The Role of Movement Assessment in Physical Therapy

Movement assessment is the foundation of effective physical therapy intervention. Rather than treating pain in isolation, a comprehensive movement evaluation helps us understand the broader context of dysfunction and develop targeted treatment strategies.

Why Movement Assessment Matters

Traditional approaches often focus solely on the site of pain, but this narrow view misses crucial information. Movement assessment helps identify:

• Compensation patterns that contribute to injury
• Regional interdependence between body segments
• Movement limitations that predispose to re-injury
• Functional deficits relevant to the patient’s goals

Key Components of Movement Screening

A thorough movement assessment examines multiple systems and how they interact during functional tasks.

1. Fundamental Movement Patterns

Assessing basic movement patterns reveals how the body organizes movement under load. This includes:

• Squat patterns - Hip, knee, and ankle coordination
• Hip hinge mechanics - Spine stabilization during loaded movements
• Single-leg stability - Balance and control in dynamic activities
• Upper extremity patterns - Scapular control and shoulder-spine integration

2. Regional Assessment

Beyond local examination, we evaluate related regions that may contribute to the problem:

• Adjacent joint mobility and stability
• Thoracic spine function in shoulder and neck pain
• Hip and ankle mobility in knee conditions
• Breathing patterns and core stability

3. Sport-Specific Demands

For athletes and active individuals, assessment must extend to sport-specific movements:

• Movement velocity and complexity
• Loading patterns specific to their sport
• Coordination under fatigue
• Decision-making during dynamic tasks

Integrating Assessment with Treatment

Movement assessment isn’t just an initial evaluation—it guides treatment progression and validates interventions:

1. Baseline establishment - Document movement quality before intervention
2. Treatment direction - Target specific movement deficits
3. Progress monitoring - Reassess to ensure interventions are effective
4. Return to activity - Use movement screens to guide progression decisions

Influencing Perspectives

My approach to movement assessment draws from several influential clinicians:

• Shirley Sahrmann’s work on movement system impairment syndromes
• Gray Gray’s functional movement philosophy
• Frans Bosch’s insights on coordination and motor learning
• Tom Dalonzo-Baker’s Total Motion Release system

Conclusion

Movement assessment transforms physical therapy from passive treatment to active problem-solving. By understanding how the body moves as an integrated system, we can develop more effective interventions that address root causes rather than just symptoms. This approach leads to better outcomes and more resilient patients.