Functional Movement Screening for Root‑Cause Pain Identification

Why Movement Matters

Movement quality is the foundation of a musculoskeletal system. When joints move with proper mobility, stability and coordinated motor control, stress is evenly distributed and tissues avoid the overload that leads to chronic low back, neck, shoulder or knee pain. Back in Action Bodyworks embraces this principle by combining chiropractic adjustments, soft‑tissue therapy, ergonomic counseling and corrective exercise. The clinic’s model evaluates posture, gait, range‑of‑motion and muscle activation before prescribing treatment, ensuring each intervention addresses the underlying biomechanical cause rather than merely masking symptoms. A key component of that assessment is the Functional Movement Screen (FMS), a seven‑test, 0‑to‑3 scoring system that quickly reveals mobility deficits, stability gaps and asymmetries. By integrating FMS findings into a care plan, Back in Action Bodyworks helps patients restore movement, reduce pain and improve wellness.

The Functional Movement Screen: Core Concepts

![### Functional Movement Screen (FMS) – Core Concepts

| Deep Squat | Full‑body mobility & stability (ankle, knee, hip, thoracic) | 0 = pain, 1 = cannot complete, 2 = compensated, 3 = flawless | Lower scores indicate mobility/stability deficits or pain | Hurdle Step | Single‑leg stability, hip & knee control | 0‑3 as above | Highlights asymmetries in lower‑extremity loading | In‑line Lunge | Core stability, hip flexor/extensor balance | 0‑3 as above | Reveals anterior/posterior chain imbalances | Shoulder Mobility | Glenohumeral & thoracic mobility | 0‑3 as above | Detects upper‑body restriction affecting overhead tasks | Active Straight‑Leg Raise | Hamstring/soleus flexibility, core stability | 0‑3 as above | Poor scores suggest posterior chain tightness | Trunk Stability Push‑Up | Core and, shoulder girdle stability | 0‑3 as above | Compensations point to spinal or scapular instability | Rotary Stability | Multi‑plane coordination, lumbar/hip integration | 0‑3 as above | Low scores indicate poor motor‑control across kinetic chain

Composite Score: Sum of the seven tests (0‑21). Scores ≤ 14 are a red flag for increased injury risk; 15‑20 indicates good functional quality; 21 is perfect. All scores are recorded in the FMS Pro App, Symmio, or Move2Perform platforms.](https://rank-ai-generated-images.s3-us-east-2.amazonaws.com/06c8f758-0c2c-416a-a37c-253392b59b6d-banner-88f83f0b-5994-4d31-8ea4-5ef1fc4fd924.webp) The Functional Movement Screen (FMS)) evaluates seven fundamental movement patterns: the Deep Squat, Hurdle Step, In‑line Lunge, Shoulder Mobility, Active Straight‑Leg Raise, Trunk Stability Push‑Up, and Rotary Stability. Each test is scored on a 0‑3 ordinal scale—0 indicates pain, 1 denotes inability to complete the movement, 2 reflects a compensated but pain‑free execution, and 3 represents a flawless, pain‑free performance. Summing the seven scores yields a composite total out of 21; a score of 14 or lower is widely recognized as a red flag for increased musculoskeletal injury risk. Importantly, the FMS is a screening tool, not a diagnostic exam; it identifies asymmetries, mobility deficits, and stability limitations that may underlie pain, but it does not diagnose specific pathologies. When pain is observed during a test, clinicians refer the patient for a more detailed evaluation such as the Selective Functional Movement Assessment (SFMA) to pinpoint the root cause before prescribing corrective exercise or chiropractic intervention.

FMS as a Root‑Cause Pain Identifier

![### How Asymmetries Translate to Pain – Root‑Cause Mapping

| Deep Squat ≤ 2 on right side | Right hip flexor, lumbar spine | Low‑back pain, right knee discomfort | Hurdle Step ≤ 1 on left side | Left hip abductors, ankle dorsiflexion | Lateral hip pain, ankle instability | Shoulder Mobility ≤ 1 on right | Right glenohumeral capsule, thoracic spine | Right shoulder impingement, neck stiffness | Active Straight‑Leg Raise ≤ 2 on left | Left hamstring/soleus, lumbar pelvis | Posterior thigh tightness, sacroiliac strain | Rotary Stability ≤ 1 (both) | Core rotatory control, lumbar facet joints | Generalized low‑back ache, rotational sports pain

