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  What Is Biomechanics?How we move and hold ourselves is essentially what human biomechanics is all about. Physical-Therapy, podiatry and orthotics are some of hte facets of physical medicine involved in this area.In relation to humans it 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. There 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 professional as to whether the abnormality is likely to develop or cause further problems. Sports participants and athletes are much more aware now of the benefits of consulting a biomechanics expert with respect to injury and performance. Biomechanical analysis may involve any of the following : Posture examination Joint assessment Gait and movement analysis All of the above are involved in looking for evidence of asymmetry, imbalance and compensatory changes in any component 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. This 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. Orthoses are in the main in the form of insoles that produce the necessary changes in body shape and movement pattern. If it is that you have been suffering from something for a while it may be that a biomechanical analysis is just what you need. This may well invove a few hours of your time and a little investment of money. At the time of writing this can be around the $400 or £200 mark, depending on the particular practitioner you choose. I would say in circumstances like this though that if you are visitng a professional with a gait analysis facility that the money you are paying is going to be well spent in terms of information you get as well as the resultant product i.e. a decent orthotic and improved performance and/or quality of life. Free Article Source: http://www.za77.org About The Author: A Physical Therapist with vast experience in the world of sports medicine and musculo-skeletal injury, A great deal of Rob's knowledge and experience can be found at http://www.the-rehabilitation-room.com |