Biomechanical Assessment

If you suffer from chronic hip pain, lower back pain, sore heels, pain in the ball of your foot, sore toes and you don't know why, a biomechanical assessment will help you find out. An in-depth assessment of your foot mechanics that include posture examination, joint assessment, gait analysis, muscle strength testing among others can help us determine the underlying cause, which in most cases results from misalignment within your foot structure.

What Happens during a Biomechanical Assessment?

Your physical therapist has various tools available to help with biomechanical assessment. Normally, the procedure can last for up to an hour, and is divided into two main parts:

• Static Analysis: This involves evaluation of joint motion, alignment and muscle strength and flexibility while sitting or standing—this means you'll need to wear shorts or other flexible clothing.
• Dynamic Assessment (gait analysis): This procedure focuses on the position and alignment of the foot to the ground during gait. It also involves assessing the upper body positions such as shoulder, hip, and knee positions. The dynamic assessment is conducted while you are moving and a video of your form is taken while you are walking and running on a treadmill.

Treatment

Often, custom foot orthotics or insole devices are preferred as part of a treatment program. They're made from various materials with different levels of flexibility, and fitted from a range of prefabricated devices or prescribed and custom-made orthotics. They allow the muscles, tendons, and bones of the feet and lower legs to function properly. Orthotics help to ease the pain by offering stabilization and body alignment. They also aid in the prevention of a deteriorating condition or the development of a deformity.

Schedule an Appointment

Our physical therapists have many years of experience working with runners and athletes and are happy to share their experience and knowledge with you. Typically, we will conduct a comprehensive assessment, including a 3D scan of your feet. Based on the results, we can recommend and order proper orthotics that will suit your needs.

Foot pain is not normal and should not be ignored; if you suffer from hip pain, foot pain, knee pain, or lower back pain, please get in touch to book an appointment.