Are you always getting injured? Maybe you’ve dodged the injury train and want to keep it that way, or maybe you would simply like to perform better in your sport. If any of these are true, a movement screen may just be what you need.
What is a Functional Movement Screen?
A movement screen is a simple way to see how you move in everyday life. It helps you develop a better understanding of how your body moves and what deficiencies might exist, which can be very helpful for training and injury prevention. When you move well, you perform better!
Here at Hartz Physical Therapy we offer a screening tool called the Functional Movement Screen (FMS). This screen was developed by Functional Movements
Systems and has been shown to be an effective screening tool to enhance performance and potentially reduce the risk of injury. The tool evaluates seven fundamental
movement patterns:
- Deep squat
- Hurdle step
- Lunge
- Shoulder mobility
- Straight leg raise
- Push up
- Rotary stability
While the FMS is not intended to diagnose orthopedic problems, it provides our clinicians and patients helpful information used in developing improved movement in individuals. The algorithm within the FMS addresses the asymmetries and restrictions found in the screen, which then allows our clinicians to quickly identify and prioritize deficient movement patterns.
Movement is essential to our everyday lives, and if movement is hindered or body mechanics are dysfunctional, injury can occur or sport performance can be altered. Even though you may be performing an activity or sport at a high level, we often observe that many individuals are limited in fundamental movement. These limitations are often identified during the Functional Movement Screen. With knowledge of these limitations, we can develop a strategy to improve performance and reduce the risk of injury.
We’d love to get you or a family member set up for a screen. Give us a call today for more information!