What is a Biomechanical Assessment?
All of the Podiatrists at The Westoe Practice in South Shields , Tyne and Wear are highly trained in Biomechanics, which involves looking in detail at the body, its alignment and how it functions. A biomechanical assessment is very beneficial if you are experiencing pain in your feet , lower limbs or back but no cause has been established. A biomechanical assessment is the starting point for understanding the cause of your problem, what treatment is needed or whether further investigations are necessary.
Utilizing the very latest technology - a computerised pressure scanner and a 3d Optical Laser Scanner we will carry out a comprehensive assessment of your body posture and alignment, also performing video or computerised gait analysis (the way we walk). This enables us to develop a treatment plan which will aim to realign the body, removing compensatory patterns so that it can function without injuries and pain.
The Westoe Practice is the only clinic in the North East and one of only a handful in the UK to use a 3d optical laser scanner to capture an exact model of your feet and the many contours, whereby carbon fibre Orthotics -specialised insoles are manufactured using CAD CAM technology.
The realtime interactive foot image displays dimensions and rotating 3D views and is transmitted to the USA for the manufacture of accurate, reliable and repeatable orthotics. The Orthotic shell is guaranteed for life.
Designed to fit inside normal footwear Orthotics work by improving foot and leg function and alignment, reducing excessive Pronation or Suppination, supporting and aligning the foot and eliminating abnormal foot biomechanics. Orthotics can be likened to having the tyres balanced on a car, improving foot and leg alignment, reducing injury and pain.
Following a Biomechanical Assessment at the Westoe Practice the Podiatrist will also recommend an individually tailored stretching and strengthening programme targeting areas of your body which require attention. This will aid your recovery and improve the posture and mechanics of your body - put simply, improving the way we stand, walk and run..
A Typical Session
A Biomechanical Assessment at the Westoe Practice in South Shields will begin with a consultation to understand your concerns. Usually you will be asked to wear shorts or tracksuit bottoms that can be rolled up above the knee. During the assessment the podiatrist will take an in-depth look at your posture looking at muscle strength, flexibility, joint range of motion and foot/leg/pelvic alignment.The examination is not focused simply upon the foot but includes the pelvis, legs and knees, assessing the relationship between them. It is important to examine the lower limbs as a whole because they are closely connected and pain in one area can be due to a weakness or structural problem in another area.
The next part of the assessement will involve looking at gait (the way we walk) often using a treadmill and a compurterised foot pressure scanner. This shows imbalances and exactly how our foot strikes the ground. For example, one foot may overpronate (ankle rolls inwards) whilst the other foot may over suppinate (ankle rolls outwards). Leg length differences and pelvic tilt are also a common finding.
The podiatrist will also look at your footwear and discuss if Orthotics (specialized insoles) are needed to improve foot alignment.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: What are Orthotics?
A: Orthotics are devices that fit inside your footwear, supporting your feet in a neutral position, re-aligning your ankle and legs, the resulting effect being improved gait and posture. Orthotics are used for the treatment and prevention of injuries.
Q: I'm an athlete and run regular half marathons, and suffer with Achilles tendonitis, my Physiotherapist has advised me to see a Podiatrist for a Biomechanical assessment. How would this help?
A: A biomechanical assessment will aim to find the route cause of your Achilles tendonitis looking in detail at foot function and gait, there is nearly always a bio-mechanical dysfunction and treatment will probably involve Orthotics.
Q: I've had foot surgery will Orthotics help me?
A: It would most certainly be worth having an assessment since supporting the foot and improving its alignment will most likely be beneficial. A large number of foot deformities are a result of biomechanical issues with the feet.
Q: I suffer from reccuring knee problems and Plantar Fasciitis. Do you think Orthotics will help me?
A: A Biomechanical Assessment will aim to find the exact cause of any injuries or pain, and prevents continually treating the symptoms. In an average lifetime a person walks 100,000 miles, the majority of which is spent on hard, flat, unnatural surfaces like concrete. Feet provide the foundations for your entire body and as we walk, run and stand on flat surfaces they are forced repeatedly out of alignment. This creates a strain through the plantar fascia and has a knock on effect throughout the body, particularly the knees, since every movement of your feet affects their position and disturbs the complex body structure above them.
About the Podiatry department
Dean Glozier BSc Hons MCHS HPC Reg is a Podiatrist with over 15 years experience in Biomechanics, Gait Analysis, Injury rehabilitation and prescription Orthotics.
Dean is the owner / director of The Westoe Practice in South Shields, Tyne and Wear and The Body Alignment Centre which is located in various locations across the North East http://www.bodyalignmentcentre.co.uk/ . During his time in practice Dean has assisted thousands to overcome injury and pain and has a special interest in Sports and Muscular Skeletal Podiatry. Along with his colleagues Dean also practices various Neuro Muscular therapies - Bowen Technique, Neurostructural Integration Technique, Emmett Technique and specializes in Foot Manipulation and Mobilization therapy and Podiatric Acupuncture. Dean uses a variety of techniques to bring the body back into balance, his approach is unique and people travel from throughout the North of England to benefit from his expertise.
