Physiotherapy

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Gait Asssessment

Gait analysis is an assessment of the way the body moves, usually by walking or running, from one place to another. The purpose of gait analysis is to detect any abnormalities in locomotion. An individual's gait is a combination of complex functions involving use of the body's visual, somatosensory and vestibular systems. Problems within any of these systems, as well as problems in the joints involved, can lead to postural and gait abnormalities.

The gait analysis procedure usually takes 2 to 4 hours. Patients must be able to take 10 consecutive steps without any assistance in order for an an effective evaluation to be performed.

Reasons for Gait Analysis

Gait abnormalities involve unusual walking patterns that may be caused by disease or injury. Such irregularities can lead to pain in the hips, back, neck, feet, knees or ankles. Gait analysis, also known as walking or motion analysis, is a comprehensive evaluation of the way an individual stands and walks. This analysis can help:

Identify the source of muscle, nerve or skeletal problems
Discover the source of a patient's pain while standing or walking
Help to diagnose bone deformities or skeletal misalignments
Assist in discovering muscle or nerve dysfunction
Check the progression of diseases like arthritis or muscular dystrophy

Gait analysis, as a noninvasive method of detection, is of great value in identifying certain medical conditions, determining whether further testing is required, and illuminating possible treatment options.

Types of Gait Analysis

Gait analysis, though sometimes performed through simple observation, can now be performed with the help of advanced technology. By analyzing the data provided by several devices, the patient's gait can be evaluated in terms of step length, stride length, cadence, cycle time and joint angles. Clinical gait analysis uses several different methods including:

Computerized video cameras to show movement in slow motion
Markers placed on the skin to monitor motion on camera
Sensors on a platform to measure footstep pressure and stride length
Electrodes placed on skin to monitor muscle movement
Infrared markers to measure joint movement in three dimensions

By recording any gait abnormalities, the analysis increases the breadth of physical examination, though of course patient history and current medical condition must still be carefully considered.

Bio Mechanical Assessment

What Is a Biomechanics Assessment?

If you are suffering from lower back, leg or foot pain you may be referred for a Biomechanics Assessment to try and identify the reason for the pain. Therefore treating the cause not only the symptoms.

What is Biomechanics?

Biomechanics refers to the way the bones, muscles and joints of your feet and lower limbs interact and move. They will look specifically at Pronation – how impact is absorbed and Supination – how you are propelled.

Pronation – Absorption

The best way to describe this is the movement of your foot as your weight is transferred from the outside of your heel to the inside of your forefoot. This helps your foot adapt to different surface and cope with the impact when you put your foot down. Pronation is a natural movement when you are walking or running, but too much or too little can cause problems leading to chronic pain.

Supination – Propulsion

Supination happens after your foot has absorbed the impact of putting your foot down. The front of your foot pushes forward to lift your heel and move your weight forward to the front of your foot and your toes. This is what propels you in the direction you want to travel, like pronation it is a natural movement but too much or too little can cause problems.

The Biomechanical Assessment

Rachel will ask about the pain you are suffering – it may be in you feet, legs, lower back or hips. You will be closely observed to see how your body moves when walking and your gait (the way you walk) will be studied in detail. Rachel will examine your legs, feet and lower back to get a full picture of your problem.

Once completed the assessment and identified the problem Rachel will advise you on the best way of treating it.

Suggested treatments may include orthotics or insoles for your shoes, general footwear advice and exercises to help correct any gait, postural problems. It may be necessary to see a Physiotherapist to work with you to help correct posture.

If you are suffering from lower back, leg, hip or foot pain that is affecting your life, an assessment from Rachel often helps solve the problem swiftly and easily

HYPERMOBILITY

We want all of our customers to experience the impressive level of professionalism when working with Rachel Lewis. All of our services, especially this one, exist to make your life easier and stress free.