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Why should you have a biomechanical evaluation.
Simply stated a
biomechanical evaluation is an examination of the entire body to see if it is functioning properly. In human biomechanics, when a small force is applied to the foot, it is amplified through a series of lever actions,
so that at points more distant to the foot (the knee, hip, back, neck) the effect of the
force is significantly greater than the original force itself. When the biomechanics of an athlete are incorrect then that
small force can be amplified into the wrong part of the body resulting in symptoms such as pain and swelling or
the inability to perform a specific task correctly. Because of this, it is important to carefully evaluate the various relationships
of the musculoskeletal system and the complex and dynamic interactions of the human body in order to prevent injuries and
improve performance.
A typical
kinetic chain biomechanical evaluation looks at leg lengths, pelvic alignment, hip and knee range of motion and stability,
ankle range of motion and stability as well as how the body moves while walking and running. When abnormal motions are noted
specific recommendations can be made to correct the abnormal biomechanics. Assessment is also made of the musculature of the body because biomechanical abnormalities
often produce muscular imbalances and significant improvements in biomechanics can be made from strengthening and or stretching
certain muscle groups. Another area that should be evaluated in an athlete is the
postural biomechanics. This area of human biomechanics deals essentially with the structure and function of the segments of
the spine as they relate to each other and to the hips, legs, feet shoulders and arms. A Chiropractic Biomechanist evaluates human motion, posture, gait, foot stability,
propulsion and muscle action in order to get a basis for determining the normality or abnormality of body structure and motion. About 4 out of 5 people have some sort of biomechanical pathology, which is sufficient to create
symptoms at some time in their lives. Similarly, about 80% of the population demonstrates some degree of postural (hips, back,
neck) complaints and pathology. This makes evaluating an athletes biomechanics vitally important in order to acheive superior
sports performance. The results of poor biomechanical function may not be
readily seen, because the body is capable of “compensating” for deficiencies and abnormalities.
This compensation is very destructive as the body attempts to function in a compromised and inefficient manner.
Some common signs of abnormal biomechanics are: shin splints, bunions, plantar fascitis, haglunds deformities, runners knee,
jumpers knee, pitchers elbow, tennis elbow, golfers elbow, illiotibial band tendonitis, patella alignment syndromes, most
forms of tendonitis/bursitis.
Our
body is a mass of constantly changing variables with nerves, muscles, changing sensations, pain and mental attitudes.
Nobody is identical to anybody else and even our own body can change dramatically from one day to the next. If you
have ever felt fine one day and then awaken the next to find yourself in pain and said to yourself "I didn't
even do anything to hurt myself" you can appreciate the constantly changing variables of the human body. Because we
each have our own individualvariations in structure and function having a biomechanical evaluation
makes good sense if you want to avoid future problems in your musculoskeletal system. At "ZONE" we offer comprehensive biomechanical evaluations
by Ronald G. Williams, D.C.. If you have experienced any of the signs or symptoms of biomechanical abnormality, or your sports
performance is not were you would like it to be, then a biomechanical evaluation might help you unlock
your undeveloped potential
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