What is Intrinsic Biomechanics?

Biomechanics is the study of the human body; its mechanics and how it moves in mechanical terms. The science is divided into two areas of study: extrinsic and intrinsic Biomechanics.

Extrinsic Biomechanics looks at movements, the measurement of those movements or tasks, and then establishes the best way to maximise the efficiency of those movements and ultimately improve sports performance. It is a science that is relevant to any sport, fitness or work-related physical conditioning.  On the other hand Intrinsic Biomechanics is the study of how the body is able to perform those tasks or movements in relation to the individual’s mechanical make-up on the inside.
 

 

Who uses Biomechanics Coaches?

Anyone! Seriously, from a top Olympic athlete or professional footballer right through to an injured office worker or stay at home Mum or Dad. This is because as well as having the capacity to hugely improve sporting performance, a Biomechanics Coach can stop reoccurring injuries and prevent potential new injuries (!), increase mobility, improve lower back pain, knee pain and all manner of every day aches and pains.

 

 

What happens in an Assessment?

After brief chat about injuries & lifestyle you will then be put through a series of screens and movements which are designed to test muscles, joints and nerves and their level of function. A few pen marks will be drawn on you (on the ankle) to make accurate measurements, and pictures/videos may be taken with your permission to demonstrate the results. It is very gentle and not at all painful or intrusive. Your results will then be discussed with you to ensure you understand them, and on the basis of these results a series of gentle muscle release exercises will be prescribed and practised. It is these releases that let the magic happen so following them diligently is imperative in order to achieve the best results.

 

So how does it work?

Once you have been fully screened and all areas of disfunction have been located a series of gentle muscle releases will be used to encourage the muscles to begin to function again correctly. By doing these exercises on a regular basis the body will be able to rebalance itself and work as it is designed to. Clients are required to be screened 2-3 times to ensure the consistency of results and therefore the correct prescription of exercises.  Everybody is different and leads different lifestyles – it is a highly personalised system and that is why it works!!

What do you mean by ‘disfunction’ ?

Disfunction occurs where a muscle has gone into a sub-clinical spasm – you can’t feel this, but the muscle has forgotten how to relax and contract fully and therefore has lost its full functionality. Nerves are also tested to find out if they have become tethered at any point. This is also without symptom but could be causing ‘tightness’ in a muscle or a lack of flexibility.

How will I feel after an assessment?

This depends on the individual. Some will feel instant results in the form of moving more freely, some may become pain free, although I must stress this is not a pain treatment; it just happens to be a very happy result for many many people. Some may feel initially no different due to their level of disfunction.  Some may feel achey after doing the releases, this is because the body has been stuck in a certain position for a length of time and so has made it’s own adjustments accordingly.  Following the releases the body is readjusting to its correct pattern of movement – discomfort should not last long.

What should I wear?

For women a strappy vest top and leggings or shorts. Men should wear a t-shirt and shorts (not too short & make sure you remember to wear pants underneath!!)