An Introduction To Biomechanics
Biomechanics in human terms is all about the study of movement and how it relates to the structures of the body. It is an enormous area of study involving the professions of medicine, physical-therapy, podiatry and orthotics. In relation to humans biomechanics has a major role in diagnosis and treatment of physical problems of all kinds. It is essentially how a foot problem can cause back pain. Any practitioner worth their salt realises that a problem in one part of the body is highly likely to be related to something elsewhere. The actual symptom or complaint may be the cause of something else or it may be an effect. Ther often arises a significant question from the addict of "if it aint broke don't fix it." In biomechanical circles this means that when assessed by a doctor or therapist you are very likely to have some evidence of biomechanical abnormality. No one is perfect in other words. However the question is whether to do something about it if the patient is not complaining about that particular thing? Really that depends on the opinion of the biomechanics professional as to whether the abnormality is likely to develop or cause further problems. Athletes are becoming more aware of the role that a good biomechanist can play in improving performance as well as overcoming and preventing injury. A biomechanical assessment can involve the following:
Posture examination Joint assessment Gait and movement analysis All of the above looking for evidence of asymmetry, imbalance and compensatory changes in any componment parts of the musculo-skeletal system. Using different techniques, many of which now include computerised analysis technology, an extremely detailed picture of the way someone moves and holds themselves can be built up. The biomechanics information can then be used like pieces of a jigsaw to produce a treatment regime to solve the problem. This may involve physical-therapy in the form of joint mobilisation or manipulation, rehabilitative exercises or the provision of orthoses. The orthoses we are talking about in the main will be insoles specially made from purpose designed materials to alter foot posture which can have extraordinary effects. So if you are having pain or problems of a physical nature that are not settling you may well benefit from a good biomechanical assessment.
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