What is the Functional Movement Screen? The Functional Movement Screen (FMS) is a screening system used at the highest level to evaluate professional athletes. It is great for evaluating young athletes as well. The screen challenges movement patterns that are essential to normal function and general athletic ability. The purpose is to quickly identify functional limitations and asymmetries. The screen is a series of simple tests allowing the doctor to make assessments in healthy athletes with respect to basic movement patterns. Movement pattern limitations can reduce the effects of training and physical conditioning. It is important to identify these compensations as early as possible. With this information, a customized workout program can be established to help make the athlete more efficient, unlocking higher levels of athletic potential.
At the heart of the system is the FMS Score. This helps to target the “weakest link” for the athlete and track their progress with real precision. The scoring system is directly linked to the most beneficial corrective exercises, helping to restore mechanically sound movement patterns.
What is the role of the Functional Movement Screen? The role of the FMS is to help any athlete identify their limitations and begin a workout program specific to their needs. The FMS should also be introduced as part of the pre-participation physical examination. The screen can help to reveal deficits that may be overlooked during the traditional medical and performance evaluations. In many cases, muscle flexibility and strength imbalances, along with previous injuries may not be identiï¬ed in traditional athletic physicals. Problems which have been acknowledged as significant risk factors for injury will be identiï¬ed using the FMS. This movement-based assessment will pinpoint functional deï¬cits related to mobility, flexibility, stability, balance, and coordination. When the risk factors are identified and addressed, decreasing injury and improving performance should follow.
Who should have a Functional Movement Screen? The FMS is perfect for all athletes, even as early as five years old. Early identification of poor movement is the key to prevention of serious athletic injuries as well as improved performance.
Five reasons why you should have a Functional Movement Screen.
1. Identify your physical imbalances or weaknesses and strengthen them
with simple corrective exercises
2. Teach your body the difference between movement quality and movement
quantity—so you understand how you can achieve better results with less
effort
3. Identify your current injury potential as it relates to the prevention of
injuries
4. Eliminate your poor movements and quickly, effectively, and efficiently
replace them with good movements
5. Establish a personal benchmark for your own movement patterns with
a clear direction towards improvement
For more information about the Functional Movement Screen, please call Dr. Joshua Mitchell, at 661-288-2321 or visit the office at 24510 Town Center Drive, Suite 200 in Valencia. You may also learn more online at www.dr-mitchell.com .