Biomechanics is an important tool Dr Low uses when appropriate, to help determine the causes and risk factors of sports injuries, lower limb pain, running injuries and back or leg pain that has not been relieved with standard care.

 

Biomechanical analysis includes:

 

• Taking a comprehensive history to understand the type of injury or pain

• Performing a physical examination that includes assessment of flexibility, muscle strength and imbalances, range of motion at a joint, leg length and posture in order to reveal the effects of these on an injury

• Liaising with other clinicians such as physiotherapists, coaches, trainers and podiatrists to advise on appropriate interventions such as taping, orthoses, footwear and technique correction to aide recovery from injury and also prevention of further injuries

 

​Example of a case where Dr Low used Biomechanics:

 

A 15 year old female runner presents with bilateral lower leg pain which was due to "shin splints" (tibial stress reactions).

 

A biomechanical assessment was performed which involved assessing the following:

• Gait analysis (observing the patient walking) looking for a limp, flat feet, high arches, ankle pronation (rolling in) and supination (rolling out).

• Flexibility and strength of lower limb muscles including gastrocnemius (calf), quadriceps (front of thigh) and hamstrings (back of thigh), looking for any imbalances.

• Movement at ankle and knee joints for stiffness and increased laxity

• Balance standing on one leg and doing a single leg step down

• Leg length discrepancy

 

Upon examination her potential risks for developing shin splints included her pes planus foot type (flat feet), stiff ankle joints and poor gastrocnemius (calf muscle) flexibility.

 

In conjunction with the patient the management plan Dr Low put in place included:

• Stretching program to improve gastrocnemius (calf muscle) flexibility

• Exercise program to improve ankle range of motion

• Referral to a Sports Podiatrist for orthotics to help with arch support for her flat feet

• No running till she is pain free

• A graduated return to running program to prevent recurrence of the injury once she is pain free