BIOMECHANICS

[bahy-oh-mi-kan-iks] 

noun, ( used with a singular verb)

1. Medicine/Medical.

    i) the study of the action of external and internal forces on the livingbody, especially on the skeletal system.

    ii) the development of prostheses.

2. Biology. the study of the mechanical nature of biological processes, asheart action and muscle movement.

Biomechanics is the study of how we move and how alignment of joints, tendons, muscles and bones relate to each other during movement. Efficient biomechanics are essential to fluid and efficient movement and prevention of injury. If your biomechanics are inefficient it can contribute to overuse and stress related injuries as your body tries to compensate for the poor alignment.

Posture and gait are intrinsically linked to your biomechanics and our podiatrists are specifically trained to identify any imbalances you may have in your movement.

Our podiatry team will comprehensively analyse your gait and posture utilising techniques such as visual gait analysis, joint and manual muscle testing, and strength and flexibility testing.

Once assessed your podiatrist will provide you with a thorough explanation of your biomechanics and make necessary recommendations for treatment and management. As your lower limb biomechanics are intrinsically linked with the rest of your body we may recommend assessment and management with another allied health professional. This will provide you with a holistic approach to care and management and give you strategies to manage your foot health in the future

ORTHOTICS

[awr-thot-iks] 

noun

1.

(used with a singular verb) a branch of medicine dealing with themaking and fitting of orthotic devices.

Orthotics are shoe inserts that are specially designed to correct any biomechanical inadequacies of your feet or legs. Orthotics can help your feet maintain correct aligment and can alter your foots function by redistributing the weight you place on your feet.

Orthotics have the ability to alter your feets function by changing the joint positions and improving the alignment of the lower limbs and muscles.  This new improved alignment, reduces stresses on the foot and lower limb, helping alleviate foot problems and reducing the likelihood of future overuse related injury.