Importance and Procedures of Gait Analysis

Gait refers to a person’s movement and gestures. It  involves actions like walking, running, skipping, hopping, and other movements that bring the body from point A to B. ‘Gait Analysis’ is a specialised method or set of methods designed to assess the way a person performs these actions. A gait analysis can highlight different biomechanical abnormalities.

To avoid injuries, the body needs to move efficiently. Keeping your joints healthy is critical to providing your body sufficient range of movement and giving your muscles the ability to produce enough force, which is vital in generating an efficient gait cycle. Stiff joints and tight muscles limit the body's range of motion and make the muscles weak. As a natural response, the body compensates for the problem—and this may lead to biomechanical abnormalities such as overpronation and oversupination, increased Q angle, hip hiking or hitching (lifting of the hip on one side), ankle equinus (limited ankle dorsiflexion), and pelvic tilt (anterior, posterior, or lateral tilt). These biomechanical problems are usually caused by muscular imbalances such as tight muscles working against weaker muscles. Other times, they are caused by structural problems like leg length discrepancies that result in hip hiking.

Gait analysis, which usually involves walking/running on a treadmill, is performed by a trained professional such as an osteopath, physiotherapist or podiatrist. In most cases, a professional simply watches the way that the test-taker moves, with particular emphasis on the feet, ankles, hips, and knees. In a specialist setting, however, a video recorder is usually set up behind the treadmill to film your gait cycle. The clip is later relayed to a laptop where freeze frames and slow motion images can be used to assess your movements more carefully. This kind of gait analysis puts focus on the ankles and feet.

Class 4 Laser Therapy Procedure and Benefits

Class 4 laser therapy (otherwise known as deep tissue laser therapy) is a non-invasive treatment that works to help reduce inflammation and pain in musculoskeletal injuries. This non-pharmacological technique directs high energy light (laser beam) at the determined source of pain. The light energy introduced to the site then accelerates the body's healing process at a cellular level through a phenomenon known as photo-bio stimulation.

Different from pharmacological interventions, which quite often only mask pain or merely treat the symptoms of the condition, a deep tissue laser therapy procedure works to target the root cause of pain, effectively eliminating discomfort for good. This is exactly why practitioners of deep tissue laser therapy recommend the procedure for longer lasting relief and other benefits. In fact, Class 4 laser therapy is so effective that it has been adopted as an important pain management tool by athletes and athletic trainers in pro ball and even Olympic teams.

There are many different conditions that can be treated using deep tissue laser therapy. Some commonly addressed conditions and injuries include mechanical lower back pain, tennis elbow, lumbar disc herniation, rotator cuff tendonitis, nerve root pain or radiculopathy, plantar fasciitis, sciatica, carpal tunnel syndrome, and common sprains and strains. This particular laser therapy can also be useful in the treatment and management of osteoarthritis (of the knees, back, etc.), post-surgical scarring, fractures, and superficial wounds.

A non-invasive, non-toxic, and scientifically proven treatment option, Deep tissue laser therapy offers many advantages in treating even difficult conditions. Without any known side-effects, its fast treatment times, and quick and easy application, Class 4 therapy is becoming more mainstream as more practitioners adopt the technique. Other clinical benefits it offers include increased cellular function and range of motion, improved circulation, and reduced pain, swelling, stiffness, muscle spasms, and reduced scarring.

Kinesis Clinic, Guildfords sports injury clinic

Athletes may experience many different types of injuries throughout their career. Seeking treatment in a sports injury clinic is often recommended, as these clinics specialise in techniques that ensure faster recovery from sports traumas. Kinesis clinic, located in Guildford specialises in enhancing athlete performance by focusing on the human body's chain reaction and biomechanics, as well as in improving movement patterns that are typically used in a particular activity or sport. Sports injury clinics take on a specialised approach to help improve your performance and minimise injury time.

Treatment specialists in sports injury clinics aim to help athletes heal and recover quickly from various physical issues. Many athletes cannot afford to be laid off or spend several months idle and wait for their injuries to heal. Injury rehabilitation and osteopathic services may help speed up recovery and improve their range of motion. Treatment typically includes a complete diagnostic biomechanical assessment, prescribed exercises, manual treatment, and rehabilitation designed for the sport in which the athlete is involved. Specialty treatment methods can be used, too, such as active release technique (ART) and Graston technique.

A sports injury clinic is not exclusive for athletes. Individuals who are experiencing certain problems regarding motion and movement may come in for treatment, too. A leading sports injury clinic in Guildford utilises proven treatment methods to address any type of soft tissue or nerve ailment caused by typical sports injuries and other problems like carpal tunnel syndrome, shoulder pain, headaches, and back pain.

In a sports injury clinic, problems can be diagnosed and treated correctly. Patients can heal properly and faster, as well as increase their chances of being able to play again. Sports injury clinics can provide post-surgery rehabilitation and treat work-related injuries, too. Injury prevention, movement assessment, and chronic and acute pain related injuries are some of the many specialties treated at Kinesis Clinic, Guildfords sports injury clinic.