Why do we need Functional Movement Screening?
When observing the performance and rehabilitation landscape of the 21st century, we have better science, more “experts”, and better equipment and biometric technology than we did fifty years ago, and yet the general population’s quality of movement is still getting worse. Having access to more movement-related data does not necessarily mean that the data is better at describing, prescribing, or predicting a patient’s movement.
Functional movement screening (FMS) has emerged as the most powerful tool in movement-based healthcare, performance training, and rehabilitation, yet it remains an often overlooked piece in many approaches to physical health due to its simplicity and low-tech approach - but what it lacks in complexity, it certainly makes up for in practicality and utility. Its value lies in immediately identifying the underlying movement deficiencies, imbalances, and compensations that can lead to pain, injury, or suboptimal performance.
What is Functional Movement Screening?
Functional movement screening involves a series of standardized assessments designed to evaluate fundamental movement patterns. These patterns are the building blocks for complex actions such as running, lifting, and even sitting. A professional FMS assessment helps us identify weak links in movement, offering a proactive approach to injury prevention and performance enhancement. Rather than focusing on isolated injuries or symptoms, FMS evaluates the body as a whole, identifying dysfunctions that may not yet be causing pain but could develop into problems if left unaddressed.
The 3 Vital Roles of Functional Movement Screening
Injury Prevention
Injuries often occur not because of one sudden movement but due to accumulated stress on a body that moves inefficiently. For example:
Tight hips can lead to dysfunctional movement of the ankles and middle/lower back during sports and exercise, and dysfunctional movement of the middle and lower back or the ankles can lead to tight hips. Most areas of dysfunction can create compensatory issues throughout the entire kinetic chain over time, and these relationships between joints are bidirectional.
Poor core stability may cause excessive strain on the knees during running or squatting.
Functional movement screening highlights these risk factors before they cause injury, enabling interventions such as corrective exercises, mobility work, or strength training.
Performance Optimization
For athletes and active individuals, FMS goes beyond preventing injury; it enhances performance by refining movement efficiency. A body that moves fluidly and evenly can:
Generate more power.
Maintain better endurance.
Recover faster.
Improving foundational movement patterns through screening ensures the body performs at its peak potential while reducing unnecessary wear and tear.
Personalized Global Rehabilitation
In rehabilitation, many approaches focus solely on the injured area, neglecting the broader movement patterns that may have contributed to the injury. For instance:
A shoulder injury might stem from poor scapular stability and core engagement, not just the shoulder itself.
Chronic knee pain may result from weak glutes or limited ankle mobility.
FMS allows rehabilitation professionals to uncover and address the root cause of an injury, leading to more comprehensive and lasting recovery.
A Missing Link in Most Approaches
Many healthcare and training programs focus on symptoms rather than systems. They may treat pain or improve isolated strength and flexibility without examining how these elements interact in real-life movement. Functional movement screening bridges this gap by emphasizing integrated, functional improvements that align with how the body moves naturally.
Proactive, Not Reactive
Traditional approaches often wait for pain or injury before taking action. FMS is proactive, identifying potential issues and addressing them before they escalate.
Whole-Body Perspective
Instead of isolating muscles or joints, FMS evaluates movement as a system. This holistic perspective provides a deeper understanding of how dysfunction in one area can impact the entire body.
Personalized Interventions
FMS results guide individualized corrective strategies, making it easier to tailor treatments or training plans to each person’s unique needs.
Better Outcomes
By focusing on the root causes of dysfunction, FMS helps reduce injury rates, improve performance, and enhance overall quality of life, ensuring that interventions deliver long-term benefits.
Functional movement screening is not just another fitness test—it’s a roadmap to better health, performance, and resilience. By identifying movement inefficiencies and addressing them proactively, FMS fills a critical gap in traditional healthcare and training approaches. Whether you’re an athlete striving for excellence, someone recovering from an injury, or a healthcare provider aiming to deliver the best care, integrating functional movement screening into your routine can unlock new levels of potential and well-being.
