The Functional Movement Screen (FMS) is the product of an exercise philosophy known as Functional Movement Systems. This exercise philosophy and corresponding set of resources is based on sound science, years of innovation, and current research.
The 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 limitations and asymmetries are the same issues that reduce physical performance and put the individual at risk for injury.
The FMS is used to target problems and also to track progress. This scoring system is directly linked to the most beneficial corrective exercises to restore mechanically sound movement patterns. We use 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.
Benefits of FMS
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.
Endorsements for the FMS:
“We now use this program with every player as a pre-test and evaluation tool before we even begin to train them. This individualizes our training as we can now focus more on improving weaknesses, imbalances and asymmetries in an effort to improve functional movement patterns. Not only that, it’s an integral part of our program; rehabilitating injuries, decisions on return to play, and it’s a test before training camp that tells us if has the player improved and if we should feel good about putting him on the field.”
- Jon Torine – Former Head Strength Coach, Indianapolis Colts
“Alpine skiing is a brutal sport that promotes significant, chronic pain pathologies.…With the use of a thorough functional movement intervention, we’ve seen athletes that have raced with pain for years suddenly race without pain, surprising themselves by the things they can suddenly do on their skis.”
- Ernie Rimer – Strength and Conditioning Specialist, US Ski Team