What Is Biomechanic Physical Therapy?

Table of ContentsView AllTable of ContentsDefinitionPossible BenefitsExercisesFrequently Asked Questions

Table of ContentsView All

View All

Table of Contents

Definition

Possible Benefits

Exercises

Frequently Asked Questions

As technology gets both more advanced and more accessible, biomechanical analysis has become increasingly popular inphysical therapy(PT).

This specialized service, which uses various pieces of equipment along with the skills of a therapist to evaluate movement patterns, can be employed for many different purposes including pain reduction, performance enhancement, and function improvement.

Utilizing the field of kinesiology (the study of movement), biomechanical services are useful for a wide variety of individuals from toddlers withcerebral palsyto world-class athletes.

This article will discuss this emerging area of physical therapy and its benefits.

Verywell / Theresa Chiechi

How Do Biomechanics Work?

Biomechanical analysis takes a basic human movement—like walking or throwing a ball—and breaks it down into precise details in order to identify patterns or areas of deficiency that may be improved upon. Individuals are often unaware of these “faulty” or inefficient movement patterns, which may be invisible to the naked eye, until their therapist captures them during their evaluation.

While early biomechanical studies relied on a series of photographs or slow-motion videos, advancements in computers and motion analysis have allowed this service to become extremely detailed and precise.

Biomechanical Analysis TechnologyAs technologies like tablets and smartphones have become increasingly widespread, biomechanical analysis has become much more accessible to the average individual or athlete. In fact, in many situations, therapists are now able to capture and explain movements with only a smartphone and a widely available app.

Biomechanical Analysis Technology

As technologies like tablets and smartphones have become increasingly widespread, biomechanical analysis has become much more accessible to the average individual or athlete. In fact, in many situations, therapists are now able to capture and explain movements with only a smartphone and a widely available app.

Using information from a biomechanical analysis, a therapist is able to develop an individualized treatment plan that is tailor-made to address the patient’s specific needs.

For example, employing a strengthening program that targets specific hip muscles in female athletes has been shown to improve their movement patterns while they jump.

Biomechanical gait analysis has also been utilized to improve the walking patterns of children withautism spectrum disorderusing casting or bracing.

Regardless of condition or goals, taking a more detailed look at a patient’s movements can help a physical therapist better address the patient’s specific needs.

Benefits of Biomechanics in Physical Therapy

In recent years, biomechanical evaluations are becoming more and more prevalent in physical therapy. In fact, one study estimated that 75% of sports medicine physical therapists use video motion analysis regularly in their practice.

Part of this popularity is due to the wide variety of people who can benefit from it.

For Athletes

In the world of sports, biomechanical analysis can serve a number of purposes. It can be useful in recovering from an injury and preventing one from happening in the first place.

A video gait assessment is frequently utilized to determine what type of strike pattern a runner uses when their foot hits the ground and to make adjustments after a running-related injury.

Biomechanical evaluation can be helpful in assessing the degree of strain placed on a pitcher’s elbow and the likelihood that they will experience an injury in the future.

Athletes of all skill levels can use this type of analysis to make tweaks to their form and enhance their overall performance.

For People With Neurological Disorders

Biomechanical evaluation is frequently used in physical therapy for patients with neurological disorders.

Gait analysis is commonly used duringstrokerehabilitation to identify abnormalities in a patient’s walking pattern, like reduced stride length or decreased power on the affected side of the body.

This type of assessment can also be performed to diagnose and monitor the progression of other conditions likeParkinson’s disease,ataxia, ordementia.

For Everyday Exercisers

A person doesn’t have to be an elite athlete to realize the benefits of biomechanical analysis. The average person who goes jogging after work or attends a fitness class at their gym can also find value in this service.

Exercises and Examples

The information that a physical therapist gathers from a biomechanical assessment can be used to improve any problems or deficiencies through specific exercises.

Some examples of these exercises include:

Biomechanical evaluations can also help a physical therapist or neurologist select an orthotic or assistive device that can help correct movement abnormalities, including:

A Word From Verywell

Many different types of people can benefit from a biomechanical evaluation. If you are interested in this type of service, it’s best to speak with your physician first. They can help locate a physical therapist who specializes in this type of assessment and identify how it may help in your particular situation.

