Functional Movement Screen
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What is a Functional Movement Screen?
The Functional Movement Screen (FMS) is a quick test to analyze movement patterns in order to identify any limitations in mobility or stability within the body. The goal of the FMS is to pick out areas of asymmetry. By doing so a health care provider will be able to implement a treatment plan that could minimize the risk of future injuries.
An FMS screen can be administered by anyone who is trained to perform it. Typically, the FMS test administrators include but are not limited to:
- personal trainers
- yoga instructors
- athletic trainers
- chiropractors
- physical therapists
Physical therapist performing FMS Test
Screens can be helpful for pinpointing potential impairments, but the screening process is not designed to replace a full diagnostic exam. If you are already in pain a thorough examination by a physician or licensed physical therapist would be more appropriate.
Click to learn how to Bend and Lift Properly.
What are the 7 FMS Tests?
There are seven tests included in the FMS. These tests are:
- Overhead Squat
- Hurdle Step
- Lunging
- Reaching Behind Your Back
- Straight Leg Raise
- Trunk Stability Push-up
- Rotatory Stability
Someone trained in the FMS system will be able to make slight adjustments to these tests if you are unable to perform them, but you should know that a certain threshold of movement is required to complete the FMS as it is intended.
How is the Functional Movement Screen Scored?
Each FMS test is graded on a three-point scale. Each person is allowed three trials to perform the test correctly. 3s are given when the person can perform the test without any modifications. A person is scored a 2 if they can complete the test with a slight modification given by the instructor.
A score of 1 is given if the person is unable to complete the test correctly despite being given the modification. If the person being screened has pain at any point during each of the tests, they are scored a 0 for that specific area.
Categories include:
- Hurdle Step
- Lunging
- Reaching Behind Your Back
- Straight Leg Raise
- Rotatory Stability
- Overhead squat
- Trunk stability
- Push-up
What is a Good Functional Movement Screen Score?
The actual score on the FMS is not important. Ideally, the person score’s at least a 2 in each test category for a total score of 24. What is more important is that the person is symmetrical. Remember the FMS is a screen to pick out asymmetries. Therefore, if the test participant scores a 2 on the Hurdle Step test on the right, they should also be able to score a 2 on the left. The same applies for scores of 3s; if someone scores a 3 on the right then they should also score 3 on the left. The threshold of at least 2 is sufficient for the Overhead Squat and Rotatory Stability Test.
Why is a Functional Movement Screen Important?
The FMS is important because it is a good way to get a routine check-up as it pertains to our musculoskeletal system to lower the risk of future injuries. Read this article to learn about Functional Strengthening.
Think of it this way – Do you only go to the doctor or dentist when you’re sick or your tooth hurts? Of course not. You go for annual check-ups (or at least you should). The musculoskeletal system should be treated the same way. Too often clients come to physical therapy when they are in chronic pain where tissue quality has been altered. When this is the case, it can often be more difficult to reverse these changes. The FMS can be a way to catch these dysfunctions before they become impairments, thus preventing an injury before it occurs.
Functional Movement Screening In Jacksonville Area
The Jacksonville Orthopaedic Institute offers Functional Movement Screenings in the JOI Rehab – Nassau Office. Call 904.557.9021 to schedule an appointment.
If you have an orthopedic issue and want to schedule an appointment with a JOI Doctor, call 904-JOI-2000, schedule online, or click the link below.
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