MOVEMENT ANALYSIS
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Postural assessment is a critical component of physical therapy, focusing on evaluating how a person's body aligns while standing, sitting, or moving. Poor posture can lead to chronic pain, muscle imbalances, joint dysfunctions, and decreased mobility, making postural analysis essential for injury prevention, rehabilitation, and performance optimization.
Why Is Postural Assessment Important?
A proper postural evaluation allows physical therapists to identify muscular imbalances, structural misalignments, and movement dysfunctions that could contribute to pain or reduced function. Addressing these issues can help improve:
Pain relief – correcting posture can reduce strain on the muscles and joints, alleviating conditions like back pain, neck pain, and headaches.
Injury prevention – identifying imbalances and improper movement patterns helps prevent repetitive strain injuries.
Enhanced mobility & flexibility – proper posture reduces restrictions in movement, improving overall function.
Optimal athletic performance – athletes can maximize efficiency and reduce injury risks by correcting postural deviations.
Better breathing & circulation – proper alignment supports better lung expansion and blood flow.
Physical therapists analyze alignment from the front, back, and side views, looking for deviations such as:
Forward head posture – can lead to neck strain and headaches.
Rounded shoulders – often associated with poor ergonomics and weak upper back muscles.
Anterior pelvic tilt – a common issue associated with lower back pain and hip tightness.
Knee hyperextension – may indicate quadriceps dominance and weak hamstrings.
Common Postural Problems and Their Implications
Poor posture can contribute to musculoskeletal disorders and chronic pain conditions. Some of the most frequently observed postural dysfunctions include:
Excessive thoracic kyphosis (hunchback posture) – excessive rounding of the upper back, common in individuals with prolonged screen time.
Excessive lumbar lordosis (excessive lower back arch) – often seen in individuals with weak core muscles and tight hip flexors.
Scoliosis (spinal curvature) – a lateral curvature of the spine that may require specialized intervention.
Flat feet or overpronation – can lead to knee and hip misalignment, affecting overall posture.
How Physical Therapists Use Postural Assessments to Improve Function
After identifying postural imbalances, physical therapists develop personalized treatment plans to correct alignment and movement patterns. These interventions may include the following:
Strengthening exercises – targeting weak muscles, such as the core, glutes, and upper back.
Stretching and mobility Drills – addressing tight muscles contributing to poor posture.
Ergonomic recommendations – adjusting workplace and daily habits to promote better posture.
Manual therapy – techniques such as myofascial release, joint mobilization, and soft tissue massage to correct imbalances.
Neuromuscular re-education – helping the body relearn proper posture through guided movement.
Who Can Benefit from a Postural Assessment?
A postural evaluation is beneficial for the following:
Office workers – to counteract the effects of prolonged sitting and poor desk ergonomics.
Athletes – to optimize performance and prevent sports injuries.
People with chronic pain – to address posture-related issues contributing to discomfort.
Post-surgery patients – to aid in proper movement recovery and rehabilitation.
References:
1.) Nault ML, Allard P, Hinse S, et al. Relations between standing stability and body posture parameters in adolescent idiopathic scoliosis. Spine. 2002;27(17):1911-1917. doi:10.1097/00007632-200209010-00015.
2.) Kawaguchi T, Tani Y, Kamo T, et al. Agreement in the Postural Assessment of Older Adults by Physical Therapists Using Imaging and Clinical Methods. Int J Environ Res Public Health. 2023;20(5):4180. doi:10.3390/ijerph20054180.
3.) Lafond D, Duarte M, Prince F. Comparison of three methods to estimate the center of mass during balance assessment. J Biomech. 2004;37(9):1421-1426. doi:10.1016/j.jbiomech.2003.12.035.
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Gait analysis is a detailed evaluation of the way a person walks or runs to identify movement abnormalities, muscle imbalances, or joint dysfunctions. Physical therapists use gait assessment to diagnose issues, prevent injuries, and create personalized treatment plans for improved mobility and performance.
By analyzing a patient’s step length, cadence, stride, posture, and weight distribution, physical therapy professionals can address chronic pain, balance disorders, post-surgical rehabilitation, and sports performance deficits.
Why Is Gait Analysis Important?
A biomechanical gait assessment is critical for:
Injury prevention – identifies faulty movement patterns that may lead to knee, hip, or foot pain.
Rehabilitation – helps individuals recovering from strokes, surgeries, or injuries regain proper movement.
Improving athletic performance – enhances running efficiency, stride mechanics, and speed.
Fall risk assessment – determines balance issues in seniors or individuals with neurological conditions.
