3Copyright 2015 Functional Movement Systems and Gray Cook
PrefaceFunctional Movement Systems (FMS) was formed into improve the
overall scope of performance, fitness, rehabilitation and management of injury risk inactive individuals. It was the intent of the founders of FMS to provide abetter
system for sports medicine, fitness and strength and conditioning professionals to identify movement dysfunction as well as improve communication between the professions. This process began in the mid-90s with Gray knowing that in order to create the most holistic approach to functional rehabilitation you must first observe fundamental movement patterns. It was during this process that he began to formulate a systematic way
of assessing movement patterns, which was the origin of what is now the Selective Functional Movement Assessment(SFMA). However, this assessment process was designed for patients or individuals
who were already in pain, so the goal was then to create a screening process that would allow anyone dealing with active individuals to easily set a baseline of fundamental movements. Once the fundamental movements were observed better decisions could be made on how to better enhance the individual’s workout or training plan. The intent was to create a more proactive approach when dealing
with movement dysfunction, we wanted to detect movement dysfunction and intervene as soon as possible. It was this objective that allowed us to ultimately create the Functional Movement Screen. Since this system was first introduced the evidence has continued to suggest that this fundamental philosophy should be followed in order to have the greatest impact for active individuals seeking to improve their level of fitness or patients looking to get back to function.
FMS continues to analyze data, review research and gather feedback from professionals so that the evolution of our philosophy and message can continue. We will always work to the best of our ability to bring the latest and greatest information related
to movement to the fitness, medical, and strength and conditioning professions so that we can enhance the lives of the individuals we touch.