The Functional Movement Screen is a comprehensive assessment tool that evaluates seven fundamental movement patterns to identify limitations, asymmetries, and injury risks. This screening helps healthcare providers like chiropractors and physical therapists develop targeted treatment plans to improve movement quality and prevent injuries.
What Is the Functional Movement Screen?
The Functional Movement Screen (FMS) is a standardized assessment system that evaluates how well your body performs basic movement patterns. Developed by Gray Cook and Lee Burton, this screening tool examines seven fundamental movements that form the foundation of more complex activities we perform daily and during sports.
At Integrative Motion Utah, Dr. Dustin Drussel, DC, MS uses the Functional Movement Screen as part of his comprehensive evaluation process. With his Master's degree in Sports Rehabilitation, Dr. Drussel understands how movement dysfunctions can lead to pain, decreased performance, and increased injury risk. The FMS provides valuable insights that complement traditional chiropractic examinations and help create more effective, personalized treatment plans.
The Seven Movement Patterns Evaluated
Understanding the Functional Movement Screen begins with knowing what movements are assessed. Each of these patterns reveals different aspects of your body's mobility, stability, and coordination.
Deep Overhead Squat
This movement evaluates bilateral, symmetrical mobility of the hips, knees, and ankles, as well as bilateral symmetrical mobility of the shoulders and thoracic spine. It also tests your body's ability to maintain stability throughout the entire kinetic chain during a challenging movement pattern.
Hurdle Step
The hurdle step assesses the body's ability to perform coordinated movement requiring single-leg stance stability, maximal closed-chain hip flexion, and coordinated movement of the hips, knees, and ankles.
In-Line Lunge
This pattern tests hip, knee, ankle, and foot mobility and stability, as well as quadriceps flexibility and knee stability. It challenges your body's ability to maintain balance and control in multiple planes of movement.
Shoulder Mobility
This assessment combines shoulder flexion, extension, internal rotation, external rotation, and scapular mobility. It's particularly relevant for patients with neck pain or shoulder issues that Dr. Drussel commonly treats at his Orem practice.
Active Straight Leg Raise
This movement tests the ability to dissociate the lower extremities while maintaining stability in the torso. It evaluates hamstring and calf flexibility while testing the opposite hip's ability to maintain stability.
Trunk Stability Push-Up
This pattern assesses the body's ability to stabilize the spine in an anterior and posterior plane during a closed-chain upper body movement. It's essential for core stability and overall movement efficiency.
Rotary Stability
This complex movement combines upper and lower extremity movement in opposing directions while maintaining spinal stability. It tests multi-planar core stability and neuromuscular control.
How the Screening Process Works
When you visit Dr. Drussel for a Functional Movement Screen at our Orem clinic, the process is systematic and thorough. Each movement is performed multiple times and scored on a scale from 0 to 3, with 3 representing perfect movement and 0 indicating pain during the movement.
The scoring system helps identify specific areas that need attention. A score of 1 indicates the person cannot perform the movement pattern, while a score of 2 suggests they can complete it but with compensation patterns. These compensation patterns often reveal underlying issues that could benefit from chiropractic adjustments or corrective exercises.
According to research published in the Journal of Athletic Training, individuals scoring 14 or below on the FMS have a significantly higher risk of injury. This research validates the screening's effectiveness as a predictive tool for injury prevention.
Benefits for Different Types of Patients
Athletes and Active Individuals
For athletes throughout Utah County, including those from Provo and surrounding areas, the Functional Movement Screen is invaluable for performance optimization and injury prevention. Dr. Drussel's background in sports rehabilitation allows him to interpret FMS results specifically for athletic populations, identifying movement deficiencies before they lead to sports injuries.
Patients with Chronic Pain
Many patients experiencing back pain or other chronic conditions have underlying movement dysfunctions. The FMS helps identify these patterns, allowing Dr. Drussel to address root causes rather than just symptoms. This approach often leads to longer-lasting relief and improved function.
Post-Injury Recovery
Whether recovering from car accident injuries or other trauma, the Functional Movement Screen provides objective measures of recovery progress. It helps determine when patients are ready to return to normal activities and identifies areas that still need attention.
What Happens After Your Screening
Once Dr. Drussel completes your Functional Movement Screen, he analyzes the results to develop a comprehensive treatment plan. This might include various interventions available at Integrative Motion Utah, such as:
- Targeted soft tissue therapy to address muscle imbalances
- Specific corrective exercises to improve movement patterns
- Chiropractic adjustments to restore proper joint function
- Kinesiology taping to support proper movement during the rehabilitation process
The beauty of the FMS is that it provides a roadmap for treatment, making therapy more efficient and effective. Rather than using a one-size-fits-all approach, Dr. Drussel can customize your care based on your specific movement limitations and goals.
The Science Behind Movement Assessment
The American College of Sports Medicine recognizes movement screening as an important component of injury prevention and performance enhancement. Research consistently shows that addressing movement dysfunctions reduces injury rates and improves overall function.
Dr. Drussel's approach integrates the Functional Movement Screen with other diagnostic tools and treatments. This comprehensive method aligns with current evidence-based practices in rehabilitation and sports medicine.
Preparing for Your Functional Movement Screen
To get the most accurate results from your screening, wear comfortable clothing that allows for full range of motion. Athletic wear or loose-fitting clothes work best. You should be able to perform squats, lunges, and overhead movements without restriction from your clothing.
Come prepared to move and be assessed objectively. The screening typically takes 15-20 minutes and provides valuable information that will guide your treatment plan. Dr. Drussel will explain each movement and ensure you understand what's being assessed.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does a Functional Movement Screen take?
A complete Functional Movement Screen typically takes 15-20 minutes. Dr. Drussel will guide you through each of the seven movement patterns and may repeat certain movements for accuracy.
Is the Functional Movement Screen painful?
The FMS should not be painful for most people. If you experience pain during any movement, this is noted in your scoring and helps Dr. Drussel identify areas that need immediate attention.
How often should I have a Functional Movement Screen?
For athletes, screening every 6-12 months is recommended. For patients in rehabilitation, Dr. Drussel may repeat portions of the screen to track progress throughout your treatment plan.
Can the Functional Movement Screen predict injuries?
Research shows that individuals scoring 14 or below have a significantly higher injury risk. While not 100% predictive, the FMS is a valuable tool for identifying movement patterns that may lead to problems.
What should I wear for my Functional Movement Screen?
Wear comfortable athletic clothing that allows full range of motion. Avoid restrictive clothing that might limit your movement during the assessment.
Understanding the Functional Movement Screen and how it can benefit your health is the first step toward better movement and reduced injury risk. At Integrative Motion Utah, Dr. Drussel combines this valuable assessment tool with his expertise in chiropractic care and sports rehabilitation to help patients throughout the Orem area achieve their health and performance goals.
Ready to discover how your movement patterns might be affecting your health and performance? Schedule a consultation with Dr. Drussel today or call (801) 396-1100 to learn more about how a Functional Movement Screen can be part of your comprehensive care plan.
