Move Well, Then Often—The Proof is in the Movement

In the words of Gray Cook, founder of Functional Movement Systems (FMS), “First move well, then move often.” At Great Lakes Physical Medicine, we truly believe in Cook’s words.

In the past, Dr. Eric Wolk has screened top high school, collegiate and professional athletes in order to assess for imbalanced movement.

The screen works in assessing mobility issues first because mobility is not possible without adequate stability. Asymmetries take priority as they create the highest risk of injury. The screen looks at these movements within three categories: mobility, motor control, and functional patterning.

The goal? To improve performance by identifying improper movements due to asymmetrical compensations, giving the athlete specific areas to work on and correct before the season begins.

Below is a list of each category and the movement used to asses for asymmetric compensations

 1.    Mobility

a.     Active Straight-Leg Raise

b.     Shoulder Mobility

2.    Motor Control

a.     Rotary stability                                        

b.     Trunk Stability Push-up

3.    Functional Patterning

a.     Inline lunge

b.     Hurdle step

c.     Deep squat

The bottom line: FMS screening should be utilized in the early stages of an athlete’s career to avoid the development of habitual compensations.

Interested in learning more about FMS? Contact GLPM today to eliminate asymmetries and start moving well.