Why Screening is Important
by Hubsport Online | November 18th, 2024
News and Stories by Nino Severino
A Musculo-skeletal screening can take on many different forms and often includes assessments that will be replicated in either a Functional Movement or Physical Competency screening setting. Whilst replication of assessment tests is not necessarily a problem it is important that in this context the Musculo-skeletal screening is the domain of the Physiotherapist/Osteopath.
This is essential as it will give the strength and conditioning coach confidence when he/she applies his screening. It also gives a slightly different perspective and a clinical level of analysis. A major part of a physiotherapist led Musculo-skeletal screen will be an analysis of an athlete’s posture. Postural sets may pre-dispose the athlete to potential injuries.
A focus of the postural analysis will be a spinal movement control assessment. Effective muscular control of the cervico-thoracic and lumbo-pelvic regions is necessary for improving performance and contributes to the injury prevention/ longevity of an athlete. Scapulo-humeral rhythm and an overall identification of how shoulder movement is performed and controlled by the athlete is important for any strength and conditioning programme and is essential for all overhead athletes. Hip/pelvic control is also a critical element.
Having details of an athlete’s ability to control hip movement plays a fundamental role in the overall biomechanics of the lower limbs. Another area for analysis and consideration is foot posture and biomechanics. The physiotherapist can identify lower limb postures that may need monitoring and if necessary, recommend referral to a podiatrist The above assessment is achieved with a combination of postural analysis, movement analysis, strength testing, muscle length testing, joint range of movement and movement control analysis. Identification of these essential elements will allow the Strength and Conditioning Coach to implement training programmes that consider these factors and aim to improve them. Taking into consideration the above factors when designing programmes will also deter potential injury.
The Hub Sport Online Premier Hub Inner Circle programme guides you through the screening pathways, options and recommendations: Why is screening so important. Medical Screening. Musculo Skeletal Screening. Functional Movement Screening. Physical Competency Screening. Peak Height Velocity. Analysis of Screening Findings. Interdisciplinary Working. Screening Conclusion. Our team recommend that you identify a physiotherapist in your area that specialises in Musculo-Skeletal Screenings. Then build a meaningful relationship with them, if there are any injuries that are being experienced be consistent in working with the same physiotherapist. This will ensure that there is a development of understanding and a building of knowledge between the physiotherapist, the athlete and parents if the athlete is of a junior age.
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