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