Custom orthotics and shoe selection – guides patients in choosing proper footwear for support and alignment.
Common Gait Abnormalities and Their Causes
Physical therapy gait analysis helps identify the following gait patterns:
Antalgic gait – caused by pain or injury, leading to limping or uneven weight distribution.
Trendelenburg gait – associated with weak hip abductors, causing the pelvis to drop.
Spastic gait – found in neurological conditions like cerebral palsy or stroke, leading to stiff, jerky movements.
Steppage gait – results from foot drop, requiring exaggerated hip movement to lift the foot.
Parkinsonian gait – characterized by shuffling, reduced arm swing, and forward-leaning posture.
How Physical Therapists Use Gait Analysis for Treatment
After identifying movement dysfunctions, a physical therapist may implement:
Strengthening exercises – targets weak muscles like glutes, quadriceps, or core stabilizers.
Balance and proprioception training – improves neuromuscular control and joint stability.
Manual therapy – reduces joint restrictions and soft tissue tightness affecting gait.
Footwear and orthotics adjustments – ensures proper foot support and alignment.
Gait retraining – uses cues and drills to promote a more efficient and pain-free walking pattern.
Who Can Benefit from Gait Analysis?
Athletes – to prevent injuries and enhance performance.
Post-surgical patients – recovering from knee, hip, or ankle surgeries.
Seniors – at risk of falls due to balance deficits.
Neurological patients – those with stroke, Parkinson’s, or multiple sclerosis.
People with chronic pain – addressing back, knee, or foot pain caused by faulty biomechanics.
References:1.) Simon SR. Quantification of human motion: gait analysis—benefits and limitations to its application to clinical problems. J Biomech. 2004;37(12):1869-1880. doi:10.1016/j.jbiomech.2004.02.047.
2.) Whittle MW. Gait analysis: an introduction. Butterworth-Heinemann. 2007.
3.) Baker R. Gait analysis methods in rehabilitation. J Neuroeng Rehabil. 2006;3:4. doi:10.1186/1743-0003-3-4.
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An ergonomic assessment in physical therapy is a comprehensive evaluation of an individual’s workstation, posture, and movement patterns to ensure optimal alignment, efficiency, and injury prevention. These assessments are commonly used in workplaces to reduce musculoskeletal strain, enhance productivity, and prevent conditions like back pain, carpal tunnel syndrome, and repetitive strain injuries (RSIs).
A physical therapist conducts ergonomic assessments to identify risk factors and provide customized recommendations to improve comfort and efficiency, whether in an office, industrial, or remote work setting.
Why Is an Ergonomic Assessment Important?
Prevents workplace injuries – reduces the risk of chronic pain, repetitive stress injuries, and postural dysfunction.
Enhances productivity – a comfortable and efficient workstation leads to improved focus, energy, and output.
Reduces absenteeism – proper ergonomics minimize the likelihood of work-related musculoskeletal disorders (WMSDs), leading to fewer sick days.
Optimizes posture and movement – helps correct slouching, forward head posture, and poor lifting mechanics.
Improves employee well-being – a well-designed workspace can reduce fatigue, headaches, and muscle tension.
Key Components of an Ergonomic Assessment
A physical therapist evaluates several factors during an ergonomic assessment, including the following:
1. Workstation setup and postural analysis
Desk and chair positioning – ensuring proper height, lumbar support, and armrest alignment.
Monitor placement – should be at eye level and an arm’s length away to prevent neck strain.
Keyboard and mouse positioning – to avoid wrist extension and excessive reaching.
Standing desk evaluation – optimizing sit-to-stand transitions to reduce sedentary behavior.
2. Biomechanical risk assessment
Identifies musculoskeletal imbalances or movement inefficiencies that could lead to pain or injury.
3. Movement and repetitive task evaluation
Evaluates the impact of typing, lifting, reaching, and repetitive motions on joint and muscle health.
4. Environmental factors
Lighting, temperature, and noise levels can all impact comfort, focus, and posture.
5. Personalized recommendations and adjustments
Custom exercises, posture training, and workplace modifications are provided to improve ergonomics and prevent injuries.
Common Work-Related Injuries an Ergonomic Assessment Can Prevent
Lower back pain – due to prolonged sitting, poor lumbar support, or improper lifting mechanics.
Neck and shoulder strain – from forward head posture, improper monitor height, or excessive reaching.
Carpal tunnel syndrome – caused by repetitive wrist movements and poor keyboard ergonomics.
Tendinitis and repetitive strain injury (RSI) – due to excessive typing, mouse use, or awkward hand positioning.
