Walk Right Podiatry investing in state-of-the-art equipment

Biomechanics and Gait Analysis

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Walk Right Podiatry, a clinic that has had a presence in Rochdale for over 25 years, has invested in a Biomechanics Lab and state-of-the-art equipment, including the OptoGait and Pressure Analysis Plate used by sports teams and Olympians all over the world.

Located on Drake Street, the surgery is run by Rebecca Schofield – winner of Rochdale Business Women of the year 2012.

Biomechanics and Gait Analysis are the study of the body’s functions and movements and its effects on lower limbs. The assessment undertaken by the clinic allows them to identify and treat a number of complex gait issues from injury rehabilitation to improving sporting performance via the use of orthotics in footwear.

If you are a keen walker or runner buying your footwear from specialist running shops then you may have had a simple assessment performed in store, this is typically a video only approach to help the store assistant identify if you are pronated or supinated, in order to select a specific footwear style.

The Biomechanics and Gait Analysis Assessment is far more advanced and involves four different core examinations:

Clinical Observation

A physical examination will assess the current joint range of motion and will determine any abnormalities in the foot posture. A typical example of this examination would be over-pronation, whereby patients remain in that stage of the gait cycle for too long. The results are increased stress on other parts of the body.

Pressure Plate Analysis

A state of the art pressure mat technology creates a dynamic 3D image of the maximal pressure areas in the feet when they are weight bearing, showing the centre of pressures and gait line. By simply standing and walking across the mat the clinic can measure the static, dynamic and postural pressures and forces placed upon the feet and determine any leg length difference.

OptoGait

In a clinical environment, the system is utilised to diagnose sporting concerns and also in the treatment of a multitude of every-day pathological gait patterns.

The system works in conjunction with a treadmill system and, typically, patients are asked to walk at a normal pace whilst the OptoGait measures their gait cycle. There are a number of advanced analysis programmes available ranging from walking pace to running speeds. If you are unable to use a treadmill, there is still a range of OptoGait analysis available using the floor.

Video Analysis

Finally, the clinic will utilise video recording from two cameras to view feet and lower legs from both the front and rear whilst using the treadmill. This allows the clinic to playback in slow motion the entire gait cycle, enabling them to make precise observations about the position of the patient’s feet, lower limbs and upper body at various stages.

The Biomechanics Assessment is suitable for sports people such as runners, walkers, golfers, and football or rugby players, and also of course anyone who has a pain or problem with their every-day walking.

As an opening offer Walk Right Podiatry is providing a 10% discount on any Orthotics for Rochdale Online readers - please mention Rochdale Online when booking your Biomechanics Assessment at the clinic.

Walk Right Podiatry
New Century House
176 Drake Street
Rochdale
OL16 1UP
Tel: 01706 655 110

info@walk-right.co.uk
www.walk-right.co.uk