As spring sports and activities begin, functionality and injury prevention are just as, if not more, important than performance. Our office uses an evaluation called Functional Movement Screening (or "FMS") to identify mobility and stability issues. The NFL Combine in Indianapolis has used this screening for the past 10 years as a tool to evaluate 300 of the most promising pro-football prospects. Coaches and athletic trainers from teams such as the Miami Dolphins, the Seattle Seahawks, and our own Carolina Panthers were some of the many teams that came out this year to have their potential recruits screened and evaluated. Dr. Lee Burton, one of the doctors present at the most recent NFL Combine screening, said this, “The goal of the FMS is to help distinguish whether an athlete has a performance issue or whether their performance may be limited by a movement issue. We are trying to quantify a standard that forecasts durability. Are they physically conditioned to meet the demands of what they want to do?”

That same question should be asked of adult and adolescent athletes. The goal of FMS screenings is to help athletic coaches and trainers implement a better workout program for individual athletes. As kids and adults become more active with sports and begin training, it is important to look at not just the physical requirements needed to play a certain sport or activity, but also if are they functionally able to play that sport or activity. If you can help your child improve their functionality, then hopefully they can practice better. If they can practice better, they can improve their skill. If they can improve their skill, they can improve their performance and prevent injury.  

All children (and adults) should be screened before starting any new sport or fitness program. You can read more about FMS here. Call our office today to schedule an appointment for Functional Movement Screening.