As physiotherapists and allied health care professionals, we understand the crucial role that movement plays in an individual’s overall health, wellness, and functional performance. The ability to move freely, efficiently, and without pain is not only essential for day-to-day activities, but also serves as the foundation for athletic prowess, injury prevention, and long-term wellbeing. That’s why we place such a strong emphasis on the Functional Movement Screen (FMS) – a comprehensive assessment tool that helps us identify and address underlying movement dysfunctions in our patients in Bondi Junction and Maroubra.
Understanding the Functional Movement Screen
The Functional Movement Screen is a standardised, evidence-based assessment that evaluates an individual’s basic movement patterns, identifying any limitations or asymmetries that may increase the risk of injury or hinder physical performance. Developed by renowned physiotherapists and strength and conditioning experts, the FMS consists of a series of seven fundamental movement tests, each designed to challenge specific aspects of mobility, stability, and neuromuscular control.
The Seven Fundamental Movement Patterns
The Functional Movement Screen examines seven key movement patterns, each of which serves as a critical building block for overall functional performance:
- Deep Squat: Assesses lower body and trunk mobility, as well as neuromuscular control.
- Hurdle Step: Evaluates hip and ankle mobility, as well as dynamic balance.
- In-Line Lunge: Evaluates hip, knee, and ankle mobility, as well as core and lower body stability.
- Shoulder Mobility: Assesses shoulder range of motion and symmetry.
- Active Straight-Leg Raise: Evaluates hamstring and lower back flexibility.
- Trunk Stability Push-Up: Evaluates core strength and neuromuscular control.
- Rotary Stability: Assesses the ability to stabilise the spine during a combined upper and lower extremity movement.
By assessing these fundamental movement patterns, the FMS provides a comprehensive snapshot of an individual’s functional capabilities, highlighting any areas of deficiency or asymmetry that may increase their risk of injury or hinder their physical performance.
The FMS Scoring System
Each of the seven movement tests is scored on a scale of 0 to 3, with 3 representing the optimal movement pattern, 2 indicating a compensatory pattern, and 1 signifying the inability to perform the movement correctly. A score of 0 is assigned if the individual experiences pain during the test, indicating the presence of an underlying issue that requires immediate attention.
The cumulative score from the seven tests, known as the Functional Movement Screen score, provides a valuable metric for evaluating an individual’s overall movement competency. A score of 14 or higher is generally considered indicative of a low injury risk, while a score of 13 or lower may suggest the need for further intervention and corrective exercise programming.
The Role of the Functional Movement Screen in Injury Prevention
One of the primary applications of the Functional Movement Screen is in the realm of injury prevention. By identifying movement dysfunctions and asymmetries, our physiotherapists at Invigor Health are able to develop targeted rehabilitation and training programmes that address the root causes of these issues, ultimately reducing the risk of future injuries.
This proactive approach is particularly beneficial for athletes, physically active individuals, and those with a history of musculoskeletal problems, as it allows us to identify and address potential weaknesses or imbalances before they manifest into more serious injuries. By optimising movement patterns and enhancing overall functional performance, the FMS can serve as a powerful tool in our arsenal for keeping our patients in Bondi Junction and Maroubra healthy, active, and performing at their best.
Enhancing Athletic Performance through the FMS
In addition to its injury prevention applications, the Functional Movement Screen can also be a valuable asset in the world of sports and athletic performance. By assessing an individual’s baseline movement competency, our physiotherapists can create tailored training programmes that address any movement deficiencies, allowing athletes to build a solid foundation of mobility, stability, and neuromuscular control.
This, in turn, can translate to improved athletic performance, as the athlete’s body is better equipped to handle the demands of their sport, whether it’s increased power output, enhanced agility, or improved overall efficiency of movement. By optimising movement patterns, the FMS can give our athlete patients the competitive edge they need to excel in their respective fields.
Integrating the FMS into Rehabilitation and Treatment
We believe that the Functional Movement Screen is an essential tool in the rehabilitation and treatment of a wide range of musculoskeletal conditions. By using the FMS to identify the underlying movement dysfunctions that may be contributing to a patient’s injury or pain, our physiotherapists can develop a tailored treatment plan that addresses the root cause of the problem, rather than simply treating the symptoms.
This holistic approach not only helps to alleviate the immediate issues our patients are experiencing, but also lays the groundwork for long-term improvement and prevention of future problems. By addressing movement limitations and restoring optimal movement patterns, our patients are better equipped to maintain their physical function, reduce the risk of re-injury, and ultimately, reclaim their quality of life.
Empowering Patients Through Education and Collaboration
At the heart of our approach to the Functional Movement Screen is a deep commitment to patient education and collaboration. We firmly believe that by involving our patients in the assessment and treatment process, we can empower them to take an active role in their own recovery and long-term wellbeing.
Throughout the FMS assessment and subsequent rehabilitation, our physiotherapists work closely with our patients to ensure they understand the importance of movement, the underlying causes of their movement dysfunctions, and the specific strategies we’re implementing to address them. This level of transparency and engagement not only fosters trust and rapport, but also encourages our patients to become active partners in their own care, ultimately leading to better outcomes and a greater sense of self-empowerment.
Tailoring the FMS to Individual Needs
At Invigor Health, we understand that every individual is unique, and that a one-size-fits-all approach to the Functional Movement Screen simply won’t suffice. That’s why our physiotherapists are dedicated to carefully assessing each patient’s unique needs, goals, and physical capabilities, and then tailoring the FMS assessment and subsequent treatment plan accordingly.
By taking the time to truly understand our patients’ specific circumstances, we are able to develop a customised rehabilitation programme that addresses their most pressing movement-related challenges, while also considering their personal preferences, lifestyle factors, and long-term aspirations. This level of personalisation is a crucial component of our approach, as it ensures that our patients receive the most effective and meaningful care possible.
Collaborative Care: Integrating the FMS into a Multidisciplinary Approach
As experienced allied health care professionals, we recognise that the management of movement-related issues often requires a collaborative, multidisciplinary approach. That’s why we work closely with a network of other healthcare providers, including sports medicine specialists, strength and conditioning coaches, and even mental health professionals, to ensure that our patients receive the most comprehensive and coordinated care possible.
By integrating the Functional Movement Screen into this collaborative framework, we are able to leverage the expertise and insights of our allied health care partners, ultimately developing a more holistic treatment plan that addresses the physical, mental, and emotional aspects of our patients’ wellbeing. This interdisciplinary approach not only enhances the effectiveness of our interventions, but also empowers our patients to achieve their goals and maintain their optimal level of function for the long term.
The Power of Movement
We firmly believe that the Functional Movement Screen is a powerful tool for unlocking optimal movement, enhancing physical performance, and preventing injury. By assessing fundamental movement patterns and addressing any underlying dysfunctions, our physiotherapists are able to help our patients in Bondi Junction and Maroubra reclaim their mobility, improve their overall health and wellness, and ultimately, live their best lives. If you’re ready to take the first step towards unlocking your movement potential, we invite you to contact us today and schedule your Functional Movement Screen assessment.
