Biomechanical Assessment Services Perth

During a biomechanical assessment, podiatrists carefully examine the way a patient walks, runs and moves to identify any issues with their foot and ankle mechanics. By pinpointing these issues, podiatrists can create a personalised treatment plan that often addresses symptoms' causes to help alleviate pain, improve function, and prevent future injuries.

What are Biomechanics and Biomechanical Assessment?

A biomechanical assessment is a comprehensive assessment where your podiatrist assesses how your joints, bones, muscles and nerves function and it involves the following:

A non-weight bearing assessment - we assess any painful structures and joint range of motion within your feet, ankles, knees and hips and muscle strength.

A weight-bearing/standing assessment - we look at posture and alignment of your feet, ankles, knees, hips, back, neck and shoulders while standing. We may include functional tests at this stage to further assist our assessment. 

Gait analysis - we assess how you stand, walk or run, looking at how your foot structure, foot function, posture, joint alignment and muscle activity affect the way you move.

We identify anomalies that could be contributing to ongoing symptoms, pains and niggles, and poor performance. We may refer for imaging such as x-rays, ultrasounds or MRIs if we deem it necessary. 

When Might A Biomechanical Assessment Be Performed

A biomechanical assessment should be performed when someone is experiencing pain or discomfort in their feet, ankles, knees, hips and lower back, has suffered a foot or ankle injury, or wants to improve their overall foot and ankle health. It can also be useful for athletes or individuals who engage in physical activity and want to prevent future injuries.