Beyond Basic Movement Screening
The SFMA Foundation | Selective Functional Movement Assessment – The Gold Standard
SFMA (Selective Functional Movement Assessment) forms the cornerstone of our evaluation process. Unlike basic movement screens, SFMA systematically evaluates movement patterns to identify the source of pain and dysfunction, not just the symptoms.
SFMA systematically assesses:
- Cervical spine – Neck mobility and stability patterns
- Upper extremity – Shoulder, elbow, and wrist function
- Thoracic spine – Mid-back rotation and extension
- Lumbar spine – Lower back mobility and stability
- Lower extremity – Hip, knee, and ankle integration
- Multi-segmental – How your body moves as a complete system
Sport-Specific Movement Evaluation | Understanding Your Craft – How You Move in Your Sport
Dr. Matt’s approach goes beyond standardized assessments to evaluate how you perform your specific athletic movements:
Golf Movement Analysis:
- Swing mechanics – Full sequence from setup to follow-through
- Rotation patterns – Thoracic and hip mobility requirements
- Weight transfer – Ground force production and timing
- Club control – Grip strength and forearm function
Baseball/Throwing Analysis:
- Throwing mechanics – Kinetic chain from legs to release
- Arm positioning – Shoulder and elbow joint relationships
- Core integration – Rotational power generation
- Deceleration patterns – Injury prevention mechanics
Strength Training Assessment:
- Deadlift patterns – Hip hinge mechanics and spinal positioning
- Squat evaluation – Ankle, knee, and hip mobility integration
- Overhead movements – Shoulder stability and thoracic extension
- Olympic lifts – Power generation and receiving positions
Sport-Specific Evaluations:
- Tennis serve mechanics and shoulder function
- Running gait analysis and efficiency patterns
- Swimming stroke mechanics and shoulder health
- Cycling position and power transfer optimization
Comprehensive Movement Assessment
Anatomical Variances and Individual Differences | Understanding Your Unique Body Structure
Every athlete’s body is different. Our assessment identifies anatomical variances that affect movement patterns and performance:
Structural Variations:
- Hip socket depth (acetabular morphology) affecting squat and rotation
- Shoulder blade positioning impacting overhead movements
- Spinal curvatures influencing posture and movement efficiency
- Limb length ratios affecting optimal movement patterns
- Joint mobility variations determining individual movement capabilities
Tissue Quality Assessment:
- Muscle fiber composition – Fast-twitch vs. slow-twitch dominance
- Fascial restrictions – Three-dimensional movement limitations
- Joint capsule mobility and stability relationships
- Ligament laxity or restriction patterns
- Tendon compliance and force transmission efficiency
Movement Dysfunction Patterns | Identifying Compensation Strategies
Common Dysfunction Patterns We Identify:
- Altered hip-spine rhythm – Lower back compensation for hip restrictions
- Scapular dyskinesis – Shoulder blade movement dysfunction
- Ankle restriction compensation through knee and hip
- Thoracic kyphosis affecting shoulder and neck function
- Core stability deficits impacting entire kinetic chain
Performance-Limiting Patterns:
- Power leaks in kinetic chain sequencing
- Energy inefficiencies in movement patterns
- Compensation fatigue leading to overuse injuries
- Range of motion limitations affecting technique
- Stability deficits limiting force production
Joint Anomalies and Special Considerations | Addressing Unique Anatomical Challenges
Congenital Variations:
- Femoroacetabular impingement (FAI) affecting hip function
- Shoulder impingement anatomy and movement modifications
- Spinal transitional vertebrae and movement implications
- Limb length discrepancies and compensation patterns
- Joint hypermobility or restriction syndromes
Acquired Changes:
- Previous injury adaptations and scar tissue effects
- Surgical changes affecting movement patterns
- Repetitive stress adaptations from sport specialization
- Postural adaptations from work and lifestyle factors
- Age-related changes in joint and tissue function
What to Expect During Your Movement Analysis
Initial Consultation (15-20 minutes) | Understanding Your Goals and History
- Performance goals – What are you trying to achieve?
- Pain patterns – Where, when, and what triggers discomfort?
