Advanced Gait Analysis now available in Helensburgh at The Lomond Clinic
Introducing cutting-edge, precision perfect Footscan gait analysis in Helensburgh, with the option of custom 3D printed Phits orthoses.
Do you experience pain when you walk? Are you an athlete looking to improve your performance? Or do you have mobility issues that affect your daily life? If any of this sounds like you, we’re very excited to tell you about our new service at The Lomond Clinic, Helensburgh: cutting-edge gait analysis powered by Footscan technology, with the ability to prescribe custom-made 3D printed Phits orthoses.
The reason (or, one of the reasons) we’re so excited about this is that, up until now, you’d have to travel to Glasgow or further afield for this type of gait analysis. But now you can get it in Helensburgh. Easy, extremely precise, hugely helpful and right on your doorstep.
Although we’ve been doing gait analysis in Helensburgh for some time – and may be the only place locally which does it privately – it was done visually. And visual assessments are standard practice. But now with our new system we can go to the next level. Footscan gives us scientifically accurate digital measurements of your feet and how they move. Those measurements are then interpreted by our qualified physiotherapy team, who can recommend treatment, including tailored supports if you need them. And any follow up appointments can accurately compare scans so that you can see progress.
(And when we say precise, we mean precise – we’re talking about 0.1mm accuracy, designed to your own actual movement patterns.)
Why does gait analysis matter?
All of this talk about gait analysis and accurate measurement is great – but why is it relevant to you?
It matters because the way you walk (and run) affects your entire body. When you’re having your Footscan gait analysis, the pressure pad shows how you move. Your scan can tell us if everything is in alignment and you’re moving correctly. Or if you’re carrying your weight more on one side of your body than the other. Or if you’re not distributing pressure evenly across your feet. We’ve been testing team members in the clinic, and the results are fascinating. Footscan has flagged up imbalances due to historical ankle injuries and plantar fasciitis, and in one instance an unusual weight distribution across the foot that we simply wouldn’t have been able to pick up through visual observation alone. And recognising these gait issues means that we can then do something about them. Because ignoring gait issues is likely to cause pain, discomfort or impaired performance at some point in the future. And that could be sooner rather than later.
Poor gait can lead to:
- Foot pain
- Plantar fasciitis
- Knee pain
- Hip pain
- Lower back issues
- Reduced athletic performance
- Increased injury risk
The huge advantage of gait analysis using Footscan is that it takes away the guesswork. Rather than guess at what might be causing your discomfort, our system scans your feet to create a moving, digital model with accurate 2D and 3D measurements of your foot pressure, balance, and movement patterns. This lets our physiotherapists clearly and easily identify the root cause of any problems, with scientific precision. Which is great news for getting you sorted and back on form as quickly as possible.
Precision technology delivered by expert physiotherapists
Unlike standard visual gait analysis assessments offered elsewhere in the Helensburgh and Dumbarton area, our measurement system captures thousands of data points with every step you take. That can give us:
- Accurate identification of gait abnormalities and asymmetries
- Visualisation of pressure points crucial for diabetic patients and those with foot pain
- Balance assessment measuring postural sway and foot stability
- Measurable outcomes to track your improvement over time
That comprehensive package of data is then analysed by our physiotherapists, who will use it to develop a personalised treatment plan which specifically addresses your needs. All based on actual data. With no guesswork. It’s game-changing.
Custom 3D printed Orthoses are so much better than standard insoles
Once you’ve had your gait analysis, the physios at The Lomond Clinic can prescribe custom orthoses, if you need them. These are made for us by Phits, an award-winning company which 3D prints orthoses to your specific prescription. 3D printing guarantees accuracy, and the way they’re made makes your orthotics lightweight and comfortable – because they’re tailored to you. They’re also durable, and can be used in almost any pair of shoes you wear, from smart work shoes to trainers, sports shoes and ski boots.
Unlike generic off-the-shelf insoles or traditionally manufactured orthotics, Phits orthoses are:
- Lighter than traditional orthotics
- Made to fit almost any shoe – including running shoes
- Precisely manufactured to 0.1mm accuracy
- Designed based on your actual dynamic movement patterns
- Made from environmentally sustainable materials with minimal waste
- Produced with over 8 million possible corrective measurement combinations
- Available with specialised top cover options including D3O impact protection
- Last for at least two years, with the option to replace the top cover to prolong use
- Suitable for sports including running, golf, skiing, football and cycling
Because the entire measurement process is based on your Footscan, the entire fitting process is digitised. There’s no need for foam impressions or casts. Your details are sent away for your orthoses to be made to order, and you can expect them delivered to us here in The Lomond Clinic in a couple of weeks.
Who can benefit from gait analysis?
All kinds of people can benefit from gait analysis. Basically, if you move and want to move better, it’s something to consider.
So, if you’re a runner, an athlete or enjoy sports like football, rugby, skiing or tennis, it can help you improve form, perform better and prevent injury. If you’ve pain in your foot, knee or hip, it can help you understand what’s causing it, and therefore treat it. And if you’re recovering from injury, it can help with rehab. For those with mobility issues it can help provide accurate assessment, and it can monitor pressure points for people with diabetes.
Until now, if you lived in Helensburgh and wanted this kind of gait analysis and orthotics service you would have had to travel for up to an hour to Glasgow, and then back. Not only is that a bit of a trek, and a lot of time out of your day, it’s also inconvenient – especially if you have mobility issues or an injury. Having this service here at The Lomond Clinic makes things easier, more accessible and just better. We think it’s a great addition to the physiotherapy services we offer here at the clinic, and a great service to have in Helensburgh.
Our advanced gait analysis service is ideal for:
- Runners and athletes looking to improve performance and prevent injuries
- Anyone with foot, knee, or hip pain looking for the root cause
- People with diabetes needing to monitor foot pressure points
- Anyone with mobility issues affecting quality of life
- Those recovering from injuries who need to track rehabilitation progress
What to expect from your gait assessment
Your Footscan gait analysis session at The Lomond Clinic will typically include:
- Initial consultation with one of our physiotherapists
- Footscan assessment measuring static balance and dynamic movement
- Detailed analysis of your results with visual reports
- Treatment recommendations which may include custom orthoses, physiotherapy, exercises, or a combination of these
- Follow-up assessments to measure improvement
Footscan precision gait analysis is available to book now.
Don’t let pain or mobility issues limit you. A Footscan gait assessment will clearly and accurately identify any potential issues you may have, which our physiotherapy team will help you resolve. Letting you get back to doing what you want to do.
Book an appointment for specialised gait analysis by calling us on 01436 672677, or make your appointment online.
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