What is a Fuctional Movement Screen?

What is a Functional Movement Screen? 

A Fuctional Movement Screen is an assessment tool that bridges the gap between fitness instructors and physical therapists.  It tests seven basic movement patterns that underlie sports movement and day to day functional activities.  Testing these movement patterns allows a trainer to screen for compensations that compromise effective movements.  Dysfunctional movement patterns limit power, fine motor control and can lead to injury. 

Once compensations are identified through the screening procedure, corrective exercises are recommended that not only strengthen muscles or regain lost flexibility, but also allow new motor learning to take place.  More people than you might think, come to trainers with hidden injuries that are asymptomatic, but would show up as significant abnormalities on an MRI.  Trainers should realize that conventional programming for so called healthy populations may be a limited and superficial way of looking at their average client and their needs.

Fitness Instructors have more tools than ever before to assess their clients and provide truly customized programming.  The Functional Movement Screen and traditional fitness analysis are key techniques for providing a way for Fitness Instructors to objectively evaluate their clients as unique and individual beings.

Michael Lawrence C.S.C.S

Fitness Director / Mendham Health & Racquet Club