Functional Movement Screen (FMS)
What Is Functional Movement Screen (FMS)?
Functional Movement Screen (FMS) is an advanced assessment tool designed to evaluate an athlete’s movement patterns, identify limitations, and pinpoint areas of weakness or imbalance. The goal of FMS is to ensure that athletes have the foundational mobility and stability necessary for optimal performance while reducing the risk of injury. This screening process helps develop personalized training and treatment plans to enhance athletic performance and overall physical well-being.
Common Issues Identified by FMS
The Functional Movement Screen evaluates multiple movement patterns, such as squatting, lunging, and core stability. Some of the common findings include:
- Poor core stability and balance
- Limited flexibility in the hips, shoulders, or ankles
- Muscle imbalances or asymmetry
- Improper biomechanics during athletic movements
Why Is FMS Important for Athletes?
Detecting compensatory patterns and imbalances before they lead to injuries.
Building a strong foundation for strength, flexibility, and coordination.
Highlighting areas of potential strain to target them with corrective exercises.
Offering a roadmap to develop sport-specific strength and mobility.
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How Modalities Support Athletes Using FMS
At ActiveCare, we believe in a multidisciplinary approach to back pain treatment, focusing not just on pain relief but also on long-term health and prevention. Our experienced team offers a range of services to target your specific needs, including:
- Physiotherapy
- Chiropractic Care
- Massage Therapy
- Acupuncture
- Strength & Conditioning Programs
Physiotherapy is a cornerstone of addressing issues revealed by the Functional Movement Screen.
- Movement Pattern Correction: Physiotherapists design exercises to address mobility and stability limitations identified during FMS.
- Targeted Strengthening: Weak areas are strengthened with personalized exercise plans to enhance movement efficiency.
- Injury Prevention Techniques: Specific stretches and mobility work improve joint health and prevent overuse injuries.
- Dynamic Warm-Up Strategies: Athletes learn proper warm-up techniques tailored to their sport to reduce injury risk.
Chiropractors focus on aligning the musculoskeletal system to optimize movement patterns.
- Spinal and Joint Adjustments: Improve mobility and alignment in the spine and other joints, addressing imbalances identified in FMS.
- Postural Correction: Help athletes achieve proper alignment to maximize performance.
- Neuromuscular Re-Education: Restore muscle memory for efficient and balanced movement patterns.
Massage therapy supports athletes by releasing tension and enhancing mobility in areas flagged during the FMS.
- Myofascial Release: Breaks up adhesions and scar tissue that may limit mobility.
- Pre-Event Massage: Prepares muscles for optimal movement and performance.
- Post-Event Recovery: Relieves soreness and aids recovery by increasing circulation and reducing inflammation.
- Trigger Point Therapy: Targets specific areas of tightness that hinder functional movement.
Acupuncture can complement FMS by addressing deeper issues with muscle activation and recovery.
- Pain Relief: Reduces discomfort in overworked or strained muscles.
- Improved Muscle Activation: Stimulates proper muscle function for balanced movement.
- Recovery Enhancement: Promotes circulation and reduces inflammation to speed recovery.
Strength and conditioning play a crucial role in translating FMS results into actionable improvements.
- Corrective Exercises: Focus on weak or underactive muscle groups to build stability and strength.
- Dynamic Stretching Protocols: Improve flexibility and reduce stiffness in areas of limited range of motion.
- Sport-Specific Training: Tailored exercises mimic athletic movements, reinforcing proper biomechanics.
- Core Strength Training: Builds a stable foundation for all athletic movements.