SPORT SPECIFIC BIOMECHANICAL ASSESSMENT

Sport Podiatry and sports biomechanical assessment

Sports podiatry and biomechanical assessment is a specific area of podiatry looking at the biomechanics of sport. We see many runners, athletes, footballers as well as people who benefit from a sports biomechanical assessment.

Our podiatrists and orthotists are experts in the field of biomechanics in sport. We are the providers of sports orthotics to  Rangers FC, Celtic FC, Motherwell FC and other SPL clubs. We also see athletes from the institute of sport, professional golfers, tennis players and runners among other sports.

You don't need to be a high performance athlete to benefit from this specific sports podiatry biomechanical assessment. However, if you are  becoming active and getting aches, pain and niggles as you increase your activity, get in touch.

Why are the biomechanics of sports different from walking?

The biomechanics of sport differ dependant on the sport and the movements required within the sport. In running the forces going through the foot increase significantly than when walking. Normally in walking the force being applied by the foot to the ground is around 1-1.5 times body weight.

In running the load going through the foot increases to around 4-5 times body weight. As such there is more likelihood that even small biomechanical issues will become more prevalent when people take up running. It is important that when people who are new to running have an awareness of this and the potential for injury.

It is also important that if you are increasing your activiy that you consider sports podiatry and biomechanical assessment to prevent potential injury.

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Where can I get a biomechanical assessment appointment?

The Treatment Hub team of sports podiatrists and orthotists have clinics across Scotland. We have clinics in Hamilton, Glasgow, Edinburgh, Aberdeen, Ayr and Doune.

At each of these clinics, you can access experts in biomechanics using the latest technologies and with a wealth of clinical experience. The team are also experts in considering the requirements of each sport and any orthotic prescription that may be required for injury prevention and performance. For further details of our biomechanics clinics across Scotland click on the links below.

What happens at a biomechanical assessment?

The biomechanical assessment has 4 main stages similar to a general biomechanical assessment, however more movement specific analysis takes place e.g. video gait analysis of running to understand any changes in biomechanics when running.

Our clincial specialists in biomechanics at our clinic will assess the most appropriate way to assess your movement

Defining the Problem

The most important part of the biomechanical assessment is listening to the patient to understand the problem. It is vital that we understand the issue you have come to see us about from your persective. 

Often other clincians are keen to give patients their view of the problem when really they are not the person living with it. Instead we need to hear it from your side to understand how your problem impacts on you.

We take a history of the current and previous issues you may have as well as a full medical history to inform what may be important factors to consider before starting our assessment. Equally, we need to understand what the patient is expecting from us.

Static Alignment & Range of Motion

Once we have have taken a history we assess your body alignment including, your feet/ankles. legs, knees, hips, spine and shoulders usually standing to check for any alignment issues. We then also assess the alignment and movement of your joints when moved (passive and active movement) to check against normal limits.

Any signs of potential alignment issues, muscle weakness or imbalances are recorded and discussed with you as the assessment takes place.

Sometimes it easier if you bring shorts or leggings, however it is not always necessary dependant on where your issues are

Dynamic Alignment & Video Gait Analysis

Sometimes the problem you have with the way you walk (your gait) is not always obvious to the human eye. This is why after the assessment of your alignment we look to see what happens when you move. 

This in essence a way of confirming our findings from the static aligment and range of movement assesment. Particuarly in Sport Assessments, your gait is analysed using video gait analysis equipment to allow us to look in more detail at exactly what happens when you both walk and run. 

Often with biomechanical issues you will see compensatory movements or "trick" movements that your body adopts (without you being aware of it) to try to overcome your underlying problem. Video gait analysis as part of the assessment helps identify these.

Patient Feedback, Diagnosis & Prescription

The final part of the process is feeding back the findings of the biomechanical assessment through slow motion video gait analysis and the assessment findings.

A full and honest view of the possible treatment we can offer you, or alternatively we will advise on the possibility of us referring you to other members of our team for treatment.

For any orthotics/insoles that we may prescribe we make these on site and discuss your options as to how these may may be made to best fit your needs.