The most effective way to manage sports injuries and musculoskeletal problems is to prevent them from occurring in the first place. At Quantum Physiotherapy in Bangalore, our Functional Movement Screening (FMS) service provides exactly this: a comprehensive, systematic assessment of how your body moves through fundamental patterns, identifying the specific weaknesses, restrictions, and asymmetries that increase your injury risk — before they cause a problem.
What Is Functional Movement Screening (FMS)?
Functional Movement Screening is a standardised assessment tool developed by physical therapist Gray Cook and colleagues in the 1990s, now used by physiotherapists, sports coaches, and athletic trainers worldwide. The FMS consists of seven fundamental movement tests, each scored on a scale of 0 to 3, producing a total score out of 21. These seven patterns are:
- Deep squat — assesses bilateral symmetrical mobility of the hips, knees, and ankles, and thoracic spine mobility
- Hurdle step — assesses step mechanics and bilateral functional balance during a step pattern
- In-line lunge — assesses the flexibility and stability demanded in a deceleration and change-of-direction pattern
- Shoulder mobility — assesses bilateral shoulder range of motion and thoracic spine extension
- Active straight leg raise — assesses active hamstring and calf flexibility and core stabilisation
- Trunk stability push-up — assesses reflexive core stabilisation during a symmetric upper extremity pushing pattern
- Rotary stability — assesses multi-planar trunk stability during a combined upper and lower extremity movement
Three additional clearing tests are also performed to rule out pain with specific movements.
How FMS Identifies Your Injury Risk
Research has demonstrated that individuals with a total FMS score below 14, or those with asymmetries between the left and right sides (scoring differently on the same test for each side), are at significantly increased risk of non-contact sports injury. This makes FMS a powerful, evidence-based prediction tool.
Beyond the score, the qualitative observations made during each test reveal the specific movement impairments present — whether that is a mobility limitation in a particular joint, a stability deficit in the core or hip, or a compensation pattern that has developed to work around an old injury. This information directly informs your corrective exercise programme.
Who Should Have an FMS Assessment?
- Athletes preparing for a new competitive season who want to identify and address risks before training intensifies
- Gym members or CrossFit athletes who want to move better and reduce injury risk
- Runners preparing for marathons, half-marathons, or 10K events in Bangalore
- Corporate employees with desk-based posture issues looking to understand how their occupation has affected their movement
- Anyone who has had a previous injury and wants to ensure their movement patterns have been fully rehabilitated before returning to sport
- Sports coaches or gym trainers who want to screen their athletes or clients
FMS and Your Corrective Exercise Programme
An FMS assessment is only the beginning. The real value comes from what happens next. Based on your FMS findings, your Quantum Physiotherapy physiotherapist will design a targeted corrective exercise programme that systematically addresses your movement deficits in the correct priority order — mobility before stability, symmetry before strength. This programme is progressive and reassessed regularly to ensure you are continuing to improve.
Many athletes and active individuals in Bangalore are amazed by the improvements in performance and reduction in pain they experience simply by correcting their fundamental movement patterns. When your body moves the way it was designed to, everything becomes easier — and safer.
Frequently Asked Questions — FMS in Bangalore
How long does an FMS assessment take?
An FMS assessment typically takes 30 to 45 minutes, including the scoring, discussion of findings, and initial corrective exercise guidance. If combined with a full physiotherapy consultation, the total appointment will be longer.
Is FMS only for athletes?
No. While FMS was developed in a sports context, it is valuable for anyone who wants to understand and improve how they move — including sedentary office workers, elderly individuals wanting to reduce fall risk, and anyone with a history of musculoskeletal injury.
What if I score poorly on my FMS?
A lower score simply means you have identified areas that need work — which is exactly why you had the assessment. Your physiotherapist will use your results to design a targeted programme. Most patients see significant improvement in their scores within 6 to 12 weeks of following their corrective programme.
Can FMS be done if I currently have pain?
If you have active pain that affects your movement, it is best to have a standard physiotherapy assessment first. Once your acute pain is managed and you are moving more freely, an FMS assessment is an excellent next step to prevent future problems. Your physiotherapist will guide you on the right timing.
How often should I have an FMS reassessment?
We recommend reassessment every 8 to 12 weeks while working through a corrective programme, and annually thereafter for ongoing monitoring — particularly for athletes heading into a new training season.