Move Better, Live Longer: Functional Movement Systems (FMS) in Clive IA

Most healthcare providers chase pain. They treat the knee because the knee hurts. But what if the knee hurts because the hip isn't moving correctly?

At Full Circle Chiropractic, we don't just guess where your problem is coming from—we grade it. We are proud to utilize the Functional Movement Screen (FMS) in Clive IA, the gold standard in movement baselining used by the NFL, NBA, and elite military units.

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What is the Functional Movement Screen (FMS)?

The FMS is a ranking and grading system that documents movement patterns that are key to normal function. By screening these patterns, we can identify functional limitations and asymmetries.

Think of it as a "Check Engine Light" for your body. Just because you aren't in pain right now doesn't mean you are moving well. If you have a "weak link" in your movement chain, it is only a matter of time before it breaks under load.

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The "Weak Link" Concept in Clive IA

Renowned physical therapist Gray Cook, the founder of FMS, has a simple rule: "Don't add fitness to dysfunction."

If you have a stiff hip (dysfunction) and you try to squat heavy weights (fitness), your body will force your lower back to do the work instead. This leads to injury. Our goal is to find that stiff hip before you blow out your back.

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The 7 Fundamental Patterns

During your screen, Dr. Adams will guide you through seven specific movement tests. You are scored on a scale of 0–3 for each.

1. Deep Squat: Tests total body mechanics and neuromuscular control.
2. Hurdle Step: Tests single-leg stability and locomotion mechanics.
3. In-Line Lunge: Tests hip, knee, and ankle stability.
4. Shoulder Mobility: Tests range of motion in the upper body.
5. Active Straight-Leg Raise: Tests hamstring flexibility and hip separation.
6. Trunk Stability Push-up: Tests core strength and reflexive stability.
7. Rotary Stability: Tests neuromuscular coordination and energy transfer.

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What Your Score Means

Once the screen is complete, you receive a raw score.

• Score of 3: Perfect movement pattern.
• Score of 2: Acceptable (functional) movement.
• Score of 1: Inability to perform the pattern (Dysfunction).
• Score of 0: Pain during the movement.

The Clinical Goal: Research indicates that a composite score below 14 puts you at a significantly higher risk of sustaining a serious injury. Our job is to move you from a "risk" category to a "performance" category using Corrective Exercises.

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Who is FMS For?

• The Weekend Warrior: Before you start training for that marathon or triathlon in Des Moines, get screened to ensure your body can handle the volume.
• The Youth Athlete: We screen high school athletes to catch muscle imbalances early, preventing ACL tears and overuse injuries.
• The Post-Surgical Patient: Once you are "healed," FMS ensures you are actually functional before returning to work or sport.

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Stop Guessing with Your Health

If you are tired of recurring injuries or simply want to optimize your gym performance, you need a baseline.

Schedule your Functional Movement Screen today at (515) 226-2155.

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Sources & Clinical References

• Kiesel K, Plisky PJ, Voight ML. Can Serious Injury in Professional Football be Predicted by a Preseason Functional Movement Screen? North American Journal of Sports Physical Therapy. 2007.
• Cook G, Burton L, Hoogenboom B. Pre-participation screening: The use of fundamental movements as an assessment of function - Part 1. North American Journal of Sports Physical Therapy. 2006.
• Minick KI, et al. Interrater reliability of the functional movement screen. J Strength Cond Res. 2010.