What is a Functional Movement Screen?
Assessment
The Functional Movement Screen (FMS) is an assessment tool for identifying asymmetries in functional movement patterns. The FMS identifies imbalances in stability and mobility using seven movement screens and three pain clearance screens.
The FMS highlights whether an imbalance is due to mobility or motor control deficit. An example may be if someone can take a joint through a normal full range of motion ROM but cannot access it during a functional movement; the problem is probably a motor control one.
Corrective exercises can be prescribed to address imbalances and improve movement qualities in response to the information obtained during the FMS.
The FMS is best suited for individuals or athletes who regularly perform functional movements as part of their training.
FMS has the potential to highlight movement inadequacies that may be the source of soft tissue or joint pain or irritation. The FMS is beneficial when more traditional clinical testing fails to identify a problem grounded in functional movements.
The seven screens are:
Deep Squat
Hurdle Step
In-line Lunge
Active Straight-leg Raise
Trunk Stability Push-up
Rotary Stability
Shoulder Mobility
The FMS can be delivered as a standalone assessment or may form part of tailor-made wellness solutions.
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