Treatments & Services
Move Smarter, Not Harder: How the Functional Movement Screen Prevents Injury and Improves Performance
The Functional Movement Screen is a physical therapy assessment tool used to observe human movement. It allows your therapist to assess where your body is strongest and weakest. The screening process is comprised of a series of functional exercises similar to those done in a gym setting. The exercises focus on stability, mobility and asymmetry, to gauge your current physical status. These findings guide your therapist in strengthening the weakest links in order to take your physical function to the next level. The findings can also be useful in preventing injuries such as an ACL or rotator cuff tear.
Understanding the Functional Movement Screen (FMS)
Whether you’re an athlete, weekend warrior, or simply someone who wants to stay active without pain, the Functional Movement Screen (FMS) is one of the best ways to understand how well your body moves.
At Point Performance Physical Therapy in Bethesda, Maryland, we use the FMS to evaluate key movement patterns that reveal weaknesses, tightness, or compensations that could increase your risk of injury.
The FMS is a series of seven simple movement tests — including squats, lunges, and stability challenges — designed to assess how efficiently your muscles and joints work together. It’s not about strength or endurance, but quality of movement.
Why Movement Quality Matters
You don’t need to be an athlete to benefit from the Functional Movement Screen. Most people develop small imbalances over time from sitting, repetitive activities, or previous injuries. These imbalances may not cause pain at first — but over time, they can lead to strain, joint wear, or reduced athletic performance.
By identifying these issues early, the FMS allows our therapists to create a personalized corrective exercise plan that improves mobility, coordination, and control before problems become injuries.
How Patients Improve with FMS-Based Therapy
At Point Performance, we integrate your FMS results into a customized physical therapy or performance program. This often includes:
- Corrective exercises targeting weak or restricted areas
- Mobility drills for hips, shoulders, and spine
- Core stability training to support efficient movement
- Progressive retraining to restore symmetry and prevent compensation
Over time, patients notice smoother movement, better posture, improved performance, and fewer flare-ups of pain or stiffness.
Patient Experiences
“I came to Point Performance for recurring knee pain that always came back when I ran,” says Laura P., 45, from Bethesda. “During the FMS, my therapist found that my hip mobility was limited and my core wasn’t activating properly. After a few weeks of corrective exercises, I could run pain-free for the first time in years.”
“As a golfer, I wanted to improve my swing and avoid back pain,” shares Evan D., 62. “The FMS showed where my rotation was limited. My PT worked with me on targeted mobility and stability work — now I’m hitting longer and playing without soreness.”
Who Benefits from an FMS Assessment
- Athletes seeking a performance edge
- Golfers, tennis players, and runners
- Individuals returning to fitness after time off or injury
- Anyone wanting to move more efficiently and prevent injury
Start Moving Better Today
The Functional Movement Screen at Point Performance Physical Therapy in Bethesda is an essential first step toward better movement and long-term joint health. By addressing small imbalances now, you can stay active, strong, and pain-free for years to come.
Contact Point Performance today to schedule your FMS session and take the first step toward moving smarter — and performing better.
📍 Serving Bethesda, Potomac, Rockville, and surrounding Montgomery County, Maryland.
Experience Personalized Care & Expertise Today