What are VALD force plates and Why Does My Physio Use Them?
When you come into the clinic, you might notice a piece of equipment that looks like a flat metal plate connected to a computer. This is called a forceplate – and it’s one of the most advanced tools available to measure how your body moves and performs. But what exactly does it do, and why is your physio using it with you?
What is a Forceplate?
A forceplate is a specialised device that measures the forces you apply when standing, walking, jumping, or performing different movements. It captures data in real time about:
Balance and stability – how your body controls its centre of gravity.
Symmetry – whether one leg or side of your body is doing more work than the other.
Power and strength – how much force your muscles produce during movements like squats or jumps.
Reaction and load – how your body absorbs impact when landing or changing direction.
In other words, a forceplate turns your movement into measurable numbers, giving your physio an incredibly accurate picture of how your body is functioning.
Why Do Physios Use Forceplates?
While a trained physio can pick up a lot just by watching you move, the forceplate adds an extra layer of precision. Here’s why it’s so valuable in physiotherapy:
Objective Measurements
Instead of relying on guesswork, the forceplate provides hard data. This helps track your progress over time and shows exactly how much you’re improving.Identifying Imbalances
Many injuries – especially in the knees, hips, and ankles – come from one side of the body working harder than the other. The forceplate highlights these asymmetries so your rehab can be tailored to address them.Performance and Return-to-Sport Testing
For athletes, the forceplate is a key tool in deciding when it’s safe to return to sport. It helps ensure you’ve regained enough power, balance, and control to perform at your best and reduce the risk of re-injury.Motivation and Feedback
Seeing your progress displayed as data and graphs can be motivating. It shows improvements that may not be obvious day-to-day but are clear when measured scientifically.
What Does This Mean for You?
Whether you’re recovering from an injury, working on your balance, or aiming to get back to sport, forceplate assessments allow your physiotherapist to design a more personalised, effective plan for you. It means your rehab isn’t just based on how you feel – it’s guided by accurate, measurable results.
In short, your physio uses a forceplate to make your care smarter, safer, and more effective.
Book your appointment today to get started on your rehabilitation.