Sciatica and hip pain – related to poor chair height, prolonged sitting, and weak core muscles.
How Physical Therapists Use Ergonomic Assessments for Treatment
After identifying ergonomic risks, a physical therapist may recommend the following:
Postural training – improves alignment and core engagement to prevent slouching.
Workstation modifications – adjustments to desk, chair, monitor, and keyboard positioning.
Stretching and mobility exercises – reduces muscle tension and stiffness from prolonged sitting.
Strengthening exercises – targets core, back, and upper body for improved posture and endurance.
Break and movement strategies – encourages standing, stretching, and posture resets throughout the workday.
Who Can Benefit from an Ergonomic Assessment?
Office workers – to prevent neck pain, back pain, and wrist strain from prolonged sitting and computer use.
Remote workers – to optimize home office setup and avoid poor posture.
Industrial and manual laborers – to reduce injuries related to lifting, repetitive tasks, and awkward postures.
Healthcare workers – to prevent strain from patient handling, standing for long hours, or repetitive tasks.
Students and gamers – to minimize tech neck, eye strain, and prolonged sitting risks.
References:1.) Dempsey PG, McGorry RW, Maynard WS. A survey of tools and methods used by certified professional ergonomists. Appl Ergon. 2005;36(4):489-503.
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A running screen is a specialized biomechanical assessment used by physical therapists to evaluate an individual’s running form, movement patterns, and muscular imbalances. The goal is to identify inefficiencies, prevent injuries, and enhance performance for runners of all levels—from beginners to elite athletes.
Through motion analysis, strength testing, flexibility assessments, and gait evaluation, a physical therapist can pinpoint areas of weakness or dysfunction that may be limiting performance or contributing to chronic pain or running injuries.
Why Is a Running Screen Important?
A running analysis in physical therapy is essential for the following:
Injury prevention – detects faulty biomechanics that can lead to runner’s knee, Achilles tendinitis, IT band syndrome, shin splints, and plantar fasciitis.
Performance optimization – enhances stride efficiency, cadence, and running economy.
Post-injury recovery – helps runners return to training safely after an injury.
Footwear and orthotic recommendations – determines the best shoes or custom orthotics for proper support.
Personalized training plans – provides customized strength and mobility exercises for pain-free running.
Key Components of a Running Screen in Physical Therapy
A comprehensive running screen may include the following:
1. Video gait analysis
A physical therapist records and analyzes your running mechanics on a treadmill or track to assess the following:
Foot strike pattern (heel, midfoot, or forefoot landing)
Stride length and cadence
Knee, hip, and trunk alignment
Arm swing and posture
2. Strength and mobility testing
Identifies muscle imbalances or weaknesses in key areas like the core, glutes, hamstrings, and calves, which can impact running efficiency.
3. Flexibility and range of motion assessment
Assesses hip flexor tightness, hamstring flexibility, and ankle mobility, which play a crucial role in running mechanics.
4. Functional Movement Screening (FMS)
Evaluates movement patterns like squats, lunges, and single-leg balance to detect compensations and injury risks.
5. Footwear & orthotic assessment
Determines if improper footwear or a lack of support is contributing to pain or inefficiencies.
Common Running Injuries a Physical Therapy Running Screen Can Prevent
Runner’s knee (patellofemoral pain syndrome) – associated with poor knee tracking and weak quadriceps.
Shin splints – often associated with improper foot mechanics and forefoot strikers.
Achilles tendinitis – linked to forefoot strikers, weak calves and poor ankle mobility.
Plantar fasciitis – Can result from tight calves, weak foot muscles, or poor arch support.
IT band syndrome – related to weak hip abductors and excessive side-to-side motion.
How Physical Therapists Use Running Screens for Treatment
After identifying biomechanical inefficiencies, a physical therapist may prescribe any of the following:
Strength training – focuses on core stability, hip strength, and lower limb endurance.
Gait retraining – helps modify stride length, cadence, and posture for optimal efficiency.
Flexibility and mobility drills – addresses tight muscles and restricted joint movement.
Balance and proprioception exercises – improves neuromuscular control for injury prevention.
Footwear adjustments and orthotics – ensures proper arch support and shock absorption.
Who Should Get a Running Screen?
Runners recovering from injury – to prevent recurrence and improve mechanics.
New runners – to develop efficient movement patterns from the start.
Competitive athletes – to enhance running economy and speed.
Anyone experiencing pain while running – to diagnose and correct faulty biomechanics.
Individuals training for a marathon or race – to improve endurance and reduce strain on joints.
