What is a Biomechanical Assessment?
A Biomechanical Assessment involves a complex evaluation of the feet, legs and body position whilst weight bearing and non-weight bearing.
The information gained from a biomechanical assessment forms the basis for a rehabilitation programme, or if the problem is mechanical - an orthotic prescription.
What should I bring to the appointment?
It is advisable to bring a pair of shorts (preferably running or cycling shorts) and any activity shoes (new and old if appropriate) for a Biomechanical Assessment.
What will happen during my Biomechanical Assessment appointment?
The Podiatrist will take time to know your activities, your past injuries, and anything else that may be relevant to your injuries, sport, or concerns. They will ask you questions about your medical history, lifestyle, and any medical conditions in your family. This allows your Podiatrist to customize your assessment to your specific needs, and may well inform any diagnosis.
Your Podiatrist will physically examine your lower limbs with a particular focus on any current injuries. This physical examination will allow the Podiatrist to identify which structures in your anatomy are injured and to what extent they are injured. If necessary some equipment may be used in this assessment.
It is vital that before any gait analysis is carried out that your Podiatrist understands your anatomy and also the quality and range of motion available at each of your joints. This allows the Podiatrist to understand the mechanics of your movement and also what movement is possible for you.
Force plates will be used to measure the forces running through your feet as you walk/run/stand. This highly sophisticated equipment produces very clear graphical representations of the pressure at each part of the foot making it very easy for you to see where excessive forces are. The software also calculates where your centre of pressure is, maximum pressures, and other information such as how early your heel lifts in a step. Static analysis is also performed in this examination to give an indicator of core stability.
Using our orthopaedic treadmill, high shutter speed cameras, and industry leading software we will analyse the way you walk or run and allow you to see in the smallest detail all of the movements which could be leading to your injury. This information is visible on a 50” plasma screen and the Podiatrist will talk you through every aspect, and answer any of your questions as you go along.
What will happen after the Biomechanical Assessment appointment?
If appropriate, the Podiatrist will agree a management plan with you to try to meet your aims. This may involve the production of custom made orthotics while you wait, or a course of Physiotherapy with our on-site experienced specialist team.
A detailed print out of your gait analysis and pressure plate studies will be produced for you to take away for your own perusal or to pass onto any other health professionals involved in your care. A CD-ROM of your gait analysis will also be produced allowing you to replay on your PC or again pass this onto any healthcare professional involved in your care.
Where can I have a Biomechanical Assessment in Manchester?
Davenport House Clinic features a state of the art gait laboratory called ProGait. ProGait is located within the clinic which is based in Stalybridge, Manchester. ProGait features an orthopaedic treadmill and pressure plate technology to provide you with an extensive and accurate Biomechanical Assessment. Our Manchester based Podiatrists and Physiotherapists work closely together to ensure that you get back to what you want to do as quickly as possible.
