Sports Pre-Participation Screening with the Functional Movement Screen (FMS)
Do you have an athlete that would like to perform better within their sport, or have they suffered from recurring injuries during a season?
A back to sports functional movement screen may be for your athlete if they have not been active in their sport for a while, have recurring injuries each season, or want to improve their overall sport performance. At A Step Ahead Physical Therapy, we want our local athletes to be prepared for their sport, move better, and avoid season-ending injuries.
How can A Step Ahead Physical Therapy help?
Physical therapists can take an active approach in identifying potential risk factors while performing a specific sport activity with the functional movement screen.
Some of those factors that may lead to decreased performance include poor mechanics, muscle weakness and tightness, as well as fatigue.
Most schools request a pre-participation physical that screens the heart, lungs, and musculoskeletal system, but the FMS can dig deeper into the musculoskeletal system and the neuromuscular system which is important for balance and stabilization.
What is the FMS?
The functional movement screen (FMS) is a screening tool that tests 7 different movements where deficits with mobility or stability can become apparent.
The participant is graded on a 0-3 scale and given a composite score to determine any movement deficiencies that could affect overall performance.
The FMS can also help address any concerns an athlete may present with before they start or return to their sport.
Functional movements like squats, push-ups and inline lunges require balance, stabilization, and basic coordination without compensation or demonstrating left-to-right imbalances in muscle activity or flexibility. A deficit with any of these factors can lead to painful movement, inefficient mobility, and various injuries.
Check out how the NHL, MLB, NFL, NBA and some professional soccer teams utilize the FMS: FMS at the NHL Combine | Functional Movement Systems
FAQs
How much does a Functional Movement Screen cost at A Step Ahead Physical Therapy?
We offer a Functional Movement Screen package which includes a 60-minute functional movement screen and two 30-minute follow-up sessions for $200. Group pricing (10 or more participants) is also available for $75 per person.
How long does the Functional Movement Screen take?
The appointment is 60 minutes.
Why would I need a follow-up session?
A follow-up session would be needed to focus on the deficits revealed by the FMS and to progress the exercises generated by the FMS.
Where can I find more resources for the FMS?
More resources can be found on our website or by clicking the link below:
By: Anna Hilpertshauser PT, DPT
