top of page

Unlocking Smarter Movement: Why Functional Movement Screening Matters in College Station

  • Writer: Dr.Ben Bumguardner
    Dr.Ben Bumguardner
  • Jun 6
  • 3 min read
ree

You hit the gym, train hard, push your limits—and maybe even deal with that nagging pain in your shoulder or tightness in your hips. But have you ever stopped to ask: How well is my body actually moving? That’s where functional movement screening (FMS) comes into play. And trust us—it’s one of the most underrated tools for improving performance, preventing injuries, and getting more out of your training.

At Alpha Sports in College Station, we use FMS as a starting point for smarter, safer, and more effective performance planning. Whether you're an athlete or simply want to move better, here’s why it matters.



What Is Functional Movement Screening, Really?

Think of FMS as a diagnostic checkup for your movement. Just like you'd tune your car before a big road trip, functional movement screening helps you understand how your body moves before you load it with heavy lifts, sprints, or reps.

During a session, a trained specialist will guide you through seven basic movement patterns—like squatting, lunging, and shoulder mobility. They’re looking for imbalances, weaknesses, or poor mechanics that could hold you back or lead to injury if ignored.

The goal? Identify those small issues now so they don’t become big problems later.



Why It’s a Game-Changer for Athletes and Active Adults

This isn’t just for elite athletes (though they love it). FMS is useful for anyone who wants to move, train, or perform at a higher level—without constantly fighting pain or setbacks.

Here’s why people in College Station are adding movement screening to their routine:

  • It helps prevent injuries by catching risky movement patterns early.

  • It creates a custom training blueprint tailored to your body—not someone else’s.

  • It’s a smart tool for rehab and recovery, ensuring you’re rebuilding strength in the right places.

  • It improves overall mobility, stability, and control, which means you can move with more power, speed, and confidence.

  • It’s ideal for athletes in sports like baseball, football, running, tennis, and more.



How We Use FMS at Alpha Sports

At Alpha Sports, we don’t just guess—we assess.

That’s why we begin many client journeys with a functional movement screen. It gives our team—whether chiropractic, rehab, or performance—the insights needed to craft a plan that’s both safe and effective.

And it doesn’t stop there. We integrate the results into everything we do:

  • Customized training programs that fix your weak spots

  • Massage therapy or dry needling to loosen what’s tight or overworked

  • Chiropractic adjustments that restore better joint alignment and function

  • Recovery protocols to keep you feeling fresh and pain-free

It’s like building your own personal playbook—with experts guiding every step.



Real Story: From Shoulder Pain to Power Play

Take Jackson, a high school baseball pitcher here in College Station. He came in struggling with recurring shoulder pain that was affecting his throws. Instead of just treating the pain directly, we ran a movement screen.

What we found? Tight hips and poor mid-back mobility were forcing his shoulder to do extra work.

After a few weeks of targeted mobility work, manual therapy to the soft tissue, and adjustments, Jackson’s pain disappeared—and his throwing velocity improved. That’s the kind of transformation FMS makes possible.



How to Get Started with Functional Movement Screening

Adding a movement screen to your training plan is easier than you think—and way more valuable than guessing your way through discomfort.

Here’s how to begin:

  1. Book a session at Alpha Sports Our team will walk you through the screening and explain everything we’re seeing.

  2. Get a personalized action plan Based on your results, we’ll build a recovery or training strategy that addresses your specific needs.

  3. Start moving better, not just harder With clear goals, professional guidance, and built-in support, your performance and recovery get an instant upgrade.



Q&A: Common Questions About FMS

Q: Who should get a functional movement screen? A: Anyone who moves! Whether you’re an athlete, recovering from an injury, or just tired of nagging aches—FMS can help.

Q: Is it painful? A: Not at all. It’s a non-invasive assessment that looks at how your body moves through basic, everyday positions.

Q: How long does a session take? A: Typically around 60 minutes. It’s incredibly insightful, and you get to work within that first 60 minutes.

Q: Do I need to be injured to benefit? A: No. In fact, FMS is best used before injuries happen, making it a great preventative tool.

Q: What happens after the screen? A: You’ll receive clear feedback, along with a strategy to improve how you move, recover, and train.



Smarter Movement Starts Here

If you want to perform better, hurt less, and train more efficiently, functional movement screening is your launchpad. It’s not just about doing more—it’s about doing what’s right for your body.

📍 Ready to get started in College Station? Book your movement screen at Alpha Sports today, and let’s build your performance plan from the ground up—starting with how you move.

 
 
 

Comments


CONTACT US for your Athletic Peak Performance Questions

AlphaSports_Shield_edited_edited.png
College Station
Office@alphasports.org

Phone - 979-398-2787

Success! Message received.

©2025 Alpha Sports Performance Medicine™. All Rights Reserved.

The contents of this site, including all images, text, graphics, and other materials are for informational purposes only. All elements of this site are protected by copyright laws and may not be copied, retransmitted, reposted, duplicated or otherwise used without the express written approval of ALPHA Sports Performance.

Please note that the medical and health information provided on this website is designed to support, not replace, the relationship that exists between a patient/site visitor and their healthcare provider. Always seek the advice of a trained health professional with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition and before seeking any treatment.

bottom of page