Functional movement screening evaluates mobility, stability, and coordination through standardized movements like squats and lunges. It is often used in sports and wellness settings to guide treatment planning and to provide baseline data.
Screening results inform exercise selection. Proper documentation links screening findings to functional goals.
Why it matters
Movement screening supports proactive care. It shifts the focus from "fixing pain" to "optimizing function."
Pro Tip
Don't let paper forms bury your data. Screening is only valuable when results directly inform treatment decisions and are tracked over time. Data collected over time with FMS can improve patient compliance as they see real time the results of care.
FAQ
Is functional movement screening diagnostic?
No. It identifies movement limitations, not medical diagnoses.
Is FMS billable to insurance?
Typically, the screen itself is part of an evaluation (97161-97163) or a cash-pay wellness service, depending on the context and payer rules.
How often should FMS be performed?
It is usually done at the initial intake and re-administered after a block of training or therapy to measure progress.