How do physical therapists use biomechanics?

Who can benefit from biomechanical physical therapy?

A wide range of people can benefit from PT that uses biomechanical assessment. This includes athletes, individuals with neurological conditions, and everyday exercisers looking to treat or avoid an injury.

Are biomechanical exercises used alongside traditional PT?

Biomechanical analysis is one of many tools that a physical therapist can use to guide their treatment strategy. This service is frequently used alongside more traditional assessment methods, like range of motion measurements and strength testing, to help a therapist select the most effective exercises and treatments.

7 SourcesVerywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.Hensley C, Lenihan E, Pratt K, Shah A.Patterns of video-based motion analysis use among sports physical therapists.Physical Therapy in Sport. 2021;50:159-165. doi:10.1016/j.ptsp.2021.05.003Baldon RM, Lobato DFM, Carvalho LP, Wun PYL, Santiago PRP, Serrão FV.Effect of functional stabilization training on lower limb biomechanics in women.Med Sci Sports Exerc. 2012;44(1):135-145. doi:10.1249/MSS.0b013e31822a51bbBarkocy M, Dexter J, Petranovich C.Kinematic gait changes following serial casting and bracing to treat toe walking in a child with autism.Pediatr Phys Ther. 2017;29(3):270-274. doi:10.1097/PEP.0000000000000404Almeida MO, Davis IS, Lopes AD.Biomechanical differences of foot-strike patterns during running: a systematic review with meta-analysis.J Orthop Sports Phys Ther. 2015;45(10):738-755. doi:10.2519/jospt.2015.6019Bullock G, Menon G, Nicholson K, Butler R, Arden N, Filbay S.Baseball pitching biomechanics in relation to pain, injury, and surgery: a systematic review.J Sci Med Sport. 2021;24(1):13-20. doi:10.1016/j.jsams.2020.06.015Nadeau S, Betschart M, Bethoux F.Gait analysis for post stroke rehabilitation: the relevance of biomechanical analysis and the impact of gait speed.Phys Med Rehab Clin NA. 2013;24(2):265-276. doi:10.1016/j.pmr.2012.11.007Buckley C, Alcock L, McArdle R, et al.The role of movement analysis in diagnosing and monitoring neurodegenerative conditions: insights from gait and postural control.Brain Sci. 2019;9(2):34. doi:10.3390/brainsci9020034

7 Sources

Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.Hensley C, Lenihan E, Pratt K, Shah A.Patterns of video-based motion analysis use among sports physical therapists.Physical Therapy in Sport. 2021;50:159-165. doi:10.1016/j.ptsp.2021.05.003Baldon RM, Lobato DFM, Carvalho LP, Wun PYL, Santiago PRP, Serrão FV.Effect of functional stabilization training on lower limb biomechanics in women.Med Sci Sports Exerc. 2012;44(1):135-145. doi:10.1249/MSS.0b013e31822a51bbBarkocy M, Dexter J, Petranovich C.Kinematic gait changes following serial casting and bracing to treat toe walking in a child with autism.Pediatr Phys Ther. 2017;29(3):270-274. doi:10.1097/PEP.0000000000000404Almeida MO, Davis IS, Lopes AD.Biomechanical differences of foot-strike patterns during running: a systematic review with meta-analysis.J Orthop Sports Phys Ther. 2015;45(10):738-755. doi:10.2519/jospt.2015.6019Bullock G, Menon G, Nicholson K, Butler R, Arden N, Filbay S.Baseball pitching biomechanics in relation to pain, injury, and surgery: a systematic review.J Sci Med Sport. 2021;24(1):13-20. doi:10.1016/j.jsams.2020.06.015Nadeau S, Betschart M, Bethoux F.Gait analysis for post stroke rehabilitation: the relevance of biomechanical analysis and the impact of gait speed.Phys Med Rehab Clin NA. 2013;24(2):265-276. doi:10.1016/j.pmr.2012.11.007Buckley C, Alcock L, McArdle R, et al.The role of movement analysis in diagnosing and monitoring neurodegenerative conditions: insights from gait and postural control.Brain Sci. 2019;9(2):34. doi:10.3390/brainsci9020034

Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.

