This assessment is required if the patient complains of pain of the lower limb (back, hips, knees, ankle, or any areas of the foot). This is pain not associated with an acute injury but pain that has gradually increased for no apparent reason, known as abnormal biomechanics. E.g. Knee pain when running, heel pain, shin and calf pain, achilles tendinosis, or hip pain not due to arthritis. Pain from bunions or toe joints are also areas for concern.
MSK Biomechanical Assessments
How do we assess you?
There are 3 levels of assessment: register via the online diary to see all information regarding what is included in an assessment.
Level 1 = up to 70min: appropriate for runners of any level, other athletes requiring dynamic function such as footballers and keen hikers/walkers and OR if you are not a sports person but have more than one area of pain.
Level 2= up to 50min: appropriate for recreational walkers, children from age 7 and anyone experiencing pain caused by their gait not included in Level 1 with only ONE area of pain.
Level 3 = 30min: appropriate for an acute injury within 36hrs up to 3 weeks since injury eg: ankle sprain, calf sprain. This pain was induced by an actual injury and has not developed over time.
Please log on to the online DIARY under “Book Online” to read more about these assessments.
A muscular and skeletal assessment of the foot and lower limb is conducted, as the foot plays an intricate role in effectively transmitting forces so as not to overload the, knee, hips or back. The foot consists of 26 bones, 33 joints and 98 muscles/ligaments. These components work together to provide the body with support, balance and mobility. A structural flaw or malfunction in any one part can result in injury.
An assessment identifies abnormal gait whilst standing, walking or running which could be caused by structural imbalance of joints or weakness of muscles or ligaments.
We aim to identify the root cause of the pain so we can treat not only the symptoms but at best treat the cause too. As for example, a leg length discrepancy can cause back, knee and foot pain such as plantar fasciitis.
We will then carry out a hands-on assessment of your foot, ankle, knees, hips and back, checking range of joint motion, muscle strength and ligament function. We also review your everyday and sports footwear such as running, golf, football or tennis shoes.
For the ‘dynamic gait analysis’ element of the assessment, you will be required to walk, or run, whilst capturing these events using the Sensor Medica CADCAM diagnostic pressure plate and video gait analysis. This software enables the practitioner to slow down events and highlights areas of abnormality, not seen by the naked eye, invaluable to ensure an optimum pain free outcome.
The data from the camera and pressure distribution images are analysed and, together with the patients’ medical history and observations from the hands-on assessment, are used to form a comprehensive diagnostic and treatment plan.
How do we treat you?
Your bespoke plan may consist of an orthotic, strengthening and stretching exercises, and footwear recommendations to assist in recovery. The clinic has a unique Sensor Medica CADCAM design which enables the practitioner to use data from the pressure plate to make you a customised orthotic should you need it. You may also be referred to another professional such as a physiotherapist, osteopath or surgeon for further investigation.
We are specialists in this field with professional qualifications to Masters Degree Level in Clinical Biomechanics and trained and experienced in assessing and treating both adults and children. Be Proactive, not inactive and call us now to book your assessment.
Sports Injuries
Our practitioners are qualified to treat sport injuries by using their skills in sports massage, trigger point therapy, soft tissue and joint mobilisation, ultrasound, acupuncture and shockwave therapy.
What is Shockwave Therapy?
This is a therapy using sound waves to break down calcified deposits within the soft tissue or bone which is aimed to the specific area of pain. This in turn, improves blood flow to the area and supports the production of collagen to speed up the healing process and get the patient back to activity a lot sooner than other conservative measures used.
What can be treated using this therapy?
In addition to the conditions listed below, shock wave therapy can be used to treat most of the conditions listed on our Symptoms Treated?page.
- Shoulders
- Hips
- Knees
- Any muscle or tendon
- Stress fractures