Why Does One Side of My Body Move Differently? How Biomechanical Screening Can Help

Have you ever noticed that one shoulder feels tighter than the other?

Or maybe one hip always feels a bit stiffer, or your knee clicks on just one side?

You’re not imagining things—and you’re definitely not alone.

Lots of people tell us that their body just feels "uneven." Maybe it’s something you notice when you walk, run, or even just reach for something on a shelf. It can feel frustrating, and sometimes it’s hard to explain exactly what’s going on.

That’s where biomechanical screening comes in. It helps us take the guesswork out and see exactly how your body is moving.

What causes one side to move differently?

Our bodies are smart. If something hurts—or has hurt for a long time—we often start to move differently without even realising it.

For example:

• You may start limping slightly after a knee injury.

• Or you might shift more weight onto one hip to avoid back pain.

• Over time, these little compensations become habits.

The result? One side of your body starts to move or work differently to the other. You might feel out of balance, or notice certain muscles working harder than they should.

And when movement patterns go out of whack, it can lead to more pain or even new injuries.

So, how can biomechanical screening help?

Once your main pain has settled, that’s when we step in with a biomechanical screen. At North Parramatta Physiotherapy & Sports Injuries, we use these tools to get a clear picture of how your body is moving—and where the problem really lies.

Here’s how it works:

1. We choose the right screen for your goals

Your physio will decide which type of screening makes the most sense for you.
For example:

• If you’re returning to sport, we might use the Functional Movement Screen (FMS) to check strength, flexibility, and risk of re-injury.

• If balance or posture is a concern, we might use Y Balance tests or PostureScreen.

• If you’re a runner or walker, our Revolution RunLab uses video to show how your body moves in real time.

2. You get to see what’s happening

There’s something powerful about seeing your movement on screen. You’ll often spot the difference between your left and right side straight away—whether it’s your shoulder dropping, a foot turning in, or one side working harder than it should.

3. We tailor your treatment

Once we know what’s really going on, we can give you the right exercises to fix it. No more guessing. Just clear, targeted rehab that fits your body and your goals.

It’s not just about the pain—it’s about the cause

At our North Parramatta physio clinic, we don’t just treat symptoms. We look for the deeper reason behind them.

Biomechanical screening helps us figure out:

• Why your shoulder keeps getting sore after work

• Why your knee still bothers you, months after that old injury

• Why your back flares up after running, even though you’ve been doing all the right stretches

Once we find the root cause, we can help your body move better—not just now, but for the long run.

Ready to get to the bottom of your movement issues?

If one side of your body feels different—or just "off"—it’s worth checking in. Our experienced team at North Parramatta Physiotherapy & Sports Injuries is here to help you move better, feel stronger, and get back to doing the things you love.

Biomechanical screening is one of the most powerful tools we use to make that happen.

Book an appointment today and let’s find the why behind your pain—so we can build a plan that truly works for you.