Biomechanical analysis involves examining the internal and external forces on the human body and the effects these forces cause. Professionally trained physical therapists (PTs) use biomechanical analysis not only for injury prevention, which involves pinpointing faults within the body that are predisposed to injury, but performance enhancement as well. The latter involves examining current performance and making tweaks and recommendations to improve form.
While biomechanical analysis is common among athletes—including runners, sprinters, swimmers, and ball players—physical therapists also employ it for workplace analysis to improve efficiencies and reduce injuries in physical work environments. Biomechanical analysis also is applicable in eliminating and preventing chronic pain that has resulted from poor posture or poor form in everyday movement.
PTs may use video and software to assist with biomechanical analysis, and they’ll obtain the best results if they conduct analysis over a series of appointments. Analysis involves capturing and dissecting muscular, joint, and skeletal actions during the execution of a specific task, movement type, skillset, or technique.