The Functional Movement Screen (FMS)™

Here, Dr. Spillman is performing FMS screening at a local martial arts school. A Functional Movement Screen (FMS)can help determine which it is and how to fix it. One recent study, noting that “[e]stablishing a valid method of identifying athletes at elevated risk for injury could lead to intervention programs that lower injury rates and improve overall athlete performance,” concluded, “The Functional Movement Screen (FMS)is an efficient and reliable method to screen movement patterns during the performance of specific tasks.” The study echoes an earlier one that confirmed (FMS)is “able to predict injury in female athletes.”

During an FMS, you are guided through a series of basic exercises. The screener then assigns a score based on your ability to perform the full range of motions with proper form and without pain.

The lower your FMSscore, the greater your risk for injury. For example, a large study in California demonstrated that firefighters with an FMSscore of less than 14 (on a scale of 1-24) were injured at a much higher rate and more severely than firefighters that scored above 14.

If you have a low FMSscore – or if any part of the test causes pain – then it is likely that you already have an injury and should see a healthcare provider such as a chiropractor or physical therapist for further evaluation and to develop a treatment plan before engaging in physical activity.

During a post-FMSvisit, a chiropractor or physical therapist will perform an assessment (based on a Selective Functional Movement Assessment and a neurological and orthopedic history) to diagnose your injury and create a specialized plan to help you recover.

In addition to assisting with injury recovery, a chiropractor or physical therapist can use post-FMSassessments to identify ways an injury-free athlete can improve their strength and speed.

If you have reached a plateau in your training and aren’t getting faster or stronger no matter how much effort you put in, there could be a functional reason – a relative weakness that could be improved with the right exercises. An FMScan help identify specific areas for improvement, allowing you to focus your hard work on what will make the biggest difference in your performance.

Make an appointment today for a Functional Movement Screen! Dr. Sam Spillman is one of only a few people in Charlottesville to be certified by Functional Movement Systems and is the only FMScertified chiropractor in the area – remember, if you have a low FMSscore, you should see a healthcare provider for an assessment. Dr. Spillman can provide both the FMSand the assessment, if needed. He regularly receives training on using the most up-to-date techniques for evaluating functional movement and creating treatment plans. He will also perform a functional evaluation at the end of your treatment to confirm that you can safely return to activity.