Matt Hart

Matt Hart

Sports Podiatrist &
Clinical Biomechanist

Matt believes that effective care begins with understanding how and why the body moves the way it does. His clinical approach is built around integrating high-precision, objective assessment tools, including Run 3D gait analysis, VALD strength testing, Footscan plantar-pressure analysis and comprehensive musculoskeletal evaluation into every appropriate care pathway. This data-led framework allows him to develop highly individualised management plans that address biomechanics, strength capacity, training load, footwear and functional movement strategies in a truly integrated way. Whether supporting return from injury, managing persistent or recurrent issues, or optimising performance, his focus is on delivering evidence-based solutions aligned with each individual’s goals.

Matt works with active individuals, runners and athletes of all levels, with a particular emphasis on complex and recurrent lower-limb injuries, return-to-run decision making and long-term performance development. His clinical reasoning centres on how biomechanics, strength and load interact to influence pain, injury risk and movement efficiency. By combining advanced gait, strength and pressure analysis with clinical expertise, He is skilled at identifying the mechanical and capacity-related contributors to symptoms that persist or recur despite previous treatment. Clear communication and patient education are central to his practice, ensuring individuals understand both the underlying causes of their symptoms and the rationale behind each element of their management plan.

Alongside his clinical work, Matt is an associate lecturer in clinical biomechanics and currently undertaking a Sports Science based PhD at Staffordshire University. His research, titled “The Biological Price of Technology: A Dynamic Systems Investigation with Single-Subject Analysis of how a Runner’s Strength and Plyometric Capacity Mediate Coordination, Control, and Metabolic Adaptation to Advanced Footwear Technology,” explores how modern running footwear interacts with individual strength, neuromuscular capacity and movement variability. This work reflects his wider interest in dynamic systems theory, responder versus non-responder behaviour and the individualised effects of technology on performance and injury risk, directly informing his clinical decision making and footwear guidance.

Matt also brings over 30 years of personal running experience, having competed across track, cross-country and road running, representing North Devon AC and Bristol & West AC, with a half-marathon personal best of 1 hour 13 minutes. This lived experience provides first-hand insight into the realities of training load, performance pressure and injury management, allowing me to bridge the gap between objective data and real-world running demands. As a result, his assessments and recommendations are not only scientifically grounded, but practical, realistic and supportive of long-term progress and sustained performance.

Matt provides Sport & Musculoskeletal Podiatry services for individuals experiencing pain, injury or performance limitations affecting the foot, ankle or lower limb. Patients can expect a detailed assessment that goes beyond isolated symptoms, using gait analysis, strength testing and pressure data to understand how forces are being managed during walking, running and sport. Management focuses on addressing the underlying biomechanical and capacity-related contributors to injury, supporting safe return to activity and reducing the risk of recurrence.

Alongside Podiatry Matt also offers Routine Podiatry services, delivered with the same clinical care and attention to detail. This includes management of corns, callus, nail conditions and general foot discomfort, with treatment tailored to both comfort and long-term foot health. Where relevant, routine care is integrated with biomechanical or footwear advice to help prevent recurring issues and maintain function in daily life and activity.

Matt is available is Ashton on Monday 2pm