Hensley C, Lenihan E, Pratt K, Shah A.Patterns of video-based motion analysis use among sports physical therapists.Physical Therapy in Sport. 2021;50:159-165. doi:10.1016/j.ptsp.2021.05.003Baldon RM, Lobato DFM, Carvalho LP, Wun PYL, Santiago PRP, Serrão FV.Effect of functional stabilization training on lower limb biomechanics in women.Med Sci Sports Exerc. 2012;44(1):135-145. doi:10.1249/MSS.0b013e31822a51bbBarkocy M, Dexter J, Petranovich C.Kinematic gait changes following serial casting and bracing to treat toe walking in a child with autism.Pediatr Phys Ther. 2017;29(3):270-274. doi:10.1097/PEP.0000000000000404Almeida MO, Davis IS, Lopes AD.Biomechanical differences of foot-strike patterns during running: a systematic review with meta-analysis.J Orthop Sports Phys Ther. 2015;45(10):738-755. doi:10.2519/jospt.2015.6019Bullock G, Menon G, Nicholson K, Butler R, Arden N, Filbay S.Baseball pitching biomechanics in relation to pain, injury, and surgery: a systematic review.J Sci Med Sport. 2021;24(1):13-20. doi:10.1016/j.jsams.2020.06.015Nadeau S, Betschart M, Bethoux F.Gait analysis for post stroke rehabilitation: the relevance of biomechanical analysis and the impact of gait speed.Phys Med Rehab Clin NA. 2013;24(2):265-276. doi:10.1016/j.pmr.2012.11.007Buckley C, Alcock L, McArdle R, et al.The role of movement analysis in diagnosing and monitoring neurodegenerative conditions: insights from gait and postural control.Brain Sci. 2019;9(2):34. doi:10.3390/brainsci9020034

Hensley C, Lenihan E, Pratt K, Shah A.Patterns of video-based motion analysis use among sports physical therapists.Physical Therapy in Sport. 2021;50:159-165. doi:10.1016/j.ptsp.2021.05.003

Baldon RM, Lobato DFM, Carvalho LP, Wun PYL, Santiago PRP, Serrão FV.Effect of functional stabilization training on lower limb biomechanics in women.Med Sci Sports Exerc. 2012;44(1):135-145. doi:10.1249/MSS.0b013e31822a51bb

Barkocy M, Dexter J, Petranovich C.Kinematic gait changes following serial casting and bracing to treat toe walking in a child with autism.Pediatr Phys Ther. 2017;29(3):270-274. doi:10.1097/PEP.0000000000000404

Almeida MO, Davis IS, Lopes AD.Biomechanical differences of foot-strike patterns during running: a systematic review with meta-analysis.J Orthop Sports Phys Ther. 2015;45(10):738-755. doi:10.2519/jospt.2015.6019

Bullock G, Menon G, Nicholson K, Butler R, Arden N, Filbay S.Baseball pitching biomechanics in relation to pain, injury, and surgery: a systematic review.J Sci Med Sport. 2021;24(1):13-20. doi:10.1016/j.jsams.2020.06.015

Nadeau S, Betschart M, Bethoux F.Gait analysis for post stroke rehabilitation: the relevance of biomechanical analysis and the impact of gait speed.Phys Med Rehab Clin NA. 2013;24(2):265-276. doi:10.1016/j.pmr.2012.11.007

Buckley C, Alcock L, McArdle R, et al.The role of movement analysis in diagnosing and monitoring neurodegenerative conditions: insights from gait and postural control.Brain Sci. 2019;9(2):34. doi:10.3390/brainsci9020034

Meet Our Medical Expert Board

Share Feedback

Was this page helpful?Thanks for your feedback!What is your feedback?OtherHelpfulReport an ErrorSubmit

Was this page helpful?

Thanks for your feedback!

What is your feedback?OtherHelpfulReport an ErrorSubmit

What is your feedback?