Clinicians use these mappings to target manual therapy, adjustments, and corrective exercises that address the specific over‑loaded tissue rather than merely treating the symptom.](https://rank-ai-generated-images.s3-us-east-2.amazonaws.com/06c8f758-0c2c-416a-a37c-253392b59b6d-banner-17a07629-7ea3-411e-bb97-9a69834b293a.webp) Movement asymmetries are often the hidden source of musculoskeletal pain. The Functional Movement Screen (FMS) evaluates seven fundamental patterns—deep squat, hurdle step, in‑line lunge, shoulder mobility, active straight‑leg raise, trunk stability push‑up, and rotary stability—revealing where mobility, stability, or motor‑control deficits exist. When an asymmetry is identified, the chiropractor can pinpoint the joint or segment that is over‑loading other structures, explaining localized back, neck, shoulder, or knee discomfort.

In Back in Action Bodyworks, the FMS is performed first, then its findings are woven into the broader chiropractic assessment, which includes posture analysis, range‑of‑motion testing, palpation, and the Selective Functional Movement Assessment (SFMA). The SFMA goes a step further by classifying a dysfunctional movement as either a mobility or stability issue, allowing the clinician to select precise manual techniques, adjustments, or corrective exercises that address the root cause rather than merely masking symptoms.

Interpretation of the composite FMS score follows a clear evidence‑based guideline: a total of 14 or higher is generally regarded as a good score, indicating acceptable movement quality and a lower odds of injury. Scores below 14 signal notable deficits and a higher injury risk, prompting targeted corrective programming. The perfect score of 21 reflects flawless, compensation‑free execution of all seven patterns. Regular re‑screening (every 4‑6 weeks) lets patients and clinicians track progress, adjust treatment plans, and maintain optimal functional health.

What is a good FMS score?
A good Functional Movement Screen (FMS) score is generally considered to be 14 or higher, with scores in the mid‑teens to low‑20s indicating solid movement quality and lower injury risk. The perfect score is 21, which means the individual performed all seven movement patterns without compensation on both sides. Scores below 14 suggest notable deficits and a higher likelihood of injury, so they signal the need for targeted corrective work. Most athletes and active individuals aim for a score of 15‑20 to ensure balanced mobility and stability. Regular retesting can track improvements and help fine‑tune a personalized wellness program.

Reliability, Predictive Value, and Research Highlights

![### Reliability & Predictive Value – Key Research Findings

| Teyhen et al., 2009 | Clinicians (4‑hr training) | 0.73 / 0.78 | Moderate‑to‑good reliability across all 7 tests | Kiesel et al., 2007 | NFL athletes | 0.71 (inter‑rater) | LR⁺ = 5.8 for time‑loss injuries when total ≤ 14 | Mendonça et al., 2015 | Amateur soccer players | 0.70‑0.80 | Scores ≤ 14 predicted 2‑fold increase in injury odds | Read et al., 2018 | Mixed sport cohort | 0.68‑0.77 | Predictive value varied by sport & age; 14 is not universal cutoff | McGuine et al., 2020 | High‑school athletes | 0.75 (intra‑rater) | Re‑testing every 6 weeks showed score improvements with corrective programming

Take‑away: FMS is reliably administered with brief training, and low scores consistently correlate with higher injury risk, though thresholds should be individualized.](https://rank-ai-generated-images.s3-us-east-2.amazonaws.com/06c8f758-0c2c-416a-a37c-253392b59b6d-banner-df152223-a4af-4e85-a71b-b2b6f496147d.webp) Inter‑rater and intra‑rater reliability of the Functional Movement Screen (FMS) is consistently moderate‑to‑good, with ICC values ranging from 0.70 to 0.80 even when clinicians receive only brief (≈4‑hour) training (Teyhen et al., 2009). This reliability supports its use as a repeatable screening tool across diverse settings, from sports teams to chiropractic clinics. A landmark study by Kiesel et al. (2007) demonstrated a positive likelihood ratio of 5.8 for time‑loss injuries in NFL players who scored ≤ 14, indicating that low composite scores markedly increase injury odds. However, subsequent research cautions against a universal ≤ 14 cutoff; injury prediction appears to vary by sport, age, competition level, and individual biomechanics. Consequently, clinicians should interpret FMS scores within the broader clinical picture—considering patient history, functional demands, and other risk factors—rather than relying solely on a single numeric threshold.

