Functional Movement screen
Includes a Sports Movement Assessment
The Functional Movement Screen (FMS) is a screening tool used to evaluate seven fundamental movement patterns in individuals with no current pain complaint or musculoskeletal injury. The FMS is not intended to diagnose orthopedic problems but rather to demonstrate opportunities for improved movement in individuals.
The assessment is suitable for anyone who trains or competes in sport at any level and many of our patients use the Functional Movement Screen to help them prepare for taking up a new sport, climbing a mountain or going on an active holiday.
The FMS can address the following:
- If you are struggling with recurrent sports injuries
- Strength and flexibility issues that haven’t improved in the gym
- Suffering with persistent work related aches & pains, headaches & tight muscles in your neck/shoulders
- Not performing as well in sport following a previous injury
When to use the Functional Movement Screen
The FMS can be used to identify problems that might not be identified during an ordinary physio appointment or evaluation. These issues include muscle flexibility, strength imbalances or compensation due to previous injury and are recognised risk factors for future injury.
It can be used to identify functional deficits related to proprioceptive, mobility and stability limitations. If these risk factors can be identified and addressed using the FMS, then a decrease in future injury and improved performance should follow.
The FMS can also be used to re-screen for feedback every 4-6 weeks or when an improvement is seen in the priority movement pattern. Re-screening provides feedback into the effectiveness of the current program design and provides insight on how and when to move to higher level progressions or a new priority movement pattern.
When a Functional Movement Screen might not be suitable
A Functional Movement Assessment is not suitable if you have any specific ongoing issues or pains. In this case, a 60 minute physio appointment is likely to be more useful so that we can assess you clinically.
Physio Fees | |
|---|---|
| Initial appointment (approx. 45 mins) | £57 |
| Extended Initial Appointment (for multiple issues) (approx. 1 hour) | £75 |
| Follow up Appointment (approx. 30 mins) | £47 |
| Functional Movement Screen (45 minute) | £65 |
| PHONE / VIDEO CONSULTATIONS | |
| Phone / Video Initial appointment | £47 |
| Phone / Video Follow up Appointment | £25 |
| HOME VISITS | |
| Home Visit - Initial Assessment | From £100 |
| Home Visit - Follow up | From £85 |
Functional movement screen
The Functional Movement Screen tests seven fundamental movement patterns that are key to identifying your functional movement quality. The process provides a reliable baseline for actionable and effective steps to improve your performance and recovery.
Chris Davenport
Our Functional Movement Screen Practitioner
Chris graduated as a physiotherapist from Leeds University in 1997, starting his career at Rotherham General hospital and has worked in private practice since 2002.
His last role included running a sports injury clinic for students at Loughborough University where he has gained experience treating both elite and recreational athletes from a range of sports. He has undergone additional training in Indian head massage and reflexology, whilst completing postgraduate training in orthopaedic medicine and manual therapy also.
He was physiotherapist for the City of Sheffield (senior men) athletics team and has worked with the North East regional athletics team in Portugal, at the British Transplant Games and also with the London Marathon medical team.
“I like to understand the mechanisms which prevent an injury from recovering and use a variety of treatment techniques to correct any contributing factors, whilst targeting the source of the pain.”
Chris Davenport
The 7 movement patterns
The screen is designed to place an individual in extreme positions where movement deficits become noticeable if appropriate stability and mobility are not used.
Even though individuals are performing an activity or sport at a high level, it has been observed that many of these same individuals are limited in fundamental movement. This leads to the use of compensatory movements in order to achieve or maintain the level of performance needed for the activity. The inefficient use of compensation during movement will lead to poor biomechanics that limit gains in performance and reduces the body’s ability to remain adaptable and durable against the risks of being involved in the activity or sport.
1. DEEP SQUAT
2. HURDLE STEP
3. INLINE LUNGE
4. SHOULDER MOBILITY
5. ACTIVE STRAIGHT-LEG RAISE
6. TRUNK STABILITY PUSH UP
7. ROTARY STABILITY
Scoring criteria
The FMS uses a simplistic grading system. Each individual movement pattern has certain criteria that must be accomplished in order to obtain a high score. The scoring is broken down into four basic criteria:
Interpreting Screen Results
Within the FMS there is an algorithm or procedure for addressing the asymmetries and restrictions found in the screen. The algorithm allows us to quickly identify and prioritize deficient movement patterns. Once the priority movement pattern has been identified, this allows for targeted intervention using corrective exercise.
If an individual has no areas of concern within a movement pattern then they would be cleared to train and load that pattern. This provides an appropriate movement baseline for further physical capacity and performance testing, such as the Y-Balance Test.
The FMS is not intended to diagnose orthopedic problems but rather to demonstrate opportunities for improved movement in individuals.
Your questions answered
Where do you offer the FMS?
The FMS is available at both our Derby (Pride Park) and Long Eaton clinics.
What should I wear?
You should wear loose comfortable clothing to allow free movement during the assessment (e.g. vest and shorts).
Is this suitable if I'm suffering from existing 'everyday' pains?
Probably not - if you have specific ongoing issues or pains, then a 60 minute physio appointment is likely to be more useful so that we can assess you clinically.
Pain experienced on the screening test movements fails the screen and would need to be assessed clinically.
How long will it take?
The assessment lasts 45 minutes
What will I get from the assessment?
After the assessment, we will provide you with a full prevention or injury treatment plan which may include a tailored online exercise programme you can do at home with advice on other subjects such as posture.
Online exercise programs to follow at home
After your treatment, your physio will provide you with a personalised exercise program to follow at home.
Personalised to you
Each exercise includes an online video clip that you can view on a smartphone, computer or tablet.
View online or print
You can either watch the exercises online or print them off.
Professional Quality Videos and handouts
Clear hand-outs with Professional studio pictures and clear written instructions.
