Podiatry and Biomechanics
Welcome to Podiatry and Biomechanics at Bristol Physio. All of our Physios are qualified to give advice and treatment on foot & ankle issues, including gait analysis and biomechanics but Michael Thompson is our specialist in this.
All of our Physio's will refer you to have an initial consultation with Michael should they feel you require more in depth assessment. The Physio's will do a basic assessment of your walking gait and foot position during your treatment for all lower limb and back issues. However our specialist Michael Thompson is also available for direct bookings in the trickier cases, for orthotics and for onward referral.
What is an orthotic?
An orthotic is a device that fits into a shoe, supporting the foot to work more efficiently. There are numerous orthotics on the market and they range in quality and function. Our biomechanical podiatrist creates custom-made orthoses to provide the best possible outcome.
Do I need to see a Biomechanical Podiatrist?
Are you experiencing foot, ankle, knee, hip or lower back pain? It could be as a result of the way you walk. A biomechanical podiatrist can initiate a specific rehabilitation programme designed to help reduce your pain. Michael has written a four part series on this very question - click here to read more.
For more information visit: allwalksuk.co.uk
Biomechanics
Biomechanics and gait analysis is a way of looking at how people typically walk and run. Specifically, the structures that get stressed and strained within the foot and leg and how these patterns influence the rest of the body. Our biomechanical podiatrist, Michael Thompson, assesses the mechanics of the lower limb in detail and how it relates to the rest of the body. Video gait analysis (among other analytics) is used to make the assessment and draw conclusions. This is then used to develop the best treatment and exercise program. Repeated analysis and review during the program will aim to resolve any abnormalities.
Our therapists will initiate a specific rehabilitation programme designed to alleviate your symptoms and/or prevent future issues. This may include exercises, orthotics, taping and soft tissue release or mobilisations. Michael is available on every other Tuesday afternoon at the Clifton practice only.