Putting FMS into Practice at Back in Action Bodyworks

![### Clinical Workflow at Back in Action Bodyworks

This data‑driven pathway blends chiropractic adjustments with targeted movement rehab, ensuring each patient receives a personalized, evidence‑based plan.](https://rank-ai-generated-images.s3-us-east-2.amazonaws.com/06c8f758-0c2c-416a-a37c-253392b59b6d-banner-abd335c8-376e-4450-800d-2c520c8cd7b1.webp) At Back in Action Bodyworks the patient journey begins with a concise health history and posture analysis, which flag obvious asymmetries and pain patterns. The clinician then administers the Functional Movement Screen (FMS) using the seven core tests (deep squat, hurdle step, in‑line lunge, shoulder mobility, active straight‑leg raise, trunk stability push‑up, rotary stability) to quantify mobility, stability and neuromuscular control. Scores are entered into the FMS Pro App, Symmio, or Move2Perform platforms, allowing instant tracking, visual feedback, and integration with electronic health records. The digital tools also generate individualized corrective‑exercise algorithms that target the specific deficits identified—hip‑mobility drills, core‑stability work, shoulder‑mobility drills, and single‑leg balance training. Because Torrance’s residents enjoy outdoor sports, beach activities, and fitness‑center workouts, the clinic tailors these programs to the community’s active lifestyle, emphasizing injury‑prevention for beach volleyball, hiking, and recreational baseball. The result is a data‑driven, patient‑centered treatment plan that blends chiropractic adjustments, manual therapy, and movement‑based rehabilitation to address the root cause of pain and improve functional health.

Corrective Exercise, Self‑Administration, and Ongoing Progress

![### Sample Corrective Exercise Prescription

| Hip‑mobility (Deep Squat) | 90/90 Hip Mobilization with a stick | 2 × 30 s each side | 3 × week | Add external rotation with band | Shoulder‑mobility (Shoulder Mobility) | Thoracic Extension over Foam Roller | 2 × 45 s | 3 × week | Advance to wall‑angel with dumbbell | Core‑stability (Trunk Stability Push‑Up) | Modified Push‑Up + Scapular Retraction | 3 × 8‑12 | 4 × week | Progress to full push‑up, add instability ball | Posterior‑chain flexibility (Active Straight‑Leg Raise) | Supine Hamstring Stretch with strap | 3 × 30 s each leg | Daily | Increase stretch depth, add dynamic leg swings | Multi‑plane control (Rotary Stability) | Dead‑Bug with opposite arm/leg extension | 3 × 10 each side | 3 × week | Add resistance band around thighs

Self‑Administration: Patients can record each drill on a smartphone, compare to video criteria, and log reps in the app. Professional re‑screening every 4‑6 weeks validates progress and adjusts the program.](https://rank-ai-generated-images.s3-us-east-2.amazonaws.com/06c8f758-0c2c-416a-a37c-253392b59b6d-banner-2e425046-83f9-4064-a91e-28d6b0ad92b2.webp) Mobility drills, core stability work, and neuromuscular re‑education form the backbone of corrective exercise programs derived from Functional Movement Screen (FMS) findings. Typical drills include hip‑flexor stretches, thoracic rotation mobilizations, planks, dead‑bugs, and band‑pull‑apart shoulder work, each targeting the specific deficits revealed by the screening. To track improvement, clinicians recommend re‑screening every 4‑6 weeks, allowing objective comparison of scores and timely adjustments to the exercise plan.

Can FMS be self‑administered? Yes, patients can perform a self‑administered Functional Movement Screen by recording their movements on a smartphone and estimating scores against the published criteria. However, professional evaluation remains more reliable because trained clinicians can detect subtle compensations, ensure proper cueing, and safely interpret pain‑related findings. Self‑screening can be useful for periodic self‑monitoring between visits, but it should complement—not replace—regular in‑clinic assessments.

