What is the role of biomechanics in rehabilitation?

Biomechanics plays a crucial role in rehabilitation by focusing on understanding and improving movement patterns. This is essential because accurate assessment and analysis of an individual's movements can help identify dysfunctional patterns that may have arisen due to injury, surgery, or other health issues. By examining how a person moves, clinicians can tailor rehabilitation programs that aim to restore optimal function, enhance efficiency, and prevent further injuries.

Designing rehabilitation programs using biomechanical principles enables practitioners to utilize targeted exercises that specifically address the areas of weakness or dysfunction. For instance, if a patient has a gait abnormality following an injury, biomechanics allows the therapist to develop a regimen that helps retrain the correct movement patterns, thereby promoting proper biomechanics during daily activities and sports.

This focus on movement patterns not only aids in physical recovery but also contributes to the overall health and performance of the individual. By ensuring that the rehabilitation protocols are underpinned by biomechanical insights, patients are more likely to achieve lasting improvements in their physical capabilities.