Camberwell Sports & Spinal Medicine
Physiotherapy
| Osteopathy | Podiatry | Myotherapy | Remedial Massage | Pilates
1431 Toorak Road, Camberwell 3124
T: (03) 98891078
F: (03) 98899067
About us
We are a multi-disciplinary clinic, a team of
health professionals who recognise that the best results are achieved through
accurate diagnosis, prompt treatment, appropriate rehabilitation and education
about injury prevention.
Our aim is to give you the power to manage your
condition rather than relying on maintenance programs and regular visits. We
are proud of our good reputation and maintain our commitment to the highest
standards of care.
What is a Podiatrist? A podiatrist is a health professional who deals with the prevention, diagnosis, treatment and rehabilitation of medical and surgical conditions of the feet and lower limbs.
What do Podiatrists do?
Podiatrists deal with the prevention or correction of deformity, maintenance of normal mobility and foot function, and rehabilitation of medical and surgical conditions of the feet and lower limbs. The conditions podiatrists treat include those resulting from bone and joint disorders such as arthritis, soft-tissue and muscular pathologies, as well as neurological and circulatory disease. Foot injuries gained through sport or other activities such as heal pain and achy legs are also diagnosed and treated by podiatrists.
RUNNING ASSESSMENT & GAIT ANALYSIS
Practitioner: Bridgette Nevins
Patient: Kate Atkinson
Date: April 23rd 2015 Initial consultation: 1-1.5hours Report: 30-40minutes
First impressions:
A few weeks ago, I was invited to do a gait analysis and jumped at the chance because I have several injuries (as most of you know).
I had booked a 10am appointment and I was running late due to unforseen circumstances. I called the clinic and the receptionist was polite, friendly and accommodating. Upon entering the clinic, I was greeted warmly and waited for a minute or two before Bridgette arrived. Much like the surroundings, Bridgette’s presentation was neat and professional.
Initial consultation:
Introduction:
The initial part of the appointment was spent discussing goals, current running load, other sports, footwear, current treatment/recovery activities and injury history.
Bridgette did a great job at steering the conversation back to what was relevant for the running assessment and gait analysis. My goal was to assess my gait and find or confirm reasons for my many injuries.
Assessment:
The first part of the assessment included various Range of Motion (ROM) tests. Bridgette tested both sides of the body for foot posture, ankle and foot passive ROM, hips ROM, knees passive ROM and hamstrings pattern of muscle recruitment.
This section of the assessment flowed well. Some of the tests showed clear differences between left and right sides, other tests were more difficult to understand but Bridgette said they would be explained later on. None of the tests were difficult, painful or complicated. Bridgette explained reasons for some of the tests during the assessment and demonstrated where necessary.
Muscle length tests were conducted for hip flexors, quadriceps, hip joint structures and calves. Low back (lumbar spine) ROM was also tested. Towards the end of this section, one of the physiotherapists observed.
I found the ROM and muscle length testing to be very thorough and went beyond the knee joint. Podiatrists I have seen in the past, tend to assess the feet, ankle and knees but they have referred to a physiotherapist or chiropractor for hips and low back testing and/or treatment.
The second part of the assessment required us to move into the functional section of the clinic, where there were pilates beds and other equipment. Bridgette performed functional tests i.e. squat, single-leg squat, single-leg hop and single-leg calf raise. A force gauge was used to measure and compare strength of quadriceps, hamstrings, abductors and adductors.
The force gauge was a little fiddly however the physiotherapist assisted to ensure it flowed more smoothly. The entire assessment section seemed quick, relevant and efficient. I enjoy learning how my body can perform and function better therefore I would give Bridgette’s assessment process 5-stars! It was the right amount of tests to provide helpful results without becoming overbearing and convoluted.
Gait analysis:
For the gait analysis, we moved downstairs to another room where there was a treadmill, cameras and a desk with a computer. Bridgette placed reflective stickers on different parts of my body including hips, knees, ankles and feet. I was instructed to walk with and without shoes, at a comfortable pace. And then I ran with and without shoes, at a comfortable pace. As I walked/ran, Bridgette positioned the camera in different spots to capture all angles of my gait.
During the gait analysis, Bridgette continued checking on me, as I had explained about some left foot issues. The test was easy and the environment was comfortable. Gait analysis and treadmill activities could potentially make some patients nervous. Bridgette had a reassuring and professional manner.
Conclusion of appointment:
Bridgette explained that it would take time to analyse the results and usually the patient would book an appointment for another day to discuss the summary. For the purpose of this exercise, I had a 20-minute break to allow Bridgette time to complete the analysis.
Report/Patient summary:
For the report we went back into the treadmill room where there was a folder with a booklet of results and a USB with the footage from my gait analysis. We briefly worked through the booklet and talked about results including foot posture and ROM tests. Bridgette highlighted areas of concern i.e. left ankle dorsiflexion, restricted left hip internal rotation, restricted right hip external rotation. And right foot longitudinal axis hypermobility.
I have seen podiatrists and other practitioners over the last 2-3 years. It was reaffirming to hear the problem areas with my left leg. Bridgette identified a new area of concern, which explains some niggling problems on my right foot. She provided some easy, quick tips to alleviate the pain.
We talked about issues with hip muscle recruitment order, left leg weakness, calf muscle length and strength. Bridgette explained areas of weakness and put it into perspective when showing the video footage of my gait analysis. By slowing down the footage, we could see how certain limits in ROM were not affecting my gait, and others were causing me to change my foot strike on the left and overcompensate by using the right leg.
In the booklet, Bridgette highlighted risk factors and recommended treatment options i.e. massage, rehabilitation/strengthening. She mentioned seeing an osteopath and physiotherapist at the clinic to help with hip/gluteal problems. The last section of the booklet showed points of my gait including left and right foot strike, and provided observational comments. The next page summarised sections of my gait and gave gait retraining queues. The last page listed muscle groups from hips to feet, and suggested exercises to assist ROM and strength.
The report was helpful and easy to understand. It was beneficial to read through the booklet together and solidify the meaning of the tests. The gait analysis was fun! And watching the footage together was very interesting. By slowing down the footage and drawing lines to compare and measure sides, I could easily understand how the test results applied to my running technique. I could connect my mind with my body, and sense areas in need of attention/focus. Bridgette used the booklet with test results and made them relevant to my running function and performance. It was professional and scientific without being too difficult to understand. The booklet provided me with the right amount of information to take home and focus on. Both the booklet and USB are used to assist with reassessments in the future.
I would highly recommend for anyone, athlete or non-athlete to visit Camberwell Sports & Spinal Medicine. In particular, to have a Running assessment & Gait analysis. I was particularly impressed with the continuity throughout the clinic. I could sense the relationships between practitioners and modalities were supportive and encouraging. Most importantly, they work as a team to allow the best outcome for the patient. Bridgette had no hesitation in directing me to an osteopath or physiotherapist for further assistance for my hip issues. The service provided me with complete care and understanding for how I can improve my running function and performance.
If you have any question for me or the clinic, please feel free to send a message.
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