Biomechanics

Best regardsPosture examination
Robert RylesJoint assessment
BiomechanicsGait and movement analysis
Biomechanics in human terms is all about the studyAll of the above are involved in looking for evidence
ofmovement and how it relates to the structures ofofasymmetry, imbalance and compensatory changes
the body.in anycomponent parts of the musculo-skeletal
It is an enormous area of study involving thesystem.
professionsof medicine, physical-therapy, podiatry andUsing different techniques, many of which now
orthotics.includecomputerised analysis technology, an
In relation to humans it has a major role in diagnosisextremely detailedpicture of the way someone
andtreatment of physical problems of all kinds. Itmoves and holds themselves canbe built up.
isessentially how a foot problem can cause back pain.This information can then be used like pieces of a
Any practitioner worth their salt realises that ajigsawto produce a treatment regime to solve the
problemin one part of the body is highly likely to beproblem. Thismay involve physical-therapy in the form
related tosomething elsewhere. The actual symptomof jointmobilisation or manipulation, rehabilitative
or complaint may bethe cause of something else or itexercises orthe provision of orthoses.
may be an effect.The orthoses we are talking about in the main will
There often arises a significant question from thebeinsoles specially made from purpose designed
addictof "if it aint broke don't fix it." Inmaterials toalter foot posture which can have
biomechanicalcircles this means that when assessedextraordinary effects.
by a doctor ortherapist you are very likely to haveSo if you are having pain or problems of a physical
some evidence ofbiomechanical abnormality. No one isnaturethat are not settling you may well benefit from
perfect in other words.a goodbiomechanical assessment. This may well
However the question is whether to do somethinginvove a few hoursof your time and a little
about it ifthe patient is not complaining about thatinvestment of money. At the timeof writing this can
particular thing?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 toI would say in circumstances like this though that if
develop or causefurther problems.youare visitng a professional with a gait analysis
Athletes are becoming more aware of the role that afacilitythat the money you are paying is going to be
goodbiomechanist can play in improving performancewell spent interms of information you get as well as
as well asovercoming and preventing injury.the resultantproduct i.e. a decent orthotic and
A biomechanical assessment can involve the followingimproved performanceand/or quality of life.
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