Take the Guesswork Out of Your Body: VALD Performance Testing Is Now Available

At Physio + Fitness Clinic we are always looking for better ways to help you understand and look after your body. That is why we have invested in VALD performance testing, including ForceDecks force plates and Dynamo handheld dynamometry.

These are the same systems trusted by elite sports teams, and we are excited to bring them to our local community. Whether you play footy or netball on the weekend, are working back from a knee reconstruction, or simply want to stay strong as you get older, this testing gives you clear and measurable information about how your body is performing.

In this post we explain what the testing involves, who it is for, and how it can help you reach your goals.

What is VALD Performance Testing?

VALD testing measures how your body produces and controls force. It looks at strength, power, balance, asymmetry and movement quality in a precise way that cannot be judged by eye alone.

ForceDecks force plates are two platforms that measure the force going through each leg thousands of times per second. As you jump, land, hold or balance, they show us how much force you produce, how quickly you produce it, and whether one side is doing more of the work.

Why Measure with VLAD Instead of Guessing?

Your body is very good at finding ways around a problem. After an injury it is common to feel ready while one leg is still weaker than the other, and these hidden gaps can increase your risk of re-injury.

Objective testing helps us:

● Make return-to-sport decisions based on clear markers, not just how many weeks have

passed

● Pick up small imbalances early, before they become bigger problems down the track

● Build your rehab or training program around what your body actually needs

● Show you real, measurable progress when you retest

The end result is less uncertainty for you, and a clearer plan to get you where you want to be.

What Happens During a VALD Testing Session?

Most sessions take 60 minutes. Your physiotherapist will start by talking through your history, any previous injuries and what you want to achieve. You will then complete a series of practical tests on the VALD equipment.

Afterwards we sit down together and explain your results in plain language. You will leave with a clear summary and practical recommendations that can feed into physiotherapy, our clinical strengthening classes, or your own training program.

A few helpful things to know about VLAD testing:

● What to bring: a water bottle, a towel and a pair of athletic shoes you can move in

● Retesting: many people retest every 6 to 8 weeks to measure progress, and for return to sport we retest at key milestones

● No referral needed: you can book directly with us

● Health fund claims: the session is run by a physiotherapist, so it can usually be claimed under your physiotherapy extras cover, and we have HICAPS on site

Ready to Get Started?

If you would like a clearer picture of your strength and movement, we would love to help. Our team is here to help you look after your body and work towards your goals.