Force Plate Testing
A force plate is a platform with sensors that measures the forces you put into the ground when you stand, squat, jump or move. Your physical therapist uses those numbers to see how each side of your body is working and to track recovery. Western Slope Rehab and Performance uses force plates in Grand Junction for patients from Fruita, Palisade, Orchard Mesa, Appleton, Clifton and the Redlands.
What the plates show that eyes can miss
A force plate captures the size, direction and timing of the forces you apply during a movement. That can show imbalances, compensations and differences between sides that contribute to an injury.
It means your plan can be based on measurements, not only on what a therapist sees. One leg may be contributing less than the other without it being easy to spot by eye.
How we use them across your recovery
Early on
To refine movement quality, for example in a squat or deadlift, and to check balance between the left and right sides.
As you progress
Plates become part of jump testing and loaded lifts, so we can check whether both legs share the effort.
Upper body too
Movements such as pushups can be measured to gauge how an arm or shoulder injury is recovering.
Tracking change
Repeat testing over time, covering force distribution, weight-bearing symmetry and gait mechanics, shows whether treatment is working and what to adjust.
Who tends to get the most from it
We have used it with lower body injuries in particular, and with upper body injuries as well.
- Ankle sprains and other Foot & Ankle Pain problems
- Rehab after ACL surgery (Post-Surgical Rehab, Knee Pain)
- Athletes preparing to return to sport (Sports Injury Rehab)
- Anyone recovering from an arm or shoulder injury (Shoulder Pain)
One tool among several in our clinic
Force plates sit alongside surface EMG, Blood Flow Restriction (BFR) Training and a full Gym Memberships in our Grand Junction clinic. Testing supports your plan; it does not replace hands-on care such as Manual Therapy or exercise with your therapist. If you are curious how it fits your recovery, ask at your visit.
See how your recovery measures up
Request an appointment with Western Slope Rehab and Performance in Grand Junction. You can start physical therapy without a referral from a doctor in most cases. Some insurance plans, including Medicare, still need a doctor's sign-off on the plan of care. If you are unsure, call us and we will check your plan. Call (970) 314-9822.
We see patients from Grand Junction and the surrounding Grand Valley: Fruita, Palisade, Orchard Mesa, Appleton, Clifton and the Redlands.