Being able to move efficiently and without pain is critical to your quality of life, independence and health. The squatting, kneeling, walking and running you learn as a child can, for many reasons, evolve into very uncomfortable, even painful movements. But there’s a way to find and correct movements that hamper your comfort: a functional movement screen.
Whether you want to start training for a 5K or simply stay healthy and injury-free, you have to know how you move. A functional movement screen evaluates seven movement patterns to see if the way you move may increase your risk of injury. The test looks at mobility and stability limitation, as well as muscle flexibility, strength imbalances and any compensations due to pervious injury. By analyzing your movement quality, a certified screener can identify issues and provide exercises that will help you correct them. It’s a simple, yet sophisticated testing technique used by physical therapists, athletic trainers, and strength and conditioning professionals all over the world. It’s also available here in the Lowcountry at LifeFit Wellness Center.
The Seven Functional Movement Patterns
- Deep squat – bilateral, symmetrical, functional mobility and stability of the hips, knees and ankles
- Hurdle step – step and stride mechanics, and mobility and stability of the hips, knees and ankles
- Inline lunge – spine stabilization and hip, knee, ankle and foot mobility and stability
- Shoulder mobility – bilateral shoulder range of motion
- Active straight-leg raise – hip mobility and core stability
- Trunk stability push up – reflex core stabilization
- Rotary stability – pelvis, core and shoulder girdle stability
Wellness coaches and certified screeners David Purser and Ricca Callis have found the study to be very effective for evaluating health and exercise programs. LifeFit members can receive the screen from a certified screener for $100.
Your screener will review your findings with you and recommend corrective exercise and modifications that can help you move with greater comfort or reduce your risk of injury. Four to six weeks later you’ll have a second screen to review and discuss your progress.
To learn more or schedule a functional movement screening, call LifeFit Wellness Center at 843-522-5635.