Chiropractic care continues to evolve and one of the most important shifts happening across the profession is the rise of movement-based assessment. Functional Movement Screening (FMS) has moved from being a niche tool for trainers and athletes to a mainstream system increasingly used by chiropractors who want to elevate their care.
But FMS isn’t just a trendy add-on. It’s a powerful framework that helps chiropractors diagnose movement dysfunction, tailor care plans, improve patient outcomes, and differentiate themselves in a competitive market.
This guide breaks down why FMS matters, how it fits into a chiropractic setting, and what you can do to start integrating it into your exams immediately.
What Is Functional Movement Screening?
FMS is a standardized system of seven fundamental movement tests designed to identify:
- Mobility restrictions
- Stability imbalances
- Compensatory patterns
- Weak links in kinetic chains
The seven tests include:
- Deep squat
- Hurdle step
- In-line lunge
- Shoulder mobility
- Active straight leg raise
- Trunk stability push-up
- Rotary stability
Each movement is scored from 0–3 based on pain, pattern quality, and compensation.
This gives chiropractors a clear, reproducible snapshot of how the patient moves—not just how their spine feels that day.
Why Chiropractors Should Use FMS
Understanding FMS offers advantages that go far beyond a typical orthopedic exam. Here’s why it matters.
1. A More Complete Diagnostic Picture
Spinal alignment is one part of the puzzle—but movement dysfunction often reveals the root cause of recurring pain.
For example:
- A patient’s low back pain may stem from hip mobility issues.
- Shoulder pain may be driven by thoracic stiffness or poor core stability.
FMS exposes these underlying mechanics so your chiropractic adjustments are supported by targeted corrective work.
2. Better Treatment Plans, Better Outcomes
Chiropractors who use FMS can:
- Design more accurate care plans
- Combine adjustments with corrective exercises
- Show objective changes over time
- Improve long-term retention through measurable progress
Patients love seeing their movement scores improve—it reinforces trust and boosts compliance.
3. It Sets You Apart in a Crowded Market
Most chiropractors perform similar orthopedic tests. Few go the extra step to evaluate full-body functional patterns, which:
- Differentiates your assessment
- Positions you as a movement specialist
- Attracts athletes, active adults, and performance clients
- Increases your value in multi-disciplinary clinics
In competitive markets, standing out is essential—and FMS is a powerful differentiator.
4. Perfect for Working With Athletes
If you want to work with:
- Runners
- CrossFit athletes
- High school teams
- Weekend warriors
- Strength & conditioning facilities
…FMS becomes a “must-have.”
Coaches, trainers, and athletes already recognize FMS as a gold standard. When they see you use it, they instantly view you as part of the performance team—not just a pain-relief provider.
5. Objective Data Improves Communication
FMS scores help you talk to:
- Patients
- Coaches
- Physical therapists
- Personal trainers
With a shared language and objective scoring, collaboration becomes easier—and referrals increase.
How to Integrate FMS Into Your Chiropractic Practice
You don’t need to overhaul your entire system. Start small and build gradually.
Step 1: Get Certified
FMS Level 1 and Level 2 are available online or in-person. Certification shows you:
- How to administer the screen properly
- How to score accurately
- How to assign corrective exercises
You'll walk away with tools you can use immediately.
Step 2: Add FMS to New Patient Exams
Start with:
- Athletes
- Chronic pain patients
- Post-surgical populations
- Anyone with recurring issues
A full FMS takes about 10 minutes once you know the flow.
Step 3: Use Corrective Exercises as “Homework”
FMS isn’t just about identifying dysfunction.
It’s about fixing it.
Simple corrective movements can be added to your care plan or delegated to PTAs, trainers, or rehab assistants.
Step 4: Re-Test Every 4–6 Weeks
Patients love this.
Re-testing lets you:
- Track objective progress
- Show improvement visually
- Adjust care based on movement changes
This increases retention and boosts satisfaction.
Why FMS Helps Chiropractors Grow Professionally
Chiropractors who master FMS often report:
- Higher patient retention
- Better clinical confidence
- More referrals from trainers and gyms
- Increased reputation as movement experts
- Greater job opportunities, especially in sports-focused or multi-disciplinary clinics
Understanding movement makes you a better diagnostician, a better adjuster, and a more well-rounded chiropractor.
Final Thoughts
Chiropractic care is expanding beyond “treat the spine” into a more dynamic model that includes movement, stability, and whole-body mechanics. Understanding Functional Movement Screening is no longer optional for chiropractors who want to stay competitive—it’s essential.
By learning FMS and integrating it thoughtfully into your exams, you’ll deliver better outcomes, build deeper trust, and open the door to new professional opportunities.
Want to stand out even more? Add FMS certification to your ChiroJobs.com profile so clinics looking for performance-minded chiropractors can find you.