Introduction to biomechanics


 

Biomechanics

Best  regardsfollowing  :
Robert  RylesPosture  examination
BiomechanicsJoint  assessment
Biomechanics in human terms is all about theGait  and  movement  analysis
study ofmovement and how it relates to the
structures  of  the  body.All of the above are involved in looking for
evidence ofasymmetry, imbalance and
It is an enormous area of study involvingcompensatory changes in anycomponent parts of
the professionsof medicine, physical-therapy,the  musculo-skeletal  system.
podiatry  and  orthotics.
Using different techniques, many of which now
In relation to humans it has a major role inincludecomputerised analysis technology, an
diagnosis andtreatment of physical problemsextremely detailedpicture of the way someone
of all kinds. It isessentially how a footmoves  and  holds  themselves canbe built up.
problem  can  cause  back  pain.
This information can then be used like pieces
Any practitioner worth their salt realisesof a jigsawto produce a treatment regime to
that a problemin one part of the body issolve the problem. Thismay involve
highly likely to be related tosomethingphysical-therapy in the form of
elsewhere. The actual symptom or complaintjointmobilisation or manipulation,
may bethe cause of something else or it mayrehabilitative exercises orthe provision of
be  an  effect.orthoses.
There often arises a significant questionThe orthoses we are talking about in the main
from the addictof "if it aint broke don't fixwill beinsoles specially made from purpose
it." In biomechanicalcircles this means thatdesigned materials toalter foot posture which
when assessed by a doctor ortherapist you arecan  have  extraordinary  effects.
very likely to have some evidence
ofbiomechanical abnormality. No one isSo if you are having pain or problems of a
perfect  in  other  words.physical naturethat are not settling you may
well benefit from a goodbiomechanical
However the question is whether to doassessment. This may well invove a few
something about it ifthe patient is nothoursof your time and a little investment of
complaining  about  that  particular  thing?money. At the timeof writing this can be
around the $400 or £200 mark,depending on
Really that depends on the opinion of thethe  particular  practitioner  you  choose.
professional asto whether the abnormality is
likely  to  develop or causefurther problems.I would say in circumstances like this though
that if youare visitng a professional with a
Athletes are becoming more aware of the rolegait analysis facilitythat the money you are
that a goodbiomechanist can play in improvingpaying is going to be well spent interms of
performance as well asovercoming andinformation you get as well as the
preventing  injury.resultantproduct i.e. a decent orthotic and
improved performanceand/or quality of life.
A biomechanical assessment can involve the



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