SFMA study plan

Define the SFMA decision logic in writing: why the model separates movement quality from pain provocation, and how that ordering changes what you assess first.

Memorize the ten top-tier movements and state, for each, the starting position, the verbal cue, and the single criterion that makes it functional versus dysfunctional.

Distinguish FN, DN, FP, and DP using the two independent variables (pain and functional limitation) and give one clinical example of each from memory.

Explain the 'pain changes the plan' rule: describe what you do differently when a pattern is painful versus merely dysfunctional, without naming a specific treatment.

Build a one-page scoring decision tree that takes any top-tier result to its correct four-letter label.

Score all ten top-tier patterns on two practice partners and record the four-letter result for each, noting where you hesitated.

List the standard breakout for each dysfunctional non-painful top-tier pattern and state the order in which you would run them.

Identify which breakouts test multi-segmental extension and multi-segmental flexion, and explain why those two chains are assessed as whole-body patterns rather than joint by joint.

Explain the logic of clearing a joint before accepting a breakout as the limiting factor, and give two concrete examples.

Compare your scoring against a second rater on the same partner and reconcile every disagreement with a stated criterion.

Map each top-tier pattern to its breakout chain and mark where the chain ends in a single-joint test.

Explain the joint-by-joint concept in your own words: which regions tend toward mobility and which toward stability, and how that shapes breakout interpretation.

Describe the primal pattern concept and argue, in writing, why whole-pattern assessment precedes isolated joint testing.

Trace multi-segmental extension and multi-segmental flexion from the top-tier down to the terminal joint, naming each segment tested along the way.

Predict, before testing, which breakout will fail given a described posture, then check your prediction against a partner.

Write your own criteria for distinguishing a painful dysfunction from a non-painful one, and state what each finding authorizes you to do next.

Draft referral language for findings that exceed your scope, keeping it specific about the finding rather than the diagnosis.

Explain the 4x4 matrix structure: what the rows and columns represent and how a cell is selected from assessment findings.

Build a corrective progression for one non-painful dysfunction, moving from mobility to static motor control to dynamic motor control to functional patterning.

Justify why painful patterns are not loaded with corrective exercise in this model, using the model's own reasoning.

Program a full four-week corrective plan for two contrasting cases, one mobility-dominant and one motor-control-dominant.

Select exercises for each matrix cell and state the dosage, the position, and the cue you would use.

Explain the progression rule that moves a client from one matrix column to the next, and state the observable sign that permits advancement.

Describe motor control principles that govern retraining: specificity of practice, feedback fading, and transfer to the whole pattern.

Identify three common programming errors (for example, loading before establishing mobility) and state the correction for each.

Design a retraining session that moves a client from isolated drill to full top-tier pattern within one visit, and script the cues.

Explain how and when you fade external feedback so the client owns the pattern.

Write a documentation template that captures top-tier result, breakout findings, matrix assignment, and reassessment date.

Define two outcome measures you would track and state the interval at which you would reassess.

Draft a reassessment note showing a change from DP to FN, or from DN to FN, with the finding that justified the change.

Re-score all ten top-tiers on a new partner without referring to notes, and log accuracy against your week-2 sheet.

Run every breakout for at least three dysfunctional patterns end to end under time pressure.

Classify ten mixed written scenarios as FN, DN, FP, or DP and justify each in one sentence.

State your referral threshold for three findings and defend each against the model's pain logic.

Identify your three weakest patterns and drill only those until scoring is consistent across two trials.

Synthesize the whole model in a one-page written summary: assessment order, scoring, breakout logic, matrix selection, and reassessment.

Complete two full case walkthroughs from intake to reassessment plan without reference material.

Audit your week-4 and week-5 programs against the matrix logic and correct any cell misassignments.

Answer 30 self-written mixed-domain questions and review every miss to its source concept.

Write a personal error list of the five mistakes you are most likely to make under exam pressure, with the correction for each.