Why you should consider using VALD ForceDecks for your Rehab Journey
- Tanner Nyholm
- 1 day ago
- 3 min read
If you've ever found yourself wondering, "Am I actually ready to return to sport?" or "Why does this injury keep coming back?" you're not alone. One of the biggest challenges in rehab is knowing when the body is truly ready to perform again. This is where objective testing tools like ForceDecks come in to play.
What Are VALD ForceDecks?
Force Decks are advanced force plates that measure how much force you produce (and absorb) during various movements. They provide precise, real-time data on strength, symmetry, rate of force development, and power, things we simply can’t assess with the naked eye or a stopwatch.
At MOVE, we use VALD Force Decks to inform rehab decisions, track meaningful progress, and build confidence in both athletes and everyday movers. Whether you're returning from a hamstring strain, ACL surgery, ankle sprain, or shoulder instability, objective data allows us to remove the guesswork.
Why Are They So Useful in Rehab?
Rehab often relies on how you feel. But feelings can be deceiving. You might feel ready to run or jump,
but your body could still be compensating or lacking the strength required for safe performance.
With Force Decks, we can:
Identify left vs. right asymmetries
Measure peak force and rate of force development (RFD)
Detect how quickly and evenly you absorb force during landings
Monitor how strength and power evolve throughout rehab
This helps us spot hidden deficits that can increase your risk of re-injury, even if you're pain-free.
Real-World Example
An athlete recovering from a hamstring strain recently completed a single-leg jump test on the Force Decks. Whilst he reported feeling 100%, his landing force was still 20% lower on the previously-injured leg. That asymmetry told us his nervous system was still protecting the area, a red flag for potential re-injury if he returned to high-speed running too soon.
This data allowed us to adjust his rehab, adding more single-leg plyometrics, trunk control drills, and eccentric hamstring loading. Within three weeks, his metrics balanced out, and he returned to competition with confidence.
Building Trust Through Data
One of the biggest benefits of using Force Decks is confidence for both the physio and the client. When you can see clear, measurable improvements over time, it builds trust in the rehab process.
You're not just being told you're ready, the numbers prove it.
Not Just for Athletes
ForceDecks aren't only for elite athletes. At MOVE, we use them with:
Weekend warriors
Recreational runners
Falls risks
Post-operative patients
Neurodivergent individuals who benefit from visual biofeedback
It’s all about understanding where your body is right now and making smarter decisions for where it needs to go.
Ready to Be Sure, Not Just Hope?
If you’re tired of guessing and want a clear, data-driven rehab or performance plan, get in touch.
At MOVE, we combine hands-on therapy with cutting-edge technology to help you recover better, move stronger, and perform at your best.
Key Takeaway
VALD ForceDecks are a valuable tool providing objective performance date to drive clinical reasoning and optimised treatments, whether you're a weekend worrier, an athlete, or would evidence based reasoning to reduce your falls risk.