- Training history – Your sport background and current activities
- Previous injuries – How past issues might affect current function
- Daily activities – Work posture and lifestyle factors
SFMA Assessment (20-30 minutes) | Systematic Movement Evaluation
Top-Tier Movement Patterns:
- Cervical flexion/extension – Neck movement quality
- Upper extremity – Shoulder and arm function
- Multi-segmental flexion/extension – Spine integration
- Multi-segmental rotation – Rotational movement quality
- Single leg stance – Balance and stability
- Overhead deep squat – Full-body integration
- Active straight leg raise – Hip and hamstring function
Breakout Assessments:
- Regional interdependence – How areas affect each other
- Tissue extensibility – Muscle and fascial mobility
- Joint mobility – Specific joint motion assessment
- Stability – Motor control evaluation
- Motor control – Movement pattern quality
Sport-Specific Analysis (15-25 minutes) | Evaluating Your Athletic Movements
Movement Recording and Analysis:
- Video analysis of your specific sport movements
- Real-time feedback during movement execution
- Comparison to optimal movement patterns
- Identification of efficiency and injury risk factors
Performance Metrics:
- Range of motion measurements in sport-specific positions
- Strength testing in functional patterns
- Power assessment in relevant movement planes
- Endurance evaluation of stabilizing muscles
Results Integration (10-15 minutes) | Connecting Findings to Your Goals
- Primary dysfunction identification and explanation
- Secondary compensations and their effects
- Performance limitations and optimization opportunities
- Injury risk factors and prevention strategies
- Treatment prioritization for maximum impact
Actionable Insights for Performance and Pain Relief
Root Cause Identification | Why You’re Experiencing Pain or Performance Limitations
Common Discoveries:
- Hip restriction causing lower back pain in golfers
- Thoracic spine limitation affecting shoulder function in throwers
- Ankle mobility deficit impacting knee pain in runners
- Core stability weakness limiting power in strength athletes
- Scapular dysfunction affecting tennis serve consistency
Performance Optimization Opportunities | Unlock Your Athletic Potential
Typical Performance Gains:
- Increased power output through improved kinetic chain sequencing
- Enhanced efficiency reducing energy waste in movement
- Greater range of motion allowing optimal technique execution
- Improved stability for better force production and control
- Reduced injury risk through balanced movement patterns
Personalized Treatment Plan | Targeted Interventions Based on Your Unique Findings
Treatment Approaches May Include:
- Advanced soft tissue therapy targeting specific restrictions
- Joint mobilization for mobility limitations
- Corrective exercises addressing stability and control deficits
- Movement retraining for optimal pattern development
- Performance enhancement strategies for athletic goals
Specialized Evaluation for Your Sport
Golf Movement Analysis | TPI-Informed Assessment for Lake Travis Golfers
As a TPI Level 2 certified provider, Dr. Matt understands the specific movement requirements for optimal golf performance:
Golf-Specific Assessments:
- Thoracic rotation – Essential for shoulder turn and power
- Hip internal rotation – Critical for proper weight shift
- Ankle dorsiflexion – Foundation for stable swing
- Shoulder mobility – Overhead positioning and follow-through
- Core endurance – Maintaining posture throughout the swing
Common Golf Movement Dysfunctions:
- Loss of posture during swing from thoracic restrictions
- Reverse spine angle from hip mobility limitations
- Early extension compensation patterns
- Over-the-top swing plane from shoulder restrictions
- Inconsistent contact from stability deficits
Baseball/Throwing Analysis | Optimizing the Kinetic Chain for Throwing Athletes
Dr. Matt’s collegiate baseball background provides unique insight into throwing mechanics:
Throwing-Specific Evaluation:
- Stride mechanics – Leg drive and hip rotation initiation
- Trunk rotation – Core power generation and timing
- Arm positioning – Shoulder and elbow joint sequencing
- Follow-through – Deceleration and injury prevention
- Recovery patterns – Between-pitch and between-outing restoration
Throwing Performance Factors:
- Velocity optimization through kinetic chain efficiency
- Accuracy improvement via consistent release mechanics
- Endurance enhancement through efficient energy use
- Injury prevention by identifying high-risk patterns
- Recovery acceleration between throwing sessions
Strength Training Movement Analysis | Optimizing Lifting Patterns for Power and Safety
Olympic Lift Assessment:
- Deadlift mechanics – Hip hinge pattern and spinal positioning
- Squat patterns – Ankle, knee, hip mobility integration
- Clean and snatch – Power generation and receiving positions
- Overhead pressing – Shoulder stability and core integration
- Pulling movements – Scapular function and postural control
CrossFit Movement Evaluation:
- Functional movement patterns in high-intensity settings
- Fatigue resistance of stabilizing muscle groups
- Movement scaling for individual anatomical limitations
- Injury risk assessment during complex movements
- Performance optimization for competitive athletes
Movement Analysis
Manual Assessment Techniques | Expert Hands-On Evaluation
Advanced Palpation Skills:
- Tissue quality assessment and restriction identification
- Joint play evaluation and mobility testing
- Muscle activation patterns during movement
- Fascial restriction identification and mapping
- Neural tension testing and nerve mobility
Functional Testing:
- Strength testing in sport-specific positions
- Endurance assessment of stabilizing muscles
- Power evaluation through movement quality
- Balance and proprioception testing
- Reaction time and motor control assessment
Athletes and Active Individuals We Help
Performance-Focused Athletes | Optimizing Movement for Competitive Advantage
- Golfers seeking distance and consistency improvements
