Strength Report: Screen, Evaluate, and Correct

The Functional Movement Screen (FMS) was developed by Gray Cook and is used by many NFL, NHL, and MLB teams as well as colleges throughout the country. The FMS is a screen of seven movements, giving a grade of 0-3. Using the FMS, we can look at imbalances and dysfunctions in our athletes and prescribe corrective exercises that will help them move better. Why do we want them to move better? The answer is simple: they will be more athletic and also more injury-proof. The FMS also allows us to see any issues an athlete may have before we ever send them on the field or into the weight room. The Screening Note:  If there is pain, a score of zero is noted, the FMS is stopped and the athlete is referred to medical help to address the pain. Let’s start a screening. The first exercise is the deep squat, which measures hip and shoulder mobility (Photo 1). The athlete puts