Assessment

Our Orthotic Process:

1. Consultation: We discuss your symptoms, medical history, and activity level.
2. Biomechanical Assessment: We assess your gait and posture to identify any imbalances.
3. Custom Orthotic Fabrication: We create personalized insoles or orthotics using advanced technologies.
4. Fitting: We ensure a proper fit and address any questions you may have.

Orthotic Assessment in Glasgow and Edinburgh

Your orthotic assessment will be taken by a fully qualified Orthotist with a broad scope of clinical experience and registration with the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC). A member of our clinical team may contact you prior to your assessment to introduce themselves and gain information that will help them to prepare for your appointment. We will also email an online form prior to your initial appointment to help our clinician understand your needs. 

Following your assessment, if it is clinically indicated, we will measure you for a specific orthosis with the aim to try and restore your functional loss. We'll always have a chat with you about costs and the various options available and ensure you are happy to proceed. An orthosis isn't always required and you might be given a self-management or stretching programme with advice to seek a referral to another health professional.

For more information see our blog on 'What to expect from your Orthotic appointment'

Biomechanical Assessment in Glasgow and Edinburgh

We offer Biomechanical Assessments in our Glasgow and Edinburgh clinics. It takes 40 to 60 mins for a fully qualified Orthotist with extensive biomechanical knowledge & experience and who is registered with the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC). The RS Scan force plate platform embedded into our clinical walkway allows us to capture force, pressure and impulse readings at 500 frames per second. The static and dynamic pressure mapping, in conjunction with your detailed visual gait assessment, will allow our clinician to give you accurate orthotic and footwear advice as well as self-management and stretching tips to help minimise injury occurrence. A detailed visual and numerical biomechanical report printed for your own records is available on request at no extra cost.

The aim of a biomechanical assessment is to identify any abnormal movements which can lead to stress in the joints and muscles. Poor movement patterns can often lead to injuries or conditions such as plantar fasciitis and lower back pain.

For further information, see our blog post 'What happens during a Biomechanical Assessment'

What is the difference between a Biomechanical Assessment and an Orthotic Assessment?

The difference between our two assessment types is slight, and it is used to indicate to the clinician what you may want to achieve from your appointment.

Regardless of what appointment you select, our clinician will perform the most clinically appropriate assessment of your presentation or symptoms. 

An Orthotic assessment will always include an appropriate biomechanical component as it is vital to any orthotic evaluation. The use of pressure scanning is also used in an orthotic assessment when appropriate. 

A Biomechanical assessment would indicate that you feel you have a biomechanical issue but are potentially symptom-free. Often, a biomechanical assessment is used to assess sports injuries. 

Whatever assessment type you select, the clinician will perform a detailed assessment of your body alignment, biomechanics, muscle strengths and gait.