Biomechanical Assessments: What They Are, How They Work & Why They Matter

Written by Kerra Kong, Principal Podiatrist at Physio & Sole Clinic

Many of my patients come to me asking,

“Why do my feet, knees, or hips hurt, even though I didn’t injure them?”

Often, the issue isn’t about what you did, but it’s about how your body moves.

That’s where a biomechanical assessment becomes essential. It helps us understand how your joints, muscles, and posture work together so we can manage pain and improve movement safely.

When Pain Keeps Returning

If you’ve ever had foot or knee pain that seems to come and go, you’re not alone. These aches often stem from movement imbalances, small misalignments in your gait, posture, or muscle strength.

You might try new shoes, stretches, or rest days, yet the discomfort keeps returning. Without understanding why your body moves the way it does, the problem can linger or spread to other joints

Small Imbalances, Big Impact

When your body compensates for even a small imbalance, other areas start to overwork.

For example:

• A flat or pronated foot can rotate the knee inward and strain the hip.
• Tight calf or hamstring muscles can pull on the lower back.
• Long hours of standing or walking on hard floors, which is common in Singapore, can magnify these stresses.

Left unaddressed, these patterns can contribute to chronic pain, fatigue, or recurring injuries.

Understanding What a Biomechanical Assessment Is

A biomechanical assessment is a detailed clinical evaluation of how your body moves. We analyse your posture, flexibility, joint range, and walking or running pattern to identify areas of imbalance.

It’s not about finding a “quick fix”. It’s about understanding your body’s movement habits and creating a plan that helps you move efficiently and comfortably.

What Is Clinical Biomechanics?

Clinical biomechanics is the science behind how forces act on your body and how your body adapts.

In physiotherapy and podiatry, it helps us understand how your feet, legs, and spine interact when you stand, walk, or run.

For instance, if your ankle rolls in excessively when walking, that can affect your knee tracking and hip stability. Recognising these links allows us to guide you with precise exercises, footwear advice, or orthotic support, which are all based on clinical evidence and not guesswork.

How We Assess Biomechanics in the Clinic

You may wonder, “How do you assess biomechanics?” Here’s what typically happens during a biomechanical assessment at our clinic in Singapore:

1. History & Lifestyle Discussion

We start by understanding your daily routine, footwear habits, activity level, and any previous injuries. Knowing when and where your pain occurs gives us important context.

2. Postural and Alignment Check

While you stand, we observe how your feet, knees, hips, and spine align. Even slight differences from left to right can reveal how your body compensates during movement.

3. Joint Mobility & Strength Testing

We assess flexibility and joint range of motion, particularly at the ankles, hips, and lower back, as stiffness or weakness in these areas often contributes to poor movement patterns.

4. Dynamic Gait Analysis

You’ll be asked to walk or jog, sometimes on a treadmill. We will then perform a slow motion video gait analysis using various camera angles. This allows us to thoroughly study your joints movement, stride, step length, and how pressure is transferred through your feet.

5. Footwear Review & Recommendations

Your shoes can tell a story. Uneven wear on the soles often reveals repetitive motion or imbalance. We’ll advise if a footwear change or orthotic support might help distribute pressure better.

6. Personalised Plan

You’ll leave the session with clear next steps, whether that’s targeted exercises, footwear advice, or follow-up physiotherapy or podiatry care.

In Summary, The Steps to a Biomechanical Analysis

1. Case review & medical history
2. Static posture assessment
3. Range of motion and muscle flexibility testing
4. Dynamic movement analysis (walking or running)
5. Review of findings and personalised recommendations

Most assessments take about 45 to 60 minutes, depending on complexity, which answers another common question:

How long does a biomechanical assessment take?

Usually under an hour, with immediate feedback after testing.

Who Should Consider a Biomechanical Assessment

A biomechanical assessment can benefit almost anyone who:

• Experiences recurring foot, knee, or hip pain
• Feels discomfort after long hours of standing or walking
• Notices uneven shoe wear or one side of the body working harder
• Has flat feet, bunions, or high arches
• Plays sports, runs regularly, or has recently increased activity levels

You don’t need to be an athlete to benefit from a biomechanical assessment. Many of our clients are office workers, healthcare staff, or parents who simply want to stay active without experiencing pain.

Is a Biomechanical Assessment Worth It?

In almost all cases, yes! Because it helps identify the root causes behind any recurring discomfort.

Instead of treating symptoms in isolation, we evaluate the mechanics that drive them. This leads to more sustainable outcomes and helps you make informed decisions about your care.

Benefits include:

• Early detection of potential problems
• Personalised strategies to reduce pain or strain
• Improved walking and running efficiency
• Better understanding of how footwear and posture affect you

After the Assessment: What Comes Next

Depending on your results, your physiotherapist or podiatrist may recommend:

• Exercise programs to strengthen specific muscle groups or improve joint mobility
• Footwear guidance suited to your foot type and daily activities
• Custom orthotics (if needed) to support alignment or relieve pressure points
• Gait retraining for runners or those recovering from injury

We review progress at follow-up visits, adjusting your plan as your movement improves. The goal isn’t perfection, it’s balance, comfort, and confidence in your day-to-day movement.

Evidence-Based and Measured

At our clinic, biomechanical assessments combine clinical testing with motion analysis technology.

Research supports this approach: combining visual gait assessment with structured clinical evaluation improves diagnostic accuracy.

Every recommendation we provide, whether it’s a strengthening exercise or a footwear change, is grounded in clinical reasoning and supported by current evidence.

When to Seek Physio or Podiatry Care in Singapore

You should consider seeing a physiotherapist or podiatrist if:

• You have persistent foot, ankle, knee, or hip pain lasting more than two weeks
• Pain worsens with walking, running, or standing
• You’ve noticed new calluses, bunions, or uneven shoe wear
• You recently increased your exercise intensity or started a new job requiring long-standing hours
• You want to prevent injuries before a race, event, or sports spmilitary training

In Singapore’s fast-paced lifestyle, long hours on hard flooring and improper footwear are common triggers for musculoskeletal issues. Early assessment often means simpler, faster management, before discomfort limits your mobility or work performance.

Take the First Step Toward Better Movement

If you’ve been living with persistent pain or discomfort or simply want to understand your body’s movement better, a biomechanical assessment can be a practical starting point.

At Physio & Sole Clinic, our physiotherapists and podiatrists work together to help you move safely and comfortably through everyday life. We’ll guide you through what’s happening, explain your results clearly, and create a plan that fits your needs and lifestyle.

Book your Biomechanical Assessment today!
Take the first confident step toward better balance, comfort, and long-term mobility.