Biomechanical Assessment
The aim of a biomechanical analysis is essentially to identify the injured structures, decide if any of the current movement patterns are contributing to increased stress or load on the injured anatomy, and then formulate an appropriate management plan to reduce these damaging stresses/loads. The assessment is made up of the following parts:
Medical and Social History
Every appointment will always begin by taking an in depth history of a patients medical history. Before your initial consultation can begin every new patient will be required to complete a new patient history form. This will involve a complete medical history, including any previous injuries, detailed information about the current presenting problem (eg. type of pain, mechanism of onset, duration, aggravating and alleviating factors) and current level of activity, physical training, expectations of the treatment outcome, and discussion of physical or activity related goals.
You will be asked about any previous treatments and medical procedures. If you have had any recent scan or tests (eg. x-rays, CT, MRI, ultrasound, nerve conduction, blood tests) and you have the results of these tests or a letter from your consultant then please bring these along to your consultation. A list of your current medications is also useful. If thought to be relevant you may also be asked about your nutrition and mental health status, and about any other factors that may be affecting your physical and mental health.
You will also be asked about your job, and how that may affect your physical health, including what sort of footwear you wear both socially and for work. The wear pattern on your shoes can also help to paint a picture of how you are walking and any abnormal pattern will be examined and used to form a treatment plan and prescription. So please do bring along older pairs of shoes that show your unique wear pattern as well as new footwear if you have recently bought some.
Non- Weight Bearing Assessment
Your Orthotist will then assess your passive range of motion in your hips, knees, ankles and feet, noting any stiffness or abnormal ranges of your musculature, any laxity of your ligaments, loss of sensation, signs of compromised circulation, muscle strength and details about your bony anatomy and foot type. You will be checked for any leg length discrepancy.
Weight Bearing Assessment
You may then be assessed performing some basic manoeuvres such as a single leg balance, lunging, squatting and standing on tip toes if appropriate. An assessment of foot and whole body posture will be undertaken. Leg length discrepancy will also be check in standing.
A dynamic assessment is often required and involves assessing you walking barefoot and sometimes also shod. This part of the assessment is called your Gait Analysis and with your consent will be recorded with video analysis software so that your individual gait pattern can be viewed in slow motion which makes it is easier to see any movement patterns that may be contributing to your current injury. If your problem occurs when you run then we will also capture you whilst you are running on our treadmill or outdoors.
The biomechanical assessment will be patient-specific and what exactly is involved will depend on many factors such as the presenting injury, the current stage of rehabilitation, and the long term goals or aspirations of the individual.
Treatment Plan
Your Orthotist will review the findings of your assessment and explain them to you. They will then recommend and discuss all treatment options with you. If an Orthosis is recommended then the relevant measurements, foot impressions or plaster of paris casts will be taken and an estimate quote of the cost of the Orthosis will be prepared.
Experience has shown that Orthotics are often best prescribed in conjunction with exercises to help resolve lower limb pain and poor biomechanics.
Exercises to strengthen and condition major muscle groups that help to stabilise the core (spine, hips and pelvis area); working to restore normal range of movement in all joints if a restriction is identified and screening for any muscle activation/sequencing issues is just as if not more important in recovering from an injury.
MK Orthotics understands the importance and benefit of offering a range of alternative or adjunct therapies to help get back doing what you love doing again in no time.
Your Orthotist will advise on how often your orthoses will need re-furbishing or replacing. It often depends on how active a person is and how much they are used. Ask us about our Protect plan which includes a free refurbishment
on custom made foot orthotics if you are particularly heavy on your feet as this may safe you a few quid in the long run.
What sort of treatments do we offer? //
Foot Mobilisation Technique
A restriction in normal joint movements within the foot can be the result of mechanical stress such as wearing high heels, dropping something on your foot, treading on something small like a plug or lego brick, or a result of an old injury or because of poor foot alignment and biomechanics.
Mobilisation helps to break down connective tissue restrictions that inhibit normal foot function that often cause increased muscle tension and chronic pains.
This technique of manual therapy involves a high velocity thrust which helps to release adhesions and restore normal movement again which is essential for joint and cartilage health. This can be used as a stand alone treatment for foot pain, but also often in conjunction with foot orthotics. A restricted joint may also be the reasons behind why you have not responded well to your orthoses in the past.
Kinesio Taping
Kinesio taping can be used to treat numerous musculo-skeletal conditions. It has become very popular with top athletes and Olympians in injury prevention; to improve functional movement by re-education of the neuromuscular system, and an aid in the reduction of pain and swelling post-injury.
Kinseio Tape made from 100% high grade cotton, it is hypoallergenic and latex free. Unlike traditional medical tapes Kinesio Tape is highly elasticated; the tapes thickness and weight are similar to skin and feels very much more natural and comfortable to wear as it moves with you. But don't be fooled, just because its more flexible does not mean it is any less effective or supportive!
Kinesio Tape will usually stay put for 3-5 days after application, and no problem getting it wet in the shower! It comes in lovely shades of pink and blue, but beige and black are also available for the colour shy.
