guarantee that an injury will be avoided or establish readiness for every sporting demand.
Dr. Mark Blank’s background includes FMS/SFMA certification. You can also read our overview of FMS and SFMA assessments.
Common questions about movement screening
Do I need to be an athlete?
No. Movement assessments can be relevant to everyday functional goals as well as sport. The choice of assessment should suit your needs.
Should a screening movement hurt?
Tell your clinician if a task is painful. Pain is information that may change the assessment pathway; it is not a reason to force the movement.
Can a good score rule out future injury?
No. Injury risk involves many factors. Screening describes aspects of current movement and helps guide decisions; it cannot predict every future outcome.
How do I book an assessment?
Contact Prime in Jupiter at 550 Heritage Drive, Suite 204, Jupiter, FL 33458 to discuss your goals.