Key Clinical Questions Answered

![### Quick Reference – Clinical Foundations

These concepts underpin the decision‑making process for every patient seen at Back in Action Bodyworks.](https://rank-ai-generated-images.s3-us-east-2.amazonaws.com/06c8f758-0c2c-416a-a37c-253392b59b6d-banner-1f2882b6-3060-4277-9b5c-56c3f1758956.webp) Understanding musculoskeletal health begins with recognizing the five primary injury types—bone fractures, joint dislocations, ligament sprains, muscle strains, and tendon inflammation (tendinitis). Early signs of a disorder often manifest as pain, stiffness, and swelling, prompting timely assessment. Chiropractic care employs the 4 P’s of pain management—Prevention, Precision, Personalization, and Participation—to address discomfort holistically. Foundational chiropractic concepts focus on the 3 T’s—thoughts, trauma, and toxins—recognizing that mental stress, physical injury, and environmental factors influence nerve health. When an adjustment is indicated, practitioners may choose from seven proven techniques, including Diversified, Thompson Drop‑Table, Gonstead, Activator, Flexion Distraction, and Spinal Decompression, each tailored to the patient’s specific dysfunction. Finally, comprehensive pain management follows the five A’s—analgesia, activities of daily living, adverse effects, affect, and aberrant drug‑related behaviors—to ensure safe, effective, and patient‑centered outcomes.

Future Directions: Integrated Screening and Community Health

![### Integrated Screening Protocol & Community Outreach

| Component | Description | Community Implementation | |-----------|-------------|--------------------------| | Move2Perform Algorithm | Combines FMS, Y‑Balance, gait analysis to stratify injury risk | On‑site screening booths at Torrance wellness fairs | | Y‑Balance Test | Measures dynamic balance in 3 directions | Integrated into school‑sport physicals exams | | Gait Analysis (brief) | Identifies loading patterns, foot mechanics | Partnered with local physiotherapy school for student‑run labs | | Data Repository | De‑identified scores stored for longitudinal research with Collaboration with USC & UCLA research teams | | Education Sessions | Workshops on ergonomics, home‑exercise, injury prevention | Monthly community center talks, online webinars | | Referral Pathway | Direct booking for corrective‑exercise classes & chiropractic adjustments | QR‑code links on screening results flyers |

The goal is to create a proactive health ecosystem that reduces musculoskeletal pain and promotes functional longevity across the Torrance population.](https://rank-ai-generated-images.s3-us-east-2.amazonaws.com/06c8f758-0c2c-416a-a37c-253392b59b6d-banner-e30568ac-7c9b-414d-ad8e-723a0734d786.webp) Back in Action Bodyworks is expanding its preventive care model by adopting the Move2Perform injury‑prevention algorithm, which blends FMS scores with balance, history and prior injuries to stratify risk and prescribe individualized corrective programs. To enhance movement insight, the clinic will pair the FMS with the Y‑Balance Test and a brief gait analysis, creating a comprehensive biomechanical profile that pinpoints asymmetries across the kinetic chain. These data‑rich screenings will be showcased at Torrance community events and wellness fairs, where residents can receive on‑site movement checks, education on ergonomic habits, and referrals to personalized chiropractic and exercise plans. Partnerships with nearby research institutions—USC and UCLA—will allow the practice to contribute to longitudinal studies on functional screening outcomes, validate the integrated protocol, and bring cutting‑edge evidence back to the local population. This collaborative, patient‑centered approach aims to reduce musculoskeletal pain, improve functional health, and foster a culture of proactive wellness throughout Torrance.

From Screening to Sustainable Wellness

The Functional Movement Screen (FMS) provides a systematic, evidence‑based way to uncover mobility, stability and neuromuscular asymmetries that often lie at the root of low‑back, neck, shoulder and joint pain. By scoring seven fundamental patterns on a 0‑3 scale, clinicians can pinpoint deficits—such as limited hip flexion or poor core control—before they evolve into chronic injury. Back in Action Bodyworks in Torrance invites patients to schedule a brief FMS appointment, where the screen is integrated with a thorough history, posture analysis and orthopedic testing. The clinic then creates a personalized corrective‑exercise and chiropractic plan, re‑assessing every 4‑6 weeks to track progress, adjust interventions and ensure lasting functional health.