Fit For Soccer: How Physiotherapy Can Keep You on the Field
Part 2: Movement Screening & Physiotherapy Assessment
Welcome Back!
It's time for Part 2 of our Fit For Soccer Series.
To refresh, PART #1 was an introduction to common soccer injuries & the highly researched FIFA 11+ program. Make sure to check it out for a warm up that will help you play and feel your best!
This week we are moving onto:
PART #2: Movement Screen & Physiotherapy Treatment
Spring is here and outdoor soccer season is fast approaching which makes this the perfect time to start thinking about how to prevent and manage injuries.
Compensation patterns from previous injuries and limitations in mobility can impact performance and increase the risk of injury.
Athletes of all levels need to have the mobility, strength and stability to match the demands of their sport. If any of the puzzle pieces are missing, your body will find work arounds to get the job done and these work arounds can put you more at risk for injury.
The earlier you start addressing these factors the greater chance you have of staying healthy and remaining on the field throughout the season, no matter the level or intensity of the game.
Physiotherapists have many tools to help improve performance and prevent injury including:
- Movement screening & assessment
- Strength & conditioning
- Mobility & flexibility
- Balance & coordination
- Individualized warm ups & cool downs for games or practice
- Sport-specific rehab/training
The movement screen is a great tool for athletes, and soccer players are no exception! It helps provide insight and information about areas of vulnerability that can help direct injury management and prevention. 
What is a Movement Screen?
A movement screen is a series of tests or specific movements that are performed by an individual in order to identify any movement patterns, weaknesses, or limitations that could put you at greater risk for injury.
You'll be asked to perform movements to assess range of motion, strength, flexibility and movement control/coordination that mimic what is needed for your sport. The intention is to get a FULL picture of how your body moves.
Getting the FULL picture of how your body moves allows your physiotherapist to identify compensation patterns and areas where range of motion is limited that could be improved to ensure players are performing at their best.
Here are some examples of movements you may be asked to perform during the screen:
- Balance
- Jumping
- Strength
- Standing on one foot holding ball
- Squat onto toes
- Squat
- Single leg squat
- Vertical jump
- Forward lunge
- Heel raises
- Lateral jump
- Glute Bridges
- Single leg heel raises
- Forward/backward jump
- Romanian deadlift
- Single leg romanian deadlift
View this post on Instagram
Here are a few examples of what your physiotherapist may be looking for in these movements:
Strength - Squat:
- Foot alignment (feet shoulder width apart, if feet are rotating in or out)
- Knee position (knee tracking, if knee is collapsing in or outwards)
- Hip and ankle mobility (can player perform a deep squat without heels coming off the ground)
- Pain or discomfort
Balance - Standing on one leg holding ball:
- Foot/ankle stability (does the foot remain stable, does the foot roll in or outwards)
- Pelvic position (does the pelvis remain neutral during this position, does the pelvis drop on the opposite side indicating a potential muscle imbalance)
- Trunk & core stability (does the player remain in an upright position demonstrating a strong core)
Jumping - Vertical jump:
- Knee and hip position (is player able to get into a proper take off position in order to generate enough power for jump)
- Jump mechanics (does the player push off the entire foot to maximize jump height, is there any muscle imbalance present or decreased core stability)
- Landing mechanics (is the player able to land with good knee alignment, does the player experience any pain or discomfort on landing)
How Does a Movement Screen Help Performance?
A full movement screen gives your physiotherapist a better understanding of the movements and ranges of motion that may be limiting performance and potentially contribute to risk of injury for an athlete.
Your Physiotherapist will use this information to make an individualized treatment program in order to best support your needs and prevent injury in their upcoming season and for seasons to come!
This could include an individualized warm up, cool down, stretching, strengthening program or a combination of all to help you move your best.
Your physiotherapist might also include manual therapy, or other modalities to help complement your movement program, especially if you are dealing with a current or recurring injury.
An individualized exercise program based on a movement screen will help ensure you are at your peak performance!
If you're looking for guidance as you prepare for your upcoming season get in touch! Our team is here to help you have your best season yet.
UP NEXT - PART 3: Strength + Plyometric training benefits & Rest/Recovery Time
 |
Taylor is a Registered Physiotheraist who received her Master’s in Physiotherapy from McMaster University. Taylor grew up playing many sports including soccer and figure skating leading to her interest in orthopaedic injuries and exercise focused treatment. She is passionate about providing patient centred and evidence based care to atheletes of all levels, helping them stay on the field (and rink!) season after season! |