Functional & Movement Assessment in Sydney
You can feel that something is off in how you move, but feeling is not measuring. A functional and movement assessment at MTP Health in St Leonards puts real numbers on how you move, load and generate force, so the plan that follows targets what actually needs work, not what you assume is the problem.
Most programs start with a guess. Ours starts with data. Using clinical-grade testing, we map your mobility, control, strength and gait, then hand you a clear report and, if you want it, a program our exercise physiology team builds from your results. It suits anyone from someone in pain to an athlete chasing performance.
What Is Involved
A movement assessment needs an accurate picture of how your body performs right now, not a rough impression. It runs in three stages, each building on the last:
Step 1: Movement Evaluation
How you move, load and stabilise changes in the presence of pain or old injury. Guided by your practitioner, you move through chosen tests, a movement screening that establishes your mobility and range of motion, the movement patterns and habits shaping your function, and your stability and control across different positions.
Step 2: Strength & Power
Once we understand the quality of your movement, we measure how well you produce force and power in different positions using our VALD equipment. This shows any meaningful left-to-right differences that may be affecting you, lets us prescribe exercise from real data rather than feel, and pinpoints where your genuine strengths and weaknesses sit.
Step 3: Report & Recommendations
With testing done, our team reviews the findings and produces a report of your most significant results, along with clear recommendations for reaching your goals. If you would like to train with us from there, we design a program from your results, ready for your next visit.
The Technology
We have invested in the same testing technology used in elite sport, so your results are objective and repeatable rather than a matter of opinion.
- VALD force testing (ForceFrame, DynaMo, ForceDecks and HumanTrak) to quantify your movement control, range of motion and strength.
- Zebris instrumented treadmill, with force plates under the belt and cameras to the side and rear, for gait analysis of your walking or running mechanics in real time.
See It in Action
These short clips show what a session looks like, from movement testing to force-plate work.
What You Get
Your assessment ends with a clear report you can act on. Where you take it next is up to you, and we can support you in whichever way fits.
- In-person one-to-one or small-group sessions with our physiotherapy team and exercise physiology team.
- Online telehealth support, or programming for your own gym or home.
- Reporting-only, with your testing report and communication with your existing provider if you have one.
Who It Suits
You do not need to be injured, or an athlete, to benefit. Most of the people we see are everyday adults, often between 40 and 70, who want to keep living an active, pain-free life. Some come with a nagging problem, some are preparing for or recovering from surgery, and some simply want to train smarter with a clear baseline. If a sore knee or hip is part of the picture, our knee and hip resources are a useful place to start. A movement assessment is not a medical diagnosis, so if you have severe pain, a new injury or a health issue that needs urgent care, see your doctor first.
What to Expect
Come in comfortable clothing you can move in, and bring any recent scan reports or referral letters if you have them, though they are not essential. You do not need a referral to see our physiotherapy or exercise physiology team. For the current fee, how much time to set aside, and anything specific to your situation, give us a call or book online and our team will talk you through it before your visit.
Why Choose MTP Health in Sydney
MTP Health keeps physiotherapy, exercise physiology and orthopaedic surgery under one roof in Sydney, so the people who test you are part of the same team who help you act on the results. Your assessment is not a stand-alone service; it is the first, measured step in a plan built around you.
Movement You Can Measure
How your body moves and performs is too important to leave to guesswork. A functional and movement assessment gives you the objective picture here in Sydney, and a clear plan from it. You will leave knowing exactly where you stand, and what to do next.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Do I need a referral for a movement assessment?
No, you can see our physiotherapy or exercise physiology team without a referral. You will only need a general practitioner (GP) referral if you go on to consult one of our orthopaedic surgeons.
What is the difference between exercise physiology and physiotherapy, and who should I see first?
If you have a new or recent injury that needs pain relief or an evaluation of what, if anything, is damaged, physiotherapy is usually the best first step. If you have already been treated for the issue, or it is long-standing, our exercise physiologists are usually the better fit.
I already have a personal trainer, how will that work?
We love collaborating with personal trainers. If you have a trainer you trust and enjoy working with, we will work alongside them so you get as much as possible from your training and your sessions with us.
What should I bring to my first appointment?
Any information from previous investigations, scan reports or referral letters is useful. If you have none of these, that is fine, we will carry out a comprehensive assessment anyway.
Do you only work with athletes?
No. We see far more everyday people than competitive athletes. Most of the people we see are aged between 40 and 70 and want to keep living an active, pain-free life despite pain or limitations.
Do you work with elderly people?
Of course. We work with people of any age, and our interventions are tailored so that, no matter your age or ability, we can provide support and guidance.
Can I do it face to face or by telehealth?
Either. We are open for face-to-face consultations, but you can book telehealth if you prefer. We can deliver most of our service remotely, apart from hands-on evaluation and instruction.
I am a gym member, should I suspend my membership?
It depends on your circumstances. If we can keep you at the gym and guide what to do there while you improve, we will. If you need more intensive supervision, it can be worth placing your membership on hold for a time, and we can write supporting letters if needed, then help you transition back.
How long does it take and what does it cost?
This depends on what you need, so the clearest answer comes from us directly. Call the clinic or book online and our team will confirm the time to set aside and the fee before your visit.
This page provides general information only and does not take into account your individual objectives, health situation or needs. It is not a substitute for personalised medical advice. You should speak with a qualified health practitioner, such as your GP or an orthopaedic surgeon, before making decisions about your care. Outcomes vary depending on your circumstances and no result is promised.