References:1.) Hotta T, Nishiguchi S, Fukutani N, et al. Functional Movement Screen for Predicting Running Injuries in 18- to 24-Year-Old Competitive Male Runners. Journal of Strength and Conditioning Research. 2015;29(10):2808-2815. doi:10.1519/JSC.0000000000000967.
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A return-to-sport assessment (RTS) is a critical evaluation process used by physical therapists to determine if an athlete or individual is ready to safely return to their sport after an injury. The goal of an RTS is to ensure that the athlete has recovered physically, mentally, and emotionally, and has regained the necessary strength, mobility, and functionto perform at a competitive level.
These assessments involve a comprehensive analysis of an athlete’s movement patterns, strength, agility, and sport-specific skills to identify any deficiencies that could lead to re-injury or compromised performance.
Why Is Return-to-Sport Assessment Important?
Prevents re-injury – ensures that the athlete is fully healed and has regained full functional capacity, reducing the likelihood of re-injury.
Optimizes performance – helps athletes return to their sport with improved strength, speed, and mobility, ensuring optimal performance.
Reduces recovery time – prevents premature return to activity, which can lead to prolonged recovery and potential setbacks.
Enhances injury prevention – identifies weaknesses and imbalances that could predispose athletes to future injuries.
Boosts confidence – provides athletes with the confidence to return to their sport, knowing they have been thoroughly evaluated and are physically prepared.
Key Components of a Return-to-Sport Assessment
A return-to-sport assessment includes several components that are designed to evaluate an athlete's readiness. The physical therapist will typically assess:
1. Functional movement and biomechanical testing
Evaluates joint stability, movement patterns, and neuromuscular control to ensure proper mechanics.
Dysfunction or asymmetry in movement may indicate weaknesses, tightness, or poor coordination that need to be addressed before returning to sport.
2. Strength testing
Assesses muscle strength in the injured and non-injured limbs to ensure balanced strength and muscle endurance.
Weakness in the affected area can indicate insufficient recovery or a need for focused strengthening exercises.
3. Range of motion (ROM) and flexibility
Evaluates joint flexibility, muscle length, and range of motion to ensure the athlete has full, pain-free movement in the injured area.
Limited ROM can increase the risk of compensatory movements or muscle strain during sport.
4. Sport-specific functional testing
Focuses on sport-specific skills like agility drills, jumping, cutting, and sprinting to replicate the movements and demands of the sport.
Lack of proficiency or discomfort during these tests indicates that the athlete is not yet ready to return to full activity.
5. Psychological readiness
Evaluates an athlete's mental readiness to return to sport, addressing fear of re-injury, anxiety, or any hesitation that may affect their performance.
Psychological barriers can impact an athlete’s confidence and performance during return-to-sport activities.
6. Cardiovascular fitness
Assesses the athlete’s endurance, ensuring they can handle the cardiovascular demands of their sport without undue fatigue.
Decreased cardiovascular fitness can lead to early fatigue, negatively affecting athletic performance and increasing injury risk.
How Physical Therapists Use Return-to-Sport Assessments
Once the RTS evaluation is completed, a physical therapist will develop a personalized rehabilitation plan to address any weaknesses, improve mobility, and prevent re-injury. This plan may include the following:
Progressive strengthening programs – focuses on building muscle strength and correcting imbalances.
Sport-specific drills – agility, jumping, and plyometric exercises to improve performance and mimic sport movements.
Functional rehabilitation – exercises that emphasize core stability, flexibility, and range of motion for better overall function.
Psychological support – mental conditioning and confidence-building to help athletes overcome fear or hesitation when returning to play.
Sport-specific conditioning – endurance training and interval conditioning to match the cardiovascular demands of the sport.
Who Can Benefit from a Return-to-Sport Assessment?
Athletes recovering from injuries – whether recovering from ACL surgery, sprains, fractures, or strains, RTS assessments ensure a safe return to play.
Active individuals – people with active lifestyles or those engaged in recreational sports who want to prevent injury recurrence.
High-performance athletes – professional athletes who need to ensure they are fully recovered and have optimal function before returning to competition.
Post-surgical patients – individuals recovering from surgical procedures who need clearance to resume sports activities.
Rehabilitation patients – athletes undergoing rehabilitation for chronic injuries who require an objective measure of readiness to return to sport.
References:1.) Hildebrandt C, Herbst E, Hoser C, et al. Functional assessments for decision-making regarding return to sports following ACL reconstruction. Part I: development of a new test battery. Knee Surg Sports Traumatol Arthrosc. 2015 May;23(5):1273-1281. doi: 10.1007/s00167-015-3529-4.