What is a functional movement screen?
A functional movement screen (FMS) is a medical movement test that assesses seven different movement patterns to identify areas of muscle imbalance, like tightness, weakness, or injury. The seven movement patterns are:
- Deep squat
- Hurdle step
- Inline lunge
- Shoulder mobility
- Active straight leg raise
- Trunk stability push up
- Rotary stability
Depending on your symptoms, Dr. Han can perform some or all of the movement screenings to identify areas of concern that require treatment or rehab. A FMS — also called a Selective Functional Movement Assessment (SFMA) — can also be performed on healthy people without any symptoms. In this case, it can help you understand how your body moves and ways you can prevent pain or injury.
What is the purpose of a functional movement screen?
The purpose of an FMS is to identify areas of muscle imbalance, and this, in turn, helps Dr. Han develop a treatment plan to address your specific concerns or areas of pain. Based on his findings during your FMS, Dr. Han builds a treatment plan incorporating chiropractic care, manual therapy, physical therapy, and postural rehab to improve your flexibility, strength, and stability.
Dr. Han then shows you which muscles need to be stretched or strengthened and specific exercises you can do to improve your joint mobility. These exercises also serve to improve the function of your joints and muscles, and this can help you heal after an injury and prevent future pain.
How can I prepare for a functional movement screen?
While you don’t need to do anything to prepare for your FMS, it’s a good idea to wear comfortable exercise clothing that you can move in. Dr. Han provides all of the equipment you need to perform the movements, like a bar you hold overhead during your deep squats.
Some patients find that the FMS can be tiring, especially since you have to repeat the exercises while Dr. Han views each movement from different angles. If you feel tired or uncomfortable at any point, let Dr. Han know, and he can modify the movements to make it easier for you, if appropriate.
After your FMS, Dr. Han reviews his findings with you and provides recommendations based on your results.
To set up a functional movement screening, call Nabi Movement or use the online booking tool now.
