What is a Gait Analysis Assessment?
Our DYNAMIC 3D FOOT SCANNER uses leading technology to record a full gait and biomechanical assessment and analysis package. The foot scanner allows an in-depth pressure analysis of the foot function and then the creation of customised orthotic insoles to make corrections to your lower limb/foot profile.
Using a specialised, pressure sensitive unit on the floor, you will stand, walk and crouch on the footscanner and using innovative technology the results are passed to a computer where the data is processed and measured.
What does the data from the scanner show?
The data will show abnormalities and asymmetries in your feet, areas of high pressure within the foot which may be associated with pain in the lower limbs.
It also has the ability to monitor progress and improvments over a period of time. It catches data the eye can't see - making this much more accurate. With this data custom made orthotics are 3D printed by PHITS orthotics. The orthotics will make the necessary adjustments to your stance and posture that will then correct any issues that you have been experiencing. Repeat reviews will then monitor the corrective process that the orthotics create.
What are the benefits of wearing customised orthotics?
There are a number of benefits including:
- The possible prevention of hip and knee surgery
- The correction of hip, knee and lumbar spine posture
- Joint pain reduction
- Normalisation of Gait
Do I have to purchase PHITS Customised orthotics?
No, not everyone requires customised orthotics, some require "off the shelf" orthotics and some people don't need orthotics at all. Dave will advise and discuss with you what orthotics he recommends.
Who will I see for my Gait Analysis Assessment?
Our Biomechanical Podiatrist, Dave Forster BSc runs our Gait Lab.
Dave qualified at Salford University in 2004 and started working for NHS Wirral. During this time he developed a knowledge base in clinical biomechanics that progressed to a Post Grad qualification in the field. Dave now works as a biomechanical specialist podiatrist for the NHS and Willaston Physio & Sports Rehab.
How much will it cost?
Gait Analysis Assessment - £99
Gait Analysis Follow up - £42
Off the shelf Orthotics - Starting from £65
Podiatrist Made Orthotics - Starting from £35
Phits Customised Orthotics - Starting from £250
All of our off the shelf orthotics that are fitted in your assessment are payable in full on the day of your Gait Analysis Assessment. Orthotics that we are making for your or need to order in the clinic for you, including Phits Customised Orthotics can either be paid in full or a deposit of half the value, orthotics will only be ordered once the deposit/full payment has been made.
Additional Information regarding your Orthotics
If you purchase Phits Customised Orthotics or off the shelf, once the orthotics have arrived in clinic we will write to you to invite you for a fitting session, you will also receive a review session (usually between 6-8 weeks after fitting of your orthotics) If you have purchased off the shelf orthotics that are fitted in your Gait Analysis Assessment session you will receive a review session at a later date (usually between 6-8 weeks after fitting of your orthotics)
If you would like a further session with our Biomechanical Podiatrist after you have used all of the sessions detailed above, you will be booked in for a Gait Analysis follow up session at a cost of £38.
Customised Orthotics Purchase Policy
You are under no obligation to purchase orthotics and if you would like time to think about it, please advise the admin team on the reception desk. Your data will be stored securely for 28 days, during this time you can contact the clinic and your Phits customised orthotics order will be processed. Your orthotics must be paid in full before Willaston Physio & Sports Rehab will order them.
Phits Customised Orthotics are usually in the clinic approximately 14 days after ordering, if there is a delay you will be contacted by the admin team with an estimated despatch date.
Off the Shelf Orthotics Purchase Policy
You are under no obligation to purchase orthotics and if you would like time to think about it, please advise the admin team on the reception desk. Off the shelf orthotics have a starting price of £35 and are payable at the time of purchase.
Orthotics Cancellation/Return Policy
We regret that Willaston Physio & Sports Rehab are unable to offer any cancellations or returns on customised orthotics due to the custom-made nature of the products. Nor are we unable to offer any returns or refunds on used off the shelf orthotics if the orthotics have been used or worn. If you feel that your orthotics are faulty please contact the clinic.
Wearing your Orthotics
When you first begin to wear orthotics, your feet will experience subtle, yet distinct changes. After all, most people are not accustomed to walking with well-balanced feet! Like any appliance you begin to wear for the first time (glasses, dentures, and so on), there is a normal break-in period of 30 days, just like a new pair of shoes. But a few weeks of graduated acclimation is usually all that’s required for you to gain a feeling of invigorating comfort. You will be invited to attend a 6 week review session, should you have a problem with your orthotics after the break-in period you can discuss with Dave at your review session.
Your orthotics have been designed to help control your foot position and so affect the position of your ankle, knee and hip joint. These are not simple arch supports, they work to support various areas of your foot and should not be worn by anybody else.
To get maximum benefit from your orthotic insoles you must follow the instructions given to you by your Podiatrist. Your treatment programme should have been fully discussed with you to give you a better understanding of your therapy.
Getting used to them
As a rule, the insoles are going to feel unusual and slightly odd. It is often best to wear the insoles for one to two hours per day for the first few days to get used to them. The times spent in them may be increased over one to two weeks. This is only a guide and you should go slower in them if need be. If you find that they irritate you initially them remove them and start again the next day.
Take them home and move them from shoe to shoe to find which styles are more suitable for the type of insoles that you have purchased.
Wearing them for sports
It will be better to learn to walk in the insoles first before attempting to run in them.
You may experience a period of adjustment as your legs and back get used to their new position. These symptoms may give the feeling of increased exercise for the muscles involved and may occur in the feet, ankles, shins, knees, hips or back.
Any initial discomfort should disappear within the first week. If discomfort continues or you experience any skin irritation, you should stop wearing them and contact the clinic.
Caring for your Orthotics
The orthotics can be cleaned with warm soapy water if they become soiled. Avoid exposing them to excessive heat such as drying them on a radiator.
You can ask for a review appointment with Dave where you will be able to discuss any concerns you may have.
