When patients are seen at Opp Family Chiropractic for various complaints, we often utilize a Functional Movement Screen as part of our exam. What is a Functional Movement Screen? A Functional Movement Screen (FMS) is used to identify muscle asymmetry, tightness, weakness and other risk factors for injury by examining the mobility and stability of the hips, core, shoulders, knees, ankles, and spine.
This type of screening procedure has gained popularity among chiropractors, trainers and physical therapists because it is scored simply (pass/fail) and will give us a starting point of the patient’s current abilities. Then, after rescreening, we are provide with a consistent measure of progress.
With the information gathered, we are able to design a specialized series of exercises and stretches that will reinforce proper movement patterns. Once exercise has been established, the patient often reports workouts that were once painful, are now more enjoyable. Proper movement patterns will promote a quicker recovery and less soreness after long workouts, or other activities of daily living that can put stress on the body. Many also report that their chiropractic adjustments ‘last longer’.
It’s not magic – just good mechanics. The main purpose of the FMS is to find and identify poor movement patterns so we can retrain the body to move in the most efficient and stable way possible.
FMS is different from other screenings, such as those for posture or flexibility, because its focus is on dynamic movement. Our bodies are meant to move and that movement is an indication of how the body is working. It will let us know how the brain is controlling the body and how the muscles and joints communicate.
Because no one moves perfectly, anyone can benefit from being screened. We can then put the results of a Functional Movement Screen test to work, retraining your improper movement patterns to keep you running like a well-oiled machine.
-Dr. Tom DeWall, Chiropractor