One of the many challenges of having done a Diploma in Biomechanics Coaching is that it’s quite a challenge to explain what I do. Everyone has an idea what a physiotherapist does, but once upon a time physiotherapy used to be a new thing, so I am hoping one of these days everyone will know what it is. Until that time, here is my way of explaining it.
Firstly biomechanics is the science of human movement. Hence it is a much bigger subject than what a biomechanics coach will ever be involved in.
So, what does a biomechanics coach do?
In a nutshell, we help our clients improve their movement.
The goal is to aid our clients to move more efficiently, feel less stiff, and reduce the chance of injury.
How does this work?
We use a screening process to see how the pelvis, lower back, shoulders, knees and feet move.
Based on the results of the screening, a biomechanics coach will give their client homework exercises that will help them improve movement. You can see the coach as someone who gives you the tools to work on yourself.
The exercises are both helping you to move, but also to help cement it in place using stabilisation and strengthening work.
Besides that, we also look at how you move in your life and encourage more movement day to day.
Is it just for sports people?
No, everyone can benefit from meeting with a biomechanics coach. It has been shown to help many people with lower back pain and recurring injuries.
If you have no pain it is useful to see a biomechanics coach to help avoid injury.
If you are about to embark on a new training programme, it is a good way to put down a good basis before you get started.
If you have been injured, it is a good way to get back into training to help avoid future injury.
How do you know it works?
This system is based on a study spanning 20 years analysing patterns between biomechanical (movement) issues and injury records.
There has also been a study showing an improvement of functional capacity of patients using this screening process and the corresponding exercises.
What a Biomechanics Coach doesn’t do?
We don’t treat pain (unless we have another qualification for this).
We don’t diagnose (unless we have another qualification for this).
We don’t do the exercises for our clients ;)
If you are interested in finding out if having a biomechanics coach would suit you, I invite you for a 30 minutes session to find out more. Email me at lorna@wilsonsworkouts.nl to make an appointment.
Author: Lorna Wilson
Like what you see? Then send me a message or e-mail. We can meet up for a chat and find out how I can help you improve your training and help reduce injury risk.
06 460 377 74 / lorna@wilsonsworkouts.nl
[…] So for any of you who might also be wondering what biomechanics is, let me give you the quick rundown. In a nutshell, it’s the study and practice of getting your body to work in the way that it’s supposed to. Sounds simple right? Except that many of us spend our days in unnatural positions for our bodies (sitting at desks), and have developed habits in our athletic training that are counterintuitive to how we should function. During my three sessions with Lorna, I realised how out of tune with my body I had become. (For a more technical and professional definition of biomechanics, check this out.) […]