- Baseball players wanting velocity and accuracy gains
- CrossFit athletes looking to break through plateaus
- Runners pursuing efficiency and injury prevention
- Strength athletes optimizing lifting technique and power
Pain and Dysfunction Relief | Identifying Root Causes of Persistent Problems
- Chronic pain sufferers who haven’t found relief elsewhere
- Post-injury athletes struggling to return to full function
- Desk workers with postural pain and movement restrictions
- Weekend warriors dealing with recurring minor injuries
- Age-group athletes wanting to maintain peak performance
Injury Prevention Focus | Proactive Assessment for Long-Term Health
- Youth athletes developing proper movement foundations
- High school athletes preparing for college recruitment
- Masters athletes maintaining function with aging
- Recreational athletes wanting to stay active long-term
- Post-surgical patients ensuring optimal recovery
The Austin Area’s Most Comprehensive Movement Assessment
Dr. Matt’s Unique Qualifications
- SFMA Certified – Gold standard movement assessment training
- TPI Level 2 – Golf-specific movement expertise
- Collegiate Baseball Background – Throwing sports understanding
- Advanced Soft Tissue Training – Structural restriction identification
- Sports Performance Focus – Athletic optimization experience
Comprehensive Integration | Connecting All Aspects of Movement and Function
- Anatomical variations consideration in treatment planning
- Sport-specific demands understanding and application
- Individual goals integration throughout assessment
- Root cause identification rather than symptom treatment
- Performance optimization beyond just pain relief
Immediate Actionable Results | Clear Direction from Your First Visit
- Specific dysfunction identification and explanation
- Priority treatment recommendations
- Expected timeline for improvement
- Home exercise prescription for immediate implementation
- Performance goal integration and planning
Common Questions About Movement Analysis
Q: How is SFMA different from other movement screens? A: SFMA (Selective Functional Movement Assessment) is specifically designed to identify the source of pain and dysfunction, not just movement limitations. Unlike basic screens, SFMA systematically breaks down dysfunctional patterns to find the root cause, whether it’s mobility, stability, or motor control related.
Q: How long does a complete movement analysis take? A: A comprehensive movement analysis typically takes 60-75 minutes, including consultation, SFMA assessment, sport-specific evaluation, and results discussion with treatment recommendations.
Q: Do I need to bring my golf clubs or sports equipment? A: For sport-specific analysis, bringing your equipment can be helpful but isn’t required. We have basic equipment available, and much of our assessment focuses on movement patterns rather than equipment interaction.
Q: Will you find problems I didn’t know I had? A: Often, yes. Most movement dysfunctions develop gradually and create compensation patterns that feel “normal” to you. Our assessment frequently identifies restrictions and imbalances that are contributing to pain or limiting performance without you realizing it.
Q: How does anatomical variation affect my movement analysis? A: Everyone’s anatomy is different – hip socket depth, limb lengths, joint shapes all vary. We account for these individual differences to determine what’s normal for YOUR body versus what represents dysfunction or limitation that can be improved.
Q: Can movement analysis help if I’m not in pain? A: Absolutely. Many of our patients seek movement analysis for performance optimization rather than pain relief. Identifying and correcting movement inefficiencies can significantly improve athletic performance even in pain-free individuals.
Q: What happens after my movement analysis? A: Based on your results, Dr. Matt will recommend a prioritized treatment plan that may include advanced soft tissue therapy, corrective exercises, movement retraining, or other interventions targeted to your specific dysfunctions and goals.
Q: How often should movement analysis be repeated? A: This depends on your goals and sport demands. Competitive athletes might benefit from quarterly assessments, while recreational athletes might reassess annually or when experiencing new limitations or pain.
Serving Austin’s Most Active Communities
Primary Service Areas:
- Spicewood, TX – Our convenient home location
- Lake Travis Area – Serving the broader lakeside community
- Lakeway – Easy access for area residents
- Bee Cave – Convenient for Hill Country athletes
- West Austin – Central Austin accessibility
- Steiner Ranch – Supporting local families and athletes
We Specialize in Analyzing Movement for:
- Lake Travis golfers from area courses and country clubs
- Austin area baseball and softball players
- CrossFit athletes from local boxes including CrossFit Lake Travis
- Trail runners and Hill Country outdoor enthusiasts
- Strength training athletes and powerlifters
- Youth athletes in competitive sports programs
- Adult recreational athletes seeking optimization
- Anyone frustrated with persistent pain or performance plateaus
Ready to Discover What’s Limiting You?
Schedule Your Comprehensive Movement Analysis
Stop guessing about what’s causing your pain or limiting your performance. Our comprehensive movement analysis provides the answers you need to finally make progress.
What You’ll Discover:
- Root cause of your pain or performance limitations
- Specific movement dysfunctions that need to be addressed
- Performance optimization opportunities unique to your sport
- Anatomical considerations affecting your movement patterns
- Prioritized treatment plan for maximum results
- Realistic timeline for achieving your goals
Perfect for:
- Anyone frustrated with traditional approaches that don’t provide answers
- Athletes seeking performance breakthroughs
- Active individuals with persistent pain or limitations
- Sports enthusiasts wanting to prevent future injuries
