Biomechanics
Biomechanics is the science of identifying and compensating for irregularities in the skeleton. These can be caused by neurological or musculoskeletal issues. If your skeleton is misaligned for whatever reason then it is unlikely that the structure will be able to support itself as intended.
Faulty patterns of movement can occur, leading to muscle imbalance. We carefully assess the level in the chain where the imbalance is occurring and address the issues in order to re-establish good functional alignment. This may be achieved through physiotherapy, exercise therapy and may include orthotics and careful shoe selection.
About Your Biomechanical Assessment
The biomechanical assessment involves finding out more about your pain, analysing the way you stand and walk, seeking to establish whether your back, hips and knees are contributing to your problems.
During your initial assessment the physiotherapist will ask questions about your medical history, the duration of your symptoms, if there was an obvious cause and what makes the pain better or worse. We will examine the overall function of your lower limbs. This may involve assessing your back and hips. During the assessment, if you do not understand anything, you will be able to ask questions.
Following the assessment we will discuss the treatment options available to you and you will agree on a management plan.
The treatment will usually include an exercise programme. The exercises are an extremely important part of your treatment. Your physiotherapist may also provide you with a pair of temporary insoles to be worn in your shoes. The insoles may have additions (such as wedges or raises) which will change the way that you walk. You will also receive advice on shoe selection.
Subsequent consultations will be required to assess how you are progressing with your exercises and your insoles. Hopefully by then, you will have already noticed an improvement in your condition.
We typically start with an off-the-shelf orthotic which we can customise as you progress. We have a wide range of these orthotics and not everyone will ultimately require a fully custom pair of orthotics..
The physiotherapist may recommend that you get a pair of custom-made orthotics. To do this, a casting or scan of your foot will be made and sent to a laboratory. They will make your orthotics from this impression with the appropriate prescription as decided by your physiotherapist. The turnaround time from casting to return of orthotics is about two weeks.
​When the orthotics come back from the laboratory, an appointment will be arranged to fit them for you. You will be advised to break them in slowly, gradually increasing the wearing time over a couple of weeks. You should only start wearing them for sport when you can wear them comfortably during normal daily activity. If you are having problems during this period, please contact us. An appointment will be arranged to review your progress approximately six weeks later.
​Remember that you cannot undo in a few weeks what it took years to create. Our aims are to treat your present symptoms, resolve long-term biomechanical problems and prevent pain in the future.