Functional Movement Screen
The Functional Movement Screening (FMS) is a seven-point assessment system that measures movement patterns essential to normal function. By screening a series of movements, exercise professionals can identify an athlete’s mobility, stability and strength limitations and assign appropriate corrective exercises.
Think of it this way: even if a car has a flat tire, it can still be driven pretty fast; however, the tires use up extra energy. Eventually that extra energy will distort the tires and affect the car’s overall alignment. Likewise in fitness, athletes are capable of “driving on flat tires,” sometimes without realizing it. FMS helps to identify and correct those movement issues before the body is thrown too far out of alignment.
FMS is not magic. It’s simply good mechanics. Overall, it helps you retrain your body to move in the most stable, efficient way possible.
Benefits of FMS
- Identifies abnormal movements early to prevent injuries
- Helps reduce the potential for training and sports plateau and injuries
- Improves functional fitness and athletic performance
- Identifies physical imbalances, limitations and weaknesses
- Improves fundamental movement patterns with simple corrective exercises
How It Works
The FMS is a ranking and grading system that documents movement patterns. When the assessment is taken, FMS generates a score which is linked directly to the most beneficial corrective exercises for each area of the body. Exercise professionals monitor the FMS score to track progress and to identify exercises that will restore an individual’s proper movement and build his or her strength.