Performance
Relevance of Biomechanics in Treatment
At Achieve Health, our approach to patient care is rooted in a deep understanding of biomechanics—the study of the body’s movement patterns and the forces that act upon it. By assessing these mechanical aspects, we can more effectively diagnose and treat injuries, prevent long term issues, and optimise physical wellbeing.
Why Biomechanics Matter
The human body is a complex system of bones, muscles, tendons, and ligaments that work together to facilitate movement. When this system functions properly, the body moves efficiently, minimising negative impact on tissues. However, when biomechanics are disrupted—whether due to improper posture or gait for example—mechanical overload and stress can occur.
Mechanical overload occurs when tissues are subjected to forces beyond their capacity. This can happen suddenly (acute overload) or gradually (chronic overload), leading to tissue damage and injury. Chronic biomechanical stress—such as poor posture or repetitive strain from improper movement—gradually weakens tissues over time, leading to conditions like tendinopathies or stress fractures.
The Importance of Foot Biomechanics in Treatment
Foot biomechanics play a pivotal role in the overall movement and function of the body. The foot is the foundation of the kinetic chain, and any issues here can reverberate further up the body, affecting the ankles, knees, hips, and even the lower back. Factors like limited range of motion, overpronation (excessive inward rolling of the foot), or supination (outward rolling of the foot) can contribute to mechanical overload in other joints, leading to pain or injury over time.
Expert Analysis Beyond the Basics
At Achieve Health, we don’t just stop at the basics of foot analysis. Our clinicians are highly trained in identifying complex biomechanical conditions, allowing us to go far beyond basic footwear recommendations. We delve into the intrinsic mechanics of the feet, focusing on strengthening and controlling the small stabilising muscles that are often overlooked. By addressing these deeper issues, we can correct biomechanical imbalances from within, providing more effective long-term solutions.
Gait Analysis and Orthotics
We utilise advanced gait analysis to assess how the foot interacts with the ground during movement, identifying abnormalities in foot biomechanics such as altered stride patterns, compensatory movements, or joint misalignments. In cases where foot mechanics contribute to pain or dysfunction, we offer bespoke orthotic prescriptions tailored to correct alignment and provide the necessary support. This reduces strain on other parts of the body, promoting a more efficient and pain-free movement pattern.
Our Treatment Approach
We address biomechanical stress through a combination of targeted therapies that restore proper movement and reduce tissue overload:
- Manual Therapy: Techniques such as myofascial release and deep tissue massage help release tension, improve tissue mobility, and alleviate stress caused by improper mechanics.
- Exercise Prescription: Personalised exercise programs are designed to correct movement patterns, strengthen weak muscles, and support tissue recovery.
- Postural Correction & Ergonomic Advice: We provide guidance on how to optimise everyday movements, improve posture, and minimise repetitive strain in daily activities.
- Gait & Movement Analysis: We analyse walking or running patterns to detect abnormalities that may be contributing to pain or injury, and prescribe exercises to correct these inefficiencies.
- Orthotics: Where necessary, we provide bespoke orthotics. These are tailored to your unique biomechanics, ensuring they support recovery and enhance performance.
- Education on Mechanical Load Management: Patients are educated on how to gradually load tissues to prevent mechanical overload, ensuring they avoid reinjury during recovery.
At Achieve Health, we focus on identifying the root cause of biomechanical stress rather than just treating symptoms. We conduct a comprehensive assessment to pinpoint any movement inefficiencies, muscle imbalances, or joint dysfunction that may be contributing to injury or discomfort.
