Overhead Squat Assessment Results Guide – Florida Bodywork
What this finding means
When your report notes Foot Flattens, it is describing how your foot changes shape as you move through the squat. Specifically, the arch of your foot lowers or collapses more than expected as you descend or shift weight.
In your movement, this may look like the inside of your foot rolling inward or your arch becoming less visible when you squat. This is a common and very informative pattern. It is not a problem or a failure. It is simply how your body is currently organizing stability and load through your feet.
Your Overhead Squat Assessment is a movement screen, not a workout and not a diagnosis. It gives us a snapshot of your movement strategy so we can better support you moving forward.
What your body may be telling us
When we see Foot Flattens, we often explore how different muscle groups are coordinating around the ankle and foot.
In many cases, this pattern is associated with:
- Overactive muscles such as the peroneals (outer lower leg muscles), lateral gastrocnemius (outer calf), and sometimes the soleus (deep calf), which may be working overtime to manage stability.
- Underactive muscles such as the tibialis posterior (deep muscle that supports your arch), tibialis anterior (front of your shin), and intrinsic foot muscles (small stabilizers within the foot itself) that help maintain arch integrity.
This does not mean anything is “wrong.” It simply highlights that certain muscles may be taking on more of the workload, while others may benefit from more support and engagement.
We use this information to guide both Orthopedic Bodywork and Orthopedic Fitness programming at Florida Bodywork, helping your system redistribute effort in a more efficient and comfortable way.
Why this pattern matters in daily life
Your feet are your foundation. Every step, squat, run, and shift of weight begins there.
When the foot flattens more than expected, it can influence how force travels up the body. You may notice changes in how your ankles, knees, hips, or even your low back feel during activity. For some people, this shows up as fatigue, tension, or a sense of instability during longer periods of standing, walking, or training.
At the same time, your body is incredibly adaptable. This pattern often reflects a strategy your system has chosen to create stability or absorb force. With the right support, your body can learn additional options that feel stronger, smoother, and more efficient.
Supportive directions that often help
We keep this process simple, safe, and supportive. There is no need to force or overcorrect. Many people with this pattern benefit from:
- Gentle mobility work for the ankles and calves, helping the ankle joint move more freely so the foot does not need to compensate as much.
- Light activation and awareness work for the intrinsic foot muscles (small muscles in your foot) and tibialis posterior (arch-supporting muscle), building a more responsive foundation.
- Balance and control exercises that allow you to feel your foot tripod (heel, base of big toe, base of little toe) and develop steady, grounded movement.
These are general directions, not prescriptions. We tailor everything we do based on your full assessment, your goals, and how your body responds.
As you explore any movement work, stay connected to your body’s signals. You should feel engagement and support, not strain or pain. If something does not feel right, that is valuable information, and we adjust accordingly.
How we use this in your program
At Florida Bodywork, we look at Foot Flattens as one piece of a bigger picture.
We combine this finding with your other assessment results to build a plan that may include:
- Orthopedic Bodywork to reduce excess tension and improve tissue quality in overactive areas.
- Orthopedic Fitness strategies to support strength, coordination, and control in underactive areas.
- Movement coaching that helps you integrate these changes into real-life patterns like walking, training, and daily tasks.
This approach allows your body to develop more options, rather than forcing a single “correct” way to move. It is a collaborative, adaptive process that evolves with you.
We also coordinate with other professionals when appropriate, creating a well-rounded support system for your health and performance.
Possible Injuries
This section of your report is not a diagnosis. It simply highlights patterns that are sometimes associated with certain conditions.
If you are experiencing pain, discomfort, or have concerns, we encourage you to speak with your primary care provider or another qualified medical professional.
You can also bring your assessment results with you to support that conversation.
For a deeper explanation, visit Understanding Possible Injuries:
https://www.floridabodywork.com/2025/06/11/understanding-possible-injuries-in-your-overhead-squat-assessment/
Talking with your provider
If you choose to discuss your results with a provider, you can keep it simple and clear. For example:
- “My movement screen showed that my foot flattens during a squat. Can we look at how my foot and ankle are functioning?”
- “I’ve been noticing this pattern during movement. Could it be related to what I’m feeling in my ankle, knee, or hip?”
- “Here is my assessment report. I’d like your input on whether anything here needs further evaluation.”
This helps your provider quickly understand what you are seeing and how it connects to your experience.
What to do next
Your next step is to continue exploring your full assessment with context.
To build a complete picture, visit the other posts in your Results Guide:
- Angles and Alignment to understand how we measure movement
- Findings to see how patterns work together
- Overactive Muscles and Underactive Muscles to understand muscle involvement
- Possible Injuries for context around symptoms and medical follow-up
- Your specific Finding Library posts for each pattern in your report
If you are ready, we can also take this information and begin shaping a personalized plan through Orthopedic Bodywork and Orthopedic Fitness.
You are not trying to “fix” your body. You are learning how it moves, how it adapts, and how to support it more effectively. That awareness is where meaningful, lasting progress begins.
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