What is it?
Put simply, the Functional Movement Screen (FMS) is a ranking and grading system that documents movement patterns that are key to normal function. By screening these patterns, the FMS readily identifies functional limitations and asymmetries. These are issues that can reduce the effects of functional training and physical conditioning and distort body awareness.
The FMS generates the Functional Movement Screen Score, which is used to target problems and track progress. This scoring system is directly linked to the most beneficial corrective exercises to restore mechanically sound movement patterns.
Exercise professionals monitor the FMS score to track progress and to identify those exercises that will be most effective to restore proper movement and build strength in each individual.
What does FMS do?
The FMS simplifies the concept of movement and its impact on the body. Its streamlined system has benefits for everyone involved – individuals, exercise professionals, and physicians.
- Communication. The FMS utilizes simple language, making it easy for individuals, exercise professionals, and physicians to communicate clearly about progress and treatment.
- Evaluation. The screen effortlessly identifies asymmetries and limitations, diminishing the need for extensive testing and analysis.
- Standardization. The FMS creates a functional baseline to mark progress and provides a means to measure performance.
- Safety. The FMS quickly identifies dangerous movement patterns so that they can be addressed. It also indicates an individual’s readiness to perform exercise so that realistic goals can be set and achieved.
- Corrective Strategies. The FMS can be applied at any fitness level, simplifying corrective strategies of a wide array of movement issues. It identifies specific exercises based on individual FMS scores to instantly create customized treatment plans.
The Functional Movement Screen (FMS) examines seven fundamental movement patterns that make basic function possible. These movement patterns include:
- Deep Squat
- Hurdle Step
- Inline Lunge
- Shoulder mobility
- Active Straight Leg Raise
- Trunk Stability Push-Up
- Rotary Stability
Each movement pattern is given a score from 1 (low) to 3 (high), with the overall screening results then utilized to create a corrective exercise program aimed at maximizing both mobility and stability throughout the body. In addition, the test can be repeated at specific intervals to determine the effectiveness of the prescribed program as well as make new recommendations.
The FMS is best utilized near the end of a rehabilitation program when pain is no longer present. The results may then be used to prescribe a post-rehabilitative exercise program as well as supplemental exercises to be utilized alongside a previously established strength or fitness routine. To learn more about how a Functional Movement Screen may help you achieve optimal motion, contact Foundation Physiotherapy & Wellness Toronto, ON to determine how testing may best serve you.
Introducing Our Comprehensive Injury Preventon Program!
Are you ready to take your fitness and well-being to the next level?
At Foundation Physiotherapy and Wellness, our certified physiotherapists and Functional Movement Screening (FMS) experts have crafted a cutting-edge Injury Prevention Program just for you!
Who Would Benefit?
- Athletes & Sports Enthusiasts: Enhance performance and prevent sports-related injuries.
- Active Adults: Safeguard against everyday strains and maintain mobility.
- Fitness Enthusiasts: Optimize workouts and achieve peak physical condition.
What Does Our Program Include?
- Comprehensive Physiotherapy and Functional Movement Screen Assessment: Identifying Movement Imbalances and Predicting Injury Risks
Our Comprehensive Functional Movement Screening (FMS) Assessment is a tool our certified physiotherapists use to evaluate how well your body moves and performs fundamental patterns.
The FMS assesses mobility, stability, and motor control through a series of standardized tests. By analyzing these movement patterns, we can detect subtle imbalances and asymmetries that may predispose you to injuries during physical activities.
This detailed evaluation allows us to tailor a personalized injury prevention program designed to address your unique movement needs and optimize your overall physical performance.
- Personalized Exercise Plans: Tailored routines to improve mobility and flexibility and strengthen weak areas.
- Integrated Manual Therapy Techniques: Enhance mobility and flexibility with specialized manual therapies like Active Release Technique (ART), Instrument Assisted Soft Tissue Mobilization (IASTM), joint manipulations, and soft tissue release.
| Week | Session | Activities |
| Week1 | Session 1: Assessment 60 min | Perform Comprehensive Physiotherapy and FMS Assessment |
Week2 | Session 2: FMS Results 30 min | Review FMS results |
| Discuss light-coded exercise table | ||
| Teach patient individualized Home Exercise Program (HEP) – MOBILITY focused | ||
| Week3 | Session 3: Manual Therapy 30 min | Perform manual therapy and or other techniques to improve mobility and flexibility of deficient areas |
Week4 | Session 4: HEP update 30 min | Update and refine Home Exercise Program (HEP) adding STRENGTHENING exercises to address muscle imbalances. |
| Review and perform new HEP exercises during session | ||
| Week5 | Session 5: Manual Therapy 30 min | Continue with manual therapy and or other techniques to improve mobility and flexibility of deficient areas. |
Week6 | Session 6: HEP update + 30 min | Update and further refine Home Exercise Program (HEP) Last HEP update before reassessment |
| Perform additional manual therapy as needed | ||
| Week7 | NO TREATMENT | Patient will be working on new HEP for 2 weeks before FMS reassessment |
Week8 | Session 8: FMS Reassessment 30 or 60 min | Reassess lower scored areas in the initial FMS |
| Discusses results and update HEP based on reassessment findings | ||
| Provide new FMS report reflecting progress and recommendations – follow-up email. |
This service is available at:
Idemar Rodrigues
BScPT
Registered Physiotherapist (Senior Associate), Running Consultant, Certified Strength & Conditioning Specialist
Evgeny Manuylov
MScPT
Registered Physiotherapist
Erald Osmani
MScPT
Registered Physiotherapist, Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist & Running Consultant
William Shantz
MScPT
Registered Physiotherapist