What is a Functional Assessment?
At Golden Spine Chiropractic we conduct a functional assessment to help guide our treatment goals.
A functional assessment, often combined with gait analysis, is a comprehensive evaluation conducted by chiropractors to assess how the body moves and functions as a whole. This assessment involves observing and analyzing various aspects of movement, posture, and biomechanics to identify any imbalances, dysfunctions, or areas of weakness that may contribute to pain or reduced performance.
During a functional assessment, the chiropractor may:
Evaluate posture: This includes assessing the alignment of the spine, pelvis, and limbs while standing, sitting, and moving.
Assess range of motion: The chiropractor examines the flexibility and mobility of joints and muscles, checking for any limitations or asymmetries.
Perform muscle testing: This involves testing the strength and activation patterns of specific muscles to identify weaknesses or imbalances.
Conduct gait analysis: Gait analysis involves observing how a person walks or runs to assess their biomechanics, foot placement, and weight distribution. This can provide insights into potential issues with gait mechanics that may contribute to pain or injury.
Functional movement screening: The chiropractor may use specific movement tests, such as the Functional Movement Screen (FMS), to assess movement patterns and identify areas of dysfunction or compensation.
By conducting a functional assessment and gait analysis, chiropractors can develop a tailored treatment plan to address any identified dysfunctions or imbalances. This may include chiropractic adjustments, corrective exercises, manual therapy, and other interventions aimed at restoring optimal movement patterns, reducing pain, and improving overall function and performance.