BIOMECHANICAL / MUSCULOSKELETAL ASSESSMENT
Biomechanical & Musculoskeletal Assessment – At a Glance
A biomechanical or musculoskeletal assessment is a detailed examination of how your body moves, with a particular focus on the feet, ankles and lower limbs. It looks at joints, muscles, ligaments, posture and movement patterns to understand how different parts of the body are working together.
This type of assessment is a fundamental part of diagnosing foot and lower limb problems. By analysing how you stand, walk and move, we can identify abnormal movement patterns, imbalances or restrictions that may be contributing to pain, discomfort or recurring injuries.
At Total Foot Health, biomechanical and musculoskeletal assessments are used to inform accurate diagnosis and guide appropriate treatment. Findings from the assessment help us develop personalised care plans aimed at improving function, reducing strain and preventing future issues.
What is a Biomechanical / Musculoskeletal Assessment?
A Biomechanical / Musculoskeletal Assessment involves the careful examination of the joints, ligaments, muscles and tendons, as well as your posture and your functional movement.
This process is fundamental to diagnosing your foot problems.
Why is a Biomechanical / Musculoskeletal Assessment important?
How do you perform a Biomechanical / Musculoskeletal Assessment?
A Biomechanical / Musculoskeletal Assessment looks at the body in three ways:
- Lying on a couch: Through this we can develop an understanding of the symmetry, muscle function and joint range of movement.
- Standing: We look at your overall posture viewing the body from all sides as well as reviewing the natural position of your foot in relation to the floor. We will ask you to perform some simple tests, such as standing on tip-toe
- Walking: Here we review your basic gait; this may be supplemented by video gait analysis.
Using a combination of these methods, supported by the use of ultrasound where necessary, we are able to diagnose the specific problems and provide the most appropriate course of treatment.
Frequently Asked Questions about Biomechanical Assessments
What is a biomechanical or musculoskeletal assessment?
It’s a clinical evaluation of how your joints, muscles, tendons, and ligaments are working together — with a focus on posture, symmetry, and movement patterns.
Why would I need a biomechanical assessment?
If you’re experiencing foot, leg, hip, or back pain, this assessment can help identify whether poor movement or posture is contributing to your symptoms.
What happens during the assessment?
We assess your body while lying down, standing, and walking. This includes functional tests, video gait analysis, and, if needed, ultrasound imaging.
Is the assessment painful?
No — the process is gentle and non-invasive. It’s designed to identify pain sources, not cause them.
How long does the appointment take?
A full biomechanical assessment typically takes around 45 minutes to an hour, depending on the complexity of your symptoms.
Will I receive treatment on the same day?
In many cases, yes. We aim to provide early advice, exercises, or orthotic recommendations on the day — with follow-up care arranged if needed.
What happens after the assessment?
You’ll receive a personalised treatment plan which may include orthotics, rehabilitation exercises, or referral to other healthcare providers if needed.
Assessment & Diagnosis Comparison
| Approach | DIY/Home | General GP Visit | Podiatrist Assessment (TFH) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Posture & gait analysis | ✘ | ✘ | ✔ |
| Joint & muscle evaluation | ✘ | ✔ (basic) | ✔ (specialist) |
| Video gait analysis | ✘ | ✘ | ✔ |
| Ultrasound scanning if needed | ✘ | ✘ | ✔ |
| Custom treatment plan | ✘ | ✔ (general advice) | ✔ (tailored to your body) |
| Accuracy of diagnosis | Uncertain | Varied | High |
BOOK ONLINE