Biomechanical assessment

EXAMINATION OF LIMB FUNCTION


A biomechanical assessment is an analysis of how your muscles and body are functioning together to identify problems or diagnose pain

Enquiries & Appointments

Knee pain and knee injuries. How are they treated and diagnosed. Patient with radiographer CT scanner 1443435492.jpg

What is a biomechanical assessment?

If you have a recurrent injury or chronic pain, your consultant may recommend a biomechanical assessment.

Biomechanics looks at how your bones, muscles and joints work together to help you move. Assessing your limbs and how you walk or run, swing a racket or golf club, can help to pinpoint underlying problems.

Need to know

Your consultant will talk to you about any pain or problems you're experiencing so your assessment can be tailored to your symptoms. They'll do a full examination of the limbs where you are identifying a problem, including looking at your range of movement and balance, around the area and joint, including the way you walk or run (gait) and your posture.

Your consultant may also look closely at your feet to examine the way your bones and joints are positioned (foot posture) and identify pressure points that may be the source of chronic pain. During your assessment, you may be asked to lie on a treatment couch, stand up straight, walk or run on a treadmill. Assessments usually take up to an hour.

Before your assessment, your consultant may request an X-ray or MRI scan of your hips, legs or feet. They'll let you know what to expect and answer any questions you may have.

On the day of your appointment, you should wear loose-fitting and comfortable clothing appropriate for exercise. If you wear trousers, please be sure these can be comfortably rolled up above your knee. You may be asked to bring several pairs of shoes with you, including the ones you normally wear at work, at home and for sport or exercise.

Depending on the outcome of your assessment, your consultant may recommend a special insole or custom orthotics for you to wear in your shoes and refer you to a podiatrist.

If your upper limbs are affected you may be given supportive aids to help adjust or strengthen your movement, and referred to a physiotherapist. Your consultant will also let you know if any follow-up treatment or further assessment will be needed.

Our Biomechanical assessment locations

Institute of Sport Exercise and Health (ISEH)

Institute of Sport Exercise and Health (ISEH)

170 Tottenham Court Road W1T 7HA London
The Princess Grace Hospital Outpatients

The Princess Grace Hospital Outpatients

30 Devonshire Street W1G 6PU London
The Princess Grace Hospital

The Princess Grace Hospital

42-52 Nottingham Place W1U 5NY London
The Lister Hospital

The Lister Hospital

Chelsea Bridge Road, SW1W 8RH London
The Shard Outpatients

The Shard Outpatients

The Shard, 32 St Thomas Street SE1 9BS London
London Bridge Hospital

London Bridge Hospital

27 Tooley Street SE1 2PR London

This content is intended for general information only and does not replace the need for personal advice from a qualified health professional.