The FMA documentation form is a companion tool to the chapter 5 in Ginger's book, Medical Therapeutic Yoga. Each pose of the Adult FMA is broken down into Optimal Kinematics (OK), Motor Patterns (MP), and Tissue Extensibility and Sensorimotor Integration (TESMI). Each section has a multi-selection drop box which includes a list of common tests and findings. This form serves as a learning tool and would be helpful during Module 8, especially for those who prefer an exhaustive evaluation style or those who are more linear learners. The form is also designed for those that evaluate by pattern recognition. "Not tested or not applicable at this time" is pre-selected for each breath or posture. This allows clinicians to skip over those poses that are not applicable for their client and address areas that support the pattern or cluster of signs and symptoms. And finally, free text is available for those who would like to add based on their specific discipline or area of expertise. Beyond a learning tool, this documentation form uses terminology that aids in billing and reimbursement.

By developing this tool, I have deepened my understanding of, and appreciation for, the FMA. For healthcare providers who use Yoga as Medicine, the FMA offers evidence based guidance for SAFE individualized practice. With yoga having so many layers and areas to evaluate, it had to be quite overwhelming regarding HOW to break down each pose. Ginger is brilliant in choosing OK, MP, and TESMI, as these areas are most appropriate due to clear evidence based tests and measures AND they clearly address safety during asana practice. When completing the drop down boxes, it was obvious that if we polled healthcare providers about possible findings during each pose, the list would go on forever. Therefore, the form includes information from Chapter 5 with only a few additions or word changes (such as using the word "impaired" instead of "restricted" and adding pain/symptoms to each section). Ginger had to have been quite selective in picking out the most important findings, because ALL findings could not possibly fit in one book. I imagine there will be some critique of this, because we all look at things from different views based on our education and experience. To address this, we have 2 options; either we free text our findings or I can teach clinicians how to modify the form. Two PYTs (Becki Meehan and Diana Perez) peer reviewed the project and offered suggestions for improvements. For example, originally there was not an option to choose right, left, or bilateral and this would have taken up free text space. Now it is in a drop down box. I am grateful for the time they took to review the project and the support that they both offered.
On a personal level, this work has helped me feel much more confident in my PTY evaluation skills. It is clear to me where my strengths are and it is clear to me where I need additional training (myofascial assessment/treatment and SIJ). The project also spiked an interest in being a TA for Module 8, and gave me the confidence to apply for the TA program. I am excited to TA for Module 14 and Module 8 this spring and hope to share this project with the Cohorts.
Thank you for this opportunity and for the years of work that went into developing the FMA. I welcome any feedback on this project. The intention is that this form is user friendly and applicable to all.