What is functional assessment screen?
Functional assessment screen is an evaluation of an athletes movement pattern for their selected sport. It is not used as a diagnostic tool but rather to screen for areas that can improve physical performance. The athlete will be placed in positions where movement deficits become apparent to identify muscular weakness, proprioceptive deficits and/or a lack of mobility. The physiotherapists will observe poor biomechanics and movement compensations. Functional assessment screen should be performed before commencing exercise and then reviewed after 4-6 weeks. After the assessment, the physiotherapists will provide the appropriated rehabilitations exercises to help addresses these performance deficits. At Myphysio, we understand that previous injuries can be a significant risk factors for a reoccurrence of a similar injury. For this reason, our physiotherapists are experts at reducing the reoccurrence of injuries.
Key examples of functional assessment screen
Proprioception assessment:
Many athletes who participate in sports that require footwork have experience an ankle sprain. A sudden roll of the ankle can over stretch supporting ligaments of the ankle joint can cause a sprain. For some people, this can be a frequent occurrence where they continue to experience ankle sprains throughout their sporting career. Approximately 20% of athletes who experience ankle sprains develop chronic instability at the talocrural joint.
A functional assessment screen for reduce ankle sprain reoccurrences will involve the athlete balancing on a single leg with multi-directional toe touches. This assessment examines ankle proprioception. Proprioception is the awareness of our body position in space. Our body is filled with receptors that detect movement called proprioceptors. When the ankle has been sprained, the ligaments overstretch and lose its ability to efficiently communicate with the brain.
Strength assessment:
Functional assessment screen can also be tailored to a specific sport. Let’s take swimming for an example, an athlete who is a swimmer will require strong rotator cuffs, latissimus dorsi and gastrocnemius muscles. These are just some of the main powerhouse muscles required for most swimming styles. The physiotherapists will place this muscles in a strength test to identify areas of weakness that may be susceptible to injury. The physiotherapist will guide you on the appropriate rehabilitation exercises to strengthen any muscular weaknesses. The physiotherapists will also provide a swimming program to ensure that you gradually build up your training load to reduce overuse injuries.
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In the month of January 2024, Myphysio is offering 50% off initial consultation for new patients. Mention BLOG50 at checkout to receive your discount and get your rehabilitation journey started with our friendly Myphysio physiotherapist.
This information is for educational purposes only and is not intended to replace the advice of your doctor or health care professional. We encourage you to discuss any questions or concerns you may have with your health care provider.