What Is a Functional Movement Screen?
Functional Movement Screen is a structured check of movement patterns used to spot limits in mobility, stability, balance, and coordination. A trained provider watches how you perform controlled movements and records areas that may need closer attention. The screen does not diagnose an injury or replace a full clinical assessment.
Quick Facts About Functional Movement Screen
Category
Movement assessment
Used for
Checking movement patterns
Common confusion
Not a medical diagnosis
Also called
Movement Screening, FMS
Often discussed with
Sports Injury Treatment
Key Takeaways About Functional Movement Screen
- It reviews movement quality, not just strength.
- Results can guide a focused sports injury assessment.
- The screen is not a diagnosis by itself.
How Functional Movement Screen Works
Functional Movement Screen uses a set of controlled movements to show how your joints and muscles work together. A provider watches your posture, balance, control, and range of motion during each task. The goal is to find movement limits that may need more review.
Related glossary terms: Range Of Motion, Straight Leg Raise, Joint Restriction.
The screen focuses on movement quality and side-to-side differences. A finding does not identify the cause of pain by itself. A provider may compare the results with your symptoms, injury history, and activity demands. Range Of Motion and balance checks can help shape the next part of a sports injury assessment.
From the Arrowhead Clinic Chiropractor Garden City team
When we use a Functional Movement Screen, we watch how movement changes during a sports injury assessment. We look for control, balance, and range of motion limits that may guide the areas we examine more closely. We consider the screen alongside your symptoms and activity demands.
Functional Movement Screen in Practice: A Real-World Example
A recreational runner reports discomfort after increasing hill workouts. During a Functional Movement Screen, the provider observes limited control on one side during a single-leg movement and uses that finding to guide the sports injury assessment.
Related Services
Related Terms
Range Of Motion
Range Of Motion is the amount a joint can move in different directions during an activity…
Straight Leg Raise
A straight leg raise is a physical examination test that checks how the lower back and…
Joint Restriction
Joint Restriction is a reduced ability of a joint to move through its normal range. The…
Muscle Spasm
A muscle spasm is a sudden, involuntary tightening of muscle fibers that can cause pain, stiffness…
Arrowhead Clinic Chiropractor Garden City
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