Introduction to biomechanics


Biomechanics

Best regardsPosture examination
Robert RylesJoint assessment
BiomechanicsGait and movement analysis
Biomechanics in human terms is all aboutAll of the above are involved in looking
the study ofmovement and how it relatesfor evidence ofasymmetry, imbalance and
to the structures of the body.compensatory changes in anycomponent
It is an enormous area of studyparts of the musculo-skeletal system.
involving the professionsof medicine,Using different techniques, many of
physical-therapy, podiatry andwhich now includecomputerised analysis
orthotics.technology, an extremely detailedpicture
In relation to humans it has a majorof the way someone moves and holds
role in diagnosis andtreatment ofthemselves canbe built up.
physical problems of all kinds. ItThis information can then be used like
isessentially how a foot problem canpieces of a jigsawto produce a treatment
cause back pain.regime to solve the problem. Thismay
Any practitioner worth their saltinvolve physical-therapy in the form of
realises that a problemin one part ofjointmobilisation or manipulation,
the body is highly likely to be relatedrehabilitative exercises orthe provision
tosomething elsewhere. The actualof orthoses.
symptom or complaint may bethe cause ofThe orthoses we are talking about in the
something else or it may be an effect.main will beinsoles specially made from
There often arises a significantpurpose designed materials toalter foot
question from the addictof "if it aintposture which can have extraordinary
broke don't fix it." Ineffects.
biomechanicalcircles this means thatSo if you are having pain or problems of
when assessed by a doctor ortherapista physical naturethat are not settling
you are very likely to have someyou may well benefit from a
evidence ofbiomechanical abnormality. Nogoodbiomechanical assessment. This may
one is perfect in other words.well invove a few hoursof your time and
However the question is whether to doa little investment of money. At the
something about it ifthe patient is nottimeof writing this can be around the
complaining about that particular thing?$400 or £200 mark,depending on the
Really that depends on the opinion ofparticular practitioner you choose.
the professional asto whether theI would say in circumstances like this
abnormality is likely to develop orthough that if youare visitng a
causefurther problems.professional with a gait analysis
Athletes are becoming more aware of thefacilitythat the money you are paying is
role that a goodbiomechanist can play ingoing to be well spent interms of
improving performance as wellinformation you get as well as the
asovercoming and preventing injury.resultantproduct i.e. a decent orthotic
A biomechanical assessment can involveand improved performanceand/or quality
the following :of life.



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