Functional Movement Screen (FMS) in Toronto
A standardised seven-movement screen that gives a baseline to train from and retest.
Overview
The Functional Movement Screen is a series of seven fundamental movement patterns (such as a deep squat, a hurdle step and an in-line lunge) scored against a standard.
It highlights mobility and stability gaps and left–right differences, so the programme can target them. It is particularly useful before starting a new training programme or at the start of a season.
What is the Functional Movement Screen?
The Functional Movement Screen (FMS) is a standardised set of seven movement tests, including a deep squat, hurdle step, in-line lunge and shoulder mobility test, each scored on a simple scale.
How does the Functional Movement Screen work?
Scoring the same movements the same way shows where you are limited or uneven from left to right. That gives a baseline to build a programme from, and a way to measure change when we retest.
How I use the Functional Movement Screen in treatment
The FMS is a screen, not a diagnosis, and a score does not predict injury on its own. I use it to guide which movements to train and to check progress, especially for athletes and people returning to sport.
What happens in a session?
About 15 to 20 minutes of movement tests in comfortable clothing. Any test that causes pain is noted and assessed separately.
Who can the Functional Movement Screen help?
Athletes and active people who want a movement baseline, people returning to sport after injury, and pre-season check-ups.
Is the Functional Movement Screen safe, and what should I expect afterwards?
The tests are simple movements done within your comfort. If something hurts, we stop and look at why.
Every plan starts with a full assessment, so the treatment fits what is actually driving your problem. Functional Movement Screen (FMS) is one tool within that plan, not the whole plan.
Related programs of care
Where I practise
- Athlete's Care Yonge & Eglinton: Mon/Wed/Fri, 8:00 AM – 2:00 PM
- Push Pounds Downtown Toronto: Tue/Thu, 8:30 AM – 6:30 PM
- Runner's Academy St. Clair West: Mon/Wed/Fri, 3:00 PM – 6:30 PM
- Country Lane Home office & virtual: Sat, By appointment only
Booking for a specific treatment? Mention it when you book so we can confirm which location suits it.
Before you book
Do I need a doctor’s referral to see a physiotherapist in Ontario?
No. In Ontario you can book directly with a registered physiotherapist, no referral needed. Some extended health plans, and motor vehicle or workplace injury claims, have their own requirements, so it is worth checking your plan before your first visit.
Is physiotherapy covered by OHIP?
OHIP only covers physiotherapy for certain eligible groups at OHIP-funded clinics. Appointments with me are private, not billed to OHIP. Most extended health benefit plans cover registered physiotherapy, and you receive a receipt after every visit to submit to your plan.
Can my appointment be billed directly to my insurance?
Direct billing depends on the clinic and on your insurer. Ask when you book and the clinic will confirm whether they can bill your plan directly.
Other physiotherapy services
- Exercise therapy and strength rehabilitation
- Contemporary medical acupuncture and electroacupuncture
- Dry needling
- Joint mobilisation and spinal manipulation
- Trigger point and soft tissue release
- IASTM soft tissue release
- Static and dynamic silicone cupping
- Shockwave therapy
- Movement and running gait assessment
- Virtual and in-home physiotherapy
Book an appointment
Start with a proper assessment
A full history, a physical examination and a written plan you leave with. Book online at the clinic nearest you, send me a message, or call me directly.