Strategies for Musculoskeletal Health Promotion

1. Principles of Self-Screening

Musculoskeletal health care cost is skyrocketing, so it's important to get our prospective patients to be proactive and know when to seek our services. In order to do this well, we as providers need to understand the principles of self-screening. Further, it is important to define the terms screen, test, and assess to recognize when and how these tools should be utilized. These terms are applied to understanding a systematic approach to movement through the Selective Functional Movement Assessment, Functional Movement Screen, Y-Balance Test, and Fundamental Capacity Screen. We will also discuss the importance of understanding pain versus dysfunction and how we can use a self-screen to manage patients upon discharge.

2. Sylvia's Case Study: Pain With Self-Screen

This is a case presentation of an older adult who did not pass multiple portions of the self-screen and was unable to resolve her movement dysfunction independently. By utilizing the results of the self-screen, Dr. Kiesel recognizes that she needs a musculoskeletal assessment and completes this using the Selective Functional Movement Assessment. He then prescribes her initial manual therapy and an exercise program and discusses the results with the patient.

3. Millie's Case Study: Return to Running

Millie passed her self-screen and now wants to know the next step to improve physical performance. Her physical performance is screened and tested using the Functional Movement Screen, Y-Balance Test, and Fundamental Capacity Screen. This test battery identifies the root cause of her plateau in her fitness and performance goals. An action plan is developed along with an initial exercise program to address her performance barriers.

4. Jessica's Case Study: High-Level Performance Client

In this case, the individual wanted to be able to join her friends running longer distances. She completed the self-screen but did not improve her movement patterns on her own. She sought care and was screened using the Functional Movement Screen and Y-Balance Test. A plan is developed to address her movement dysfunction to allow her to perform fitness activities with her friends.