How Objective Testing (VALD ForceDecks) Improves Rehab Outcomes

When it comes to recovering from an injury or optimizing performance, guesswork isn’t good enough.

At Core Performance Physical Therapy, we use objective testing tools like VALD ForceDecks to take the uncertainty out of rehab. Instead of relying only on how you feel, we measure how your body actually performs - giving you clear, data-driven insights that lead to better outcomes.

What Are VALD ForceDecks?

VALD ForceDecks are advanced dual force plate systems that measure how your body produces and absorbs force during movement.

They provide precise data on:

• Strength and power output
• Left-to-right asymmetries
• Balance and stability
• Rate of force development
• Landing and movement mechanics

These metrics allow physical therapists to assess performance in ways that go far beyond traditional testing.

Why Objective Testing Matters in Physical Therapy

1. Removes Guesswork from Rehab

Traditional rehab often relies on subjective measures like pain levels or general strength testing. While helpful, these don’t always tell the full story.

With ForceDecks, we can quantify exactly how your body is functioning. This allows us to identify deficits that may not be visible during basic movement assessments.

Instead of asking, “Do you feel ready?”
We can answer, “You are ready - and here’s the data to prove it.”

2. Identifies Hidden Imbalances

One of the biggest risk factors for re-injury is asymmetry between sides of the body.

Even if you feel strong, subtle differences in force production or landing mechanics can increase stress on joints and tissues over time.

ForceDecks help us detect:

• Side-to-side strength differences
• Compensation patterns during movement
• Deficits in power or control

By addressing these imbalances early, we reduce the risk of future injury.

3. Tracks Progress with Real Data

Rehab should be measurable.

With objective testing, we can track your progress over time using clear metrics - not just estimates. This allows both you and your physical therapist to see exactly how much you’ve improved.

You’ll know:

• How your strength is progressing
• Whether asymmetries are improving
• If you’re regaining power and control

This creates confidence and accountability throughout your rehab journey.

4. Improves Return-to-Sport Decisions

Returning to sport too early is one of the most common reasons for re-injury.

ForceDecks provide objective benchmarks that help determine when your body is truly ready for higher-level activity.

We use this data to assess:

• Jump performance and landing mechanics
• Force production symmetry
• Explosiveness and control

This ensures that your return to sport is not just timely - but safe and sustainable.

5. Enhances Athletic Performance

Objective testing isn’t just for injury recovery - it’s also a powerful tool for performance training.

By analyzing force production and movement efficiency, we can help athletes:

• Generate more power
• Improve explosiveness
• Optimize movement mechanics
• Reduce energy leaks during performance

Better data leads to better training - and better results.

What to Expect During a ForceDecks Assessment

At Core Performance Physical Therapy, a ForceDecks assessment is simple, fast, and highly informative.

You may be guided through movements such as:

• Countermovement jumps
• Squat assessments
• Balance testing
• Landing mechanics analysis

The system captures detailed data in real time, which we use to build or refine your treatment plan.

Who Should Use VALD ForceDecks?

Objective testing is valuable for:

• Athletes returning from injury
• Active adults dealing with recurring pain
• Post-surgical patients
• Individuals looking to improve performance
• Anyone who wants measurable progress

Whether your goal is to get back to sport or simply move without pain, data-driven rehab can accelerate your results.

Why Core Performance Physical Therapy Uses Objective Testing

At Core Performance Physical Therapy, we believe that better data leads to better decisions.

By combining:

• One-on-one personalized care
• Evidence-based treatment
• Advanced technology like VALD ForceDecks

- we’re able to deliver rehab programs that are precise, efficient, and results-driven.

This approach helps our patients recover faster, move better, and stay injury-free longer.

Take the Next Step Toward Smarter Rehab

Your recovery deserves more than guesswork.

Objective testing with VALD ForceDecks gives you the clarity, confidence, and direction needed to achieve real results - whether you’re recovering from injury or pushing your performance to the next level.

Schedule an evaluation with Core Performance Physical Therapy today and experience the difference that data-driven rehab can make.