Introduction
Athletes train hard to perform at their best - but even the most dedicated training programs can hide subtle imbalances that lead to pain or injury down the line. That’s where movement screening comes in.
A movement screen is a proactive way to identify mobility restrictions, muscle weaknesses, and faulty movement patterns before they cause problems. It’s not just for elite competitors - recreational athletes, weekend warriors, and youth players can all benefit from learning how their bodies move (and where they need to improve).
What Is a Movement Screen?
A movement screen is a series of tests designed to evaluate how well your body moves through fundamental patterns such as squatting, lunging, reaching, and rotating.
Physical therapists and performance specialists use these screens to:
- Assess mobility, stability, and coordination
- Identify asymmetries between sides of the body
- Detect compensations or weaknesses in the kinetic chain
- Create personalized corrective programs to optimize performance and prevent injuries
The goal isn’t to “pass” or “fail” - it’s to understand your movement blueprint so you can train smarter and safer.
Why Movement Screening Matters
1. Injury Prevention
Most sports injuries don’t happen because of bad luck - they occur from poor mechanics, muscle imbalances, or repetitive stress. By spotting these issues early, therapists can design interventions that keep athletes in the game.
2. Performance Optimization
Improving how you move also improves how you perform. Efficient movement means better power transfer, quicker reaction times, and reduced fatigue.
3. Personalized Training Programs
No two athletes move the same way. A movement screen helps coaches and therapists tailor training plans to your individual needs, maximizing results while minimizing risk.
4. Objective Baseline for Progress
Screens provide measurable data that can be compared over time - especially when using tools like VALD ForceDecks, Dynamo strength testing, or motion analysis software. This allows athletes to track progress and identify when they’re ready to return to play after injury.
What a Typical Movement Screen Includes
Depending on your sport and level of activity, your screen may include:
- Functional Movement Screen (FMS): Evaluates seven foundational movement patterns to identify imbalances and limitations.
- Y-Balance Test: Measures dynamic balance and asymmetry between limbs.
- VALD ForceDeck or Jump Testing: Quantifies power, symmetry, and landing mechanics.
- Dynamic Strength & Flexibility Assessments: Identifies strength deficits and tightness in key muscle groups.
- Video Gait or Running Analysis: Useful for runners and field athletes to assess stride mechanics.
Each test provides valuable insight into how your body moves - and where it may need improvement.
What Happens After the Screen
After your movement screen, your physical therapist or performance specialist will review your results and create a custom corrective program that may include:
- Mobility work: Addressing joint restrictions or muscle tightness
- Stability training: Strengthening core and joint stabilizers
- Corrective exercises: Re-training inefficient movement patterns
- Strength and power progressions: Building resilience and balance across both sides of the body
This individualized approach helps you fix weak links and enhance overall athletic performance.
Who Should Get a Movement Screen?
Movement screening is beneficial for:
- Competitive athletes in sports like soccer, golf, baseball, or CrossFit
- Recreational athletes looking to train more efficiently
- Youth athletes developing fundamental movement patterns
- Post-rehab individuals returning to sport after injury
- Anyone with recurring pain or tightness during activity
In short - if you move, you can benefit from being screened.
The Role of Physical Therapy in Movement Screening
Physical therapists are uniquely qualified to evaluate both performance and injury risk. They don’t just identify problems - they understand the biomechanics behind them and how to fix them.
At performance-based clinics like Core Performance Physical Therapy, therapists use a combination of manual therapy, biomechanical analysis, and strength testing technology to pinpoint inefficiencies and guide athletes toward better movement, faster recovery, and stronger performance.
Conclusion
You can’t improve what you don’t measure. Movement screening is the first step toward preventing injury and unlocking your athletic potential. By identifying weak links before they become injuries, athletes gain the insight needed to train with precision, confidence, and longevity.
If you’re serious about staying healthy and elevating your performance, schedule a movement screen with a physical therapist or sports performance specialist today. Because the best way to treat an injury -
is to prevent it.
Comments