VALD Assessment What Is It? Honest Guide from Physiotherapists

Introduction

If you have heard the term VALD mentioned at a physio clinic or seen it referenced by elite sporting clubs and wondered what it actually means for you, this guide has everything you need to know.

VALD performance assessment is one of the most significant advances in physiotherapy and sports rehabilitation of the past decade. At The Physio Crew, we use VALD technology across our Tullamarine, Carlton and Keilor Downs clinics to deliver a level of precision in assessment and rehabilitation that was previously only available to professional athletes.

Here is a complete, plain-English explanation of what VALD is, what it measures and why it matters for your recovery.

What Is VALD?

VALD is a Brisbane-based company and world leader in human measurement technology. Their assessment tools are trusted by elite sporting organisations including AFL and NRL clubs, Premier League football teams, Olympic programs, NBA and NFL franchises, as well as hospitals, universities, military organisations and physiotherapy clinics across more than 100 countries.

Until recently, access to this technology was largely limited to professional sporting environments. The Physio Crew has invested in VALD equipment to make this same standard of assessment available to everyday patients, athletes, post-operative patients and anyone who wants to understand how their body truly functions.

What Does VALD Actually Measure?

VALD is not a single device. It is a system of precision measurement tools, each designed to assess different aspects of physical performance. The two key tools we use at The Physio Crew are ForceDecks and DynaMo.

ForceDecks — Balance, Power and Symmetry

ForceDecks are dual force plates that capture detailed data about how your body distributes force during movement. During tests like squats, countermovement jumps, single-leg landings and balance tasks, ForceDecks measure:

Jump height and explosive power

Left-to-right symmetry

Rate of force development

Landing mechanics and balance

Weight distribution across both sides

Your results are compared against normative data from millions of tests across matched age groups and demographics. Subtle imbalances that would never be detected in a standard clinical examination show up clearly in the data.

DynaMo — Muscle Strength and Range of Motion

The VALD DynaMo is a handheld dynamometer that precisely measures the strength output of virtually every major muscle group in the body, covering over 300 individual tests alongside joint range of motion.

Where a traditional physio might manually test strength by feel, DynaMo captures force in exact numbers. Instead of your left leg feels a bit weaker, your physio can tell you your left quad produces 23% less force than your right. Progress is tracked objectively throughout your rehabilitation, making strength targets clear and measurable.

Why Does This Matter? The Problem With Guesswork

Traditional physiotherapy assessment relies on a clinician's hands-on judgement, manual strength testing and a patient's reported pain levels. For most situations this works well, but it has real limitations.

Pain resolves long before tissue is ready for full load. VALD replaces guesswork with data.

Athletes are often poor judges of their own readiness because the desire to return to sport overrides honest self-assessment of physical capacity. The consequence is predictable. Athletes return too early and re-injure. Post-operative patients plateau because nobody knows whether rehabilitation is actually producing strength gains. Subtle asymmetries that drive overuse injuries go undetected until they become serious problems.

Your physio can see in real numbers exactly where your body is and exactly where it needs to be.

What Happens During a VALD Assessment at The Physio Crew?

A VALD assessment at our Tullamarine, Carlton or Keilor Downs clinics is straightforward and requires no special preparation. Simply wear comfortable clothing you can move freely in.

Step 1 — Initial Consultation

Your physio discusses your history, goals and reason for assessment. This shapes which VALD tests are most appropriate for your specific situation.

Step 2 — Testing

Depending on your needs you may perform movements on the ForceDecks or have muscle strength tested with the DynaMo. Most full assessments take 45 to 60 minutes.

Step 3 — Instant Results

VALD generates your results in real time. Your physio reviews the data with you immediately and explains exactly what it means in plain language.

Step 4 — A Clear Plan

Your results directly inform your treatment or rehabilitation program. If strength asymmetries exist, your program targets them specifically. If you are preparing to return to sport, VALD data sets the benchmark and confirms when you have genuinely reached it.

Step 5 — Progress Tracking

As your rehabilitation progresses, repeat VALD testing tracks your improvement with the same precision. You can see the numbers change. You can see yourself getting stronger.

Is VALD Covered by Private Health Insurance?

Yes. VALD assessments are performed as part of a physiotherapy consultation, which is claimable on most Australian private health extras policies. The amount depends on your fund and level of cover.

If you have an Enhanced Primary Care (EPC) referral from your GP, you can also use your Medicare-funded physio sessions for VALD assessment and guided rehabilitation at The Physio Crew.

Book a VALD Assessment at The Physio Crew

We are currently accepting new patients at our Tullamarine, Carlton and Keilor Downs clinics with online bookings available now.

Book online at thephysiocrew.com.au

Stop guessing. Start measuring. Get back to your best.