Chris Taquino, DPT is a Physical Therapist with SOL Santa Cruz addresses how the Functional Movement Screen (FMS) can aide in the identification of movement dysfunctions and injury prevention.
Santa Cruz County is full of active people. We’re commonly referred to as “Surf City”, or ranked as one of the healthiest places in the nation to live. Whether you participate in sports and fitness at a competitive level, or you’re a weekend warrior making the most of your time, the last thing an athlete wants is to be slowed down by injury. Most athletes are specialists in movement compensation, which can be ticking time bombs for injury. They are in tune with their bodies and perform complex, coordinated movements for their activities. This is an attribute to their movement prowess, but may disguise a functional deficiency that can lead to injury. Participating in a Functional Movement Screen or FMS can help identify movement dysfunction and aide in injury prevention.
The Functional Movement Screen (FMS) is just that, a screen for movement dysfunctions and asymmetries. It was developed in 1997 by Lee Burton and Physical Therapist Grey Cook. Its purpose is to identify movement dysfunctions and help create a clear path to address these dysfunctions. The FMS screen is now widely used in NFL training camps and collegiate programs across the nation.
Here at SOL Santa Cruz, the Functional Movement Screen is used by our staff on anyone trying to reach their optimal performance level in their sport or activity. It allows our practitioners and trainers to quickly and effectively identify movement dysfunctions and asymmetries in that athlete. Once the dysfunction or dysfunctions is identified, specific corrective exercises can be prescribed immediately to help reduce risk for injury.
Preventative health is the best way to avoid injury and one does not need to be injured to receive the Functional Movement Screen. Having the knowledge of how your body compensates during specific functional movement patterns is an invaluable tool to help prevent future injury. Whether you’re a professional thinking about joining the local CrossFit gym, or a high school athlete training for the upcoming season, the FMS is a great way to get you started on a healthy path to success.
To learn more about the Functional Movement Screen (FMS) with SOL Santa Cruz, please visit our website. SOL also offers FMS screens at our Oakland and Walnut Creek locations.
