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Medical condition/treatment

Biomechanics

disc prolapse

Hole body

disc prolapse

Biomechanics, Latin "biomechanica", is a crucial aspect of physiotherapy. It combines knowledge of mechanics with an understanding of biological systems and is therefore essential for the analysis and optimization of movement sequences in the human body. Physiotherapists use biomechanical principles to understand how forces acting on the body, both during everyday activities and during specific movements during sports, affect the musculoskeletal system.

In physiotherapy, biomechanics plays a key role in assessing posture, analyzing movement and developing individual treatment plans. The application of biomechanical principles enables therapists to identify causes of pain and dysfunction, such as misalignments or asymmetrical loads in the body. Based on this, targeted therapeutic exercises, manual therapy forms and advice on behavior change can be carried out in order to correct the patient's body mechanics and thus relieve pain and improve functionality.

Physiotherapists also use biomechanical knowledge to design rehabilitation programs after injuries or operations. They ensure that the healing processes are supported by appropriate loading and activation in order to promote a rapid and sustainable recovery of mobility and strength.

In short, biomechanics forms the foundation for a profound understanding of physical functions and is therefore indispensable in modern physiotherapy. It helps to improve the quality of treatment and accelerate patient recovery.

Causes/Description:

There are many factors that are important when applying biomechanical principles in physical therapy. These factors include:

Physical structure: A patient's individual anatomy and morphology, including bone structure, muscle mass and strength, and joint flexibility.

Pathophysiology: Existing diseases or injuries that affect the body's biomechanical properties, such as arthritis, herniated discs, or fractures.

Age and gender: These can affect the body's biomechanical properties, including bone and muscle health.

Activity level and lifestyle: The amount of physical activity and daily movement plays a role in muscle strength and biomechanical efficiency.

Psychological factors: Stress and psychological state can affect posture and muscle tone.

Nutrition and health status: A balanced diet and general health support healing and biomechanical functionality.

The body in motion

disc prolapse

Rückenschmerzen, Nackenschmerzen, Arthrose, Sportverletzungen, Postoperative Rehabilitation, Gelenkersatz, Haltungsschäden, Repetitive Strain Injury (RSI), Chronische Schmerzzustände, Biomechanik, Physiotherapie, Muskel-Skelett-Erkrankungen, Bewegungsanalyse, Rehabilitation, Schmerzmanagement, Haltungskorrektur, Ergonomie, Prävention von Verletzungen, Ergotherapie bei Handgelenksverletzungen, Muskelstärkung

disc prolapse

Biomechanics is important for several reasons:

Understanding movement: It enables a deep understanding of human movement and the forces associated with it. This is crucial for understanding how the body functions, moves and responds to loads.

Diagnosis and treatment: Biomechanical analyses are essential for the diagnosis and treatment of musculoskeletal disorders and injuries. They help to identify the causes of pain and dysfunction and to develop appropriate therapeutic strategies.

Rehabilitation: In rehabilitation, biomechanics plays a key role by supporting the development of individually tailored rehabilitation programs. These programs aim to improve mobility, reduce pain and restore general physical function.

Prevention: By understanding biomechanical principles, risk factors for musculoskeletal injuries and disorders can be identified and preventive measures taken. This is particularly relevant in sports and the work environment to avoid overuse injuries and other musculoskeletal problems.

Sports science: In sports science, biomechanics helps to optimize techniques, increase performance and prevent injuries. It is essential for understanding body mechanics and developing effective training programs.

Product development: Knowledge of biomechanics is used to develop ergonomic products and aids that support the human body and minimize stress on it. These include office chairs, orthopedic shoes and sports equipment.

Research and innovation: Biomechanics drives research and innovation in medical and technological fields, such as the development of artificial joints, prostheses and assistive technologies.

In short, biomechanics is fundamental to understanding and improving human health and performance. It bridges the gap between medicine, physiotherapy, sports science and engineering and helps to improve people's well-being and quality of life.

disc prolapse

If you have biomechanical issues, there are several steps you can take to improve your situation and reduce any pain or discomfort you may be experiencing:

Medical evaluation: First, you should see a doctor or orthopedic specialist for an accurate diagnosis. It is important to understand the exact cause of your biomechanical issues to ensure effective treatment.

Physical therapy: A physical therapist can help you address your specific biomechanical issues. Through customized exercises, manual therapy techniques, and counseling, physical therapy can help improve your body mechanics, reduce pain, and optimize function.

Ergonomic adjustments: Review and improve your work and living environment. Ergonomic adjustments, such as an ergonomic workstation, correct sitting postures, and avoiding prolonged static postures, can help reduce biomechanical stress.

Regular exercise: A balanced exercise program that includes strength, flexibility and endurance exercises can help strengthen muscles and improve joint mobility, which in turn can reduce biomechanical problems.

Weight management: Being overweight can exacerbate biomechanical problems, especially in the lower extremities and spine. A healthy weight can reduce stress on joints and improve symptoms.

Aids and orthoses: In some cases, special aids such as insoles, braces or orthoses can be useful to support biomechanical function and reduce pain.

Lifestyle changes: A healthy lifestyle, including a balanced diet and adequate sleep, supports the healing process and general physical condition.

Alternative therapies: Sometimes alternative forms of therapy such as acupuncture, osteopathy or chiropractic treatments can also be helpful to relieve biomechanical complaints.

Patient education: Find out about your specific biomechanical problems and how best to deal with them in everyday life. Understanding your own body mechanics is crucial to making long-term improvements and avoiding relapse.

It is important to take action and seek professional help. Biomechanical problems can be complex and early intervention can prevent long-term discomfort and damage.

disc prolapse

The history of biomechanics as a field closely related to physical therapy can be traced back to ancient times. As early as the works of Aristotle, we find investigations into the principles of mechanics in living organisms. However, the actual science of biomechanics as we know it today began to develop in the 16th and 17th centuries:

Leonardo da Vinci (1452–1519): He was one of the first to study human anatomy in detail and made drawings of the human skeleton, muscles and musculoskeletal system that illustrated biomechanical principles.

Galen of Pergamon (129–ca. 200 AD): An ancient physician whose teachings on human physiology and anatomy lasted into the Middle Ages and also included biomechanical considerations.

René Descartes (1596–1650): His philosophical reflections on human anatomy and physiology also included thoughts on body mechanics.

Giovanni Alfonso Borelli (1608–1679): He is considered the father of modern biomechanics. In his work “De Motu Animalium” he analyzed muscle movements and the mechanics of joints.

In the 19th century, biomechanics made further progress through the work of:

Étienne-Jules Marey (1830–1904): He developed methods for motion analysis and was one of the pioneers in the use of photographic techniques to study movement.

Wilhelm Weber (1804–1891) and Eduard Weber (1806–1871): These brothers were important figures in the development of gait analysis.

The 20th century brought an explosion of knowledge and technological advances, leading to the establishment of biomechanics as an independent discipline:

1940s–1960s: The systematic application of biomechanical principles in sports science began, and collaboration between engineers and medical professionals increased.

1973: Founding of the International Society of Biomechanics, which networks research in this field globally.

1980s: With the advent of computer technology, complex movement analyses and simulations became possible, revolutionizing physiotherapy.

More recent developments include the use of biomechanical models in computer-aided design and manufacturing processes for orthopedic devices and prostheses.

Biomechanics has continued to develop and is now an integral part of medical research, clinical practice and the development of therapy and training methods in physiotherapy.

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