| Biomechanics in human terms is all about the study of | | | | in any component parts of the musculo-skeletal |
| movement and how it relates to the structures of | | | | system. |
| the body. It is an enormous area of study involving | | | | Using different techniques, many of which now |
| the professions of medicine, physical-therapy, | | | | include computerised analysis technology, an |
| podiatry and orthotics. | | | | extremely detailed picture of the way someone |
| In relation to humans it has a major role in diagnosis | | | | moves and holds themselves can be built up. |
| and treatment of physical problems of all kinds. It is | | | | This information can then be used like pieces of a |
| essentially how a foot problem can cause back pain. | | | | jigsaw to produce a treatment regime to solve the |
| Any qualified professional in this field will understand | | | | problem. This may involve physical-therapy in the |
| that a problem in one part of the body can have its | | | | form of joint mobilisation or manipulation, rehabilitative |
| cause elsewhere. The patient's symptom may be | | | | exercises or the provision of orthoses. |
| caused by a problem elsewhere in the body. | | | | The orthoses we are talking about in the main will be |
| There often arises a significant question from the | | | | insoles specially made from purpose designed |
| addict of "if it aint broke don't fix it." In biomechanical | | | | materials to alter foot posture which can have |
| circles this means that when assessed by a doctor or | | | | extraordinary effects. |
| therapist you are very likely to have some evidence | | | | If it is that you have been suffering from something |
| of biomechanical abnormality. No one is perfect in | | | | for a while it may be that a biomechanical analysis is |
| other words. | | | | just what you need. This may well invove a few |
| However the question is whether to do something | | | | hours of your time and a little investment of money. |
| about it if the patient is not complaining about that | | | | At the time of writing this can be around the $400 |
| particular thing? Really that depends on the opinion of | | | | or �200 mark, depending on the particular |
| the professional as to whether the abnormality is | | | | practitioner you choose. |
| likely to develop or cause further problems. | | | | I would say in circumstances like this though that if |
| Sports participants and athletes are much more | | | | you are visitng a professional with a gait analysis |
| aware now of the benefits of consulting a | | | | facility that the money you are paying is going to be |
| biomechanics expert with respect to injury and | | | | well spent in terms of information you get as well as |
| performance. | | | | the resultant product i.e. a decent orthotic and |
| A biomechanical assessment can involve the following | | | | improved performance and/or quality of life. |
| : | | | | Rob is a successful International Chartered Physical |
| Posture examination | | | | Therapist. He has been a lecturer, researcher and |
| Joint assessment | | | | therapist for over two decades. His rich experience |
| Gait and movement analysis | | | | of International and Premiership Football underpins his |
| All of the above are involved in looking for evidence | | | | specialist knowledge of orthopedics, sports medicine |
| of asymmetry, imbalance and compensatory changes | | | | and rehabilitation. |