Injuries rarely happen out of nowhere. Most start with small movement issues that go unnoticed tight hips, weak glutes, poor balance, or limited shoulder control. Over time, these small problems add stress to the body. When training load increases or daily demands build up, injury prevention follows.
This is where Functional Movement Screening (FMS) plays an important role in injury prevention.
What Is Functional Movement Screening?
Functional Movement Screening (FMS Test) is a structured way to assess how your body moves, not just how strong or flexible it is.
Instead of focusing on one muscle, FMS looks at:
- Mobility
- Stability
- Balance
- Coordination
- Movement control
The goal is to identify movement restrictions or imbalances before they turn into pain or injury.
Why Movement Quality Matters More Than Strength
Many people train regularly and still get injured. The reason is often how they move, not how much they lift.
Poor movement patterns can:
- Place extra load on joints
- Overwork certain muscles
- Reduce force absorption
- Increase injury risk during exercise or sport
Functional movement screening helps spot these issues early.
How Functional Movement Screening Helps Prevent Injury
1. Identifies Weak Links in the Body
Your body works as a chain. If one link is weak or restricted, another area takes on more load.
FMS helps uncover:
- Hip mobility restrictions
- Core stability issues
- Shoulder control problems
- Asymmetries between left and right sides
Fixing these early reduces unnecessary strain.
2. Detects Problems Before Pain Starts
Pain is often a late warning sign.
Movement dysfunction usually appears long before pain does.
Functional movement screening allows physiotherapists to:
- Detect risk factors early
- Address them proactively
- Prevent injuries rather than react to them
This is especially valuable for active individuals and athletes.
3. Improves Exercise Technique and Efficiency
Good movement allows muscles and joints to work together efficiently.
After a movement screen:
- Exercises can be modified
- Technique can be corrected
- Training becomes safer and more effective
This leads to better performance with lower injury risk.
4. Supports Long-Term Training Consistency
Injuries interrupt progress.
Even minor setbacks can stop training routines and reduce motivation.
By improving movement patterns, FMS helps:
- Reduce flare-ups
- Improve recovery
- Maintain consistency over time
Consistency is key for long-term fitness and health.
Who Benefits From Functional Movement Screening?
Functional movement screening is useful for:
- Gym-goers and fitness enthusiasts
- Runners and team sport athletes
- People returning after injury
- Office workers with recurring stiffness
- Anyone starting a new training program
You do not need to be injured to benefit.
How Physiotherapy Uses Functional Movement Screening
Across Australia, physiotherapists in Bondi Junction use functional movement screening as part of a broader, evidence-based approach to injury prevention and performance care. Rather than focusing on pain alone, a physio-led movement screen looks at how your body moves during everyday activities, exercise, and sport.
During a professional movement screening:
- Your movement patterns are observed carefully
- Restrictions and imbalances are explained clearly
- A targeted plan is created to address issues
- Exercises focus on control, strength, and mobility
This approach helps ensure that training and daily movement support your body rather than stress it.
Why Functional Movement Screening Matters for Injury Prevention
Injury prevention is not about avoiding movement.
It is about moving well.
Functional movements screening provides insight into how your body handles load, balance, and control. When combined with physiotherapy guidance, it becomes a powerful tool to reduce injury risk and support long-term physical health.
At Merlin Physio, this approach is used to understand how you move as a whole and guide practical, evidence-based strategies that support safe, sustainable movement over time.
If you train regularly, stay active, or want to move without setbacks, functional movements screening can help keep your body resilient and performing at its best—before pain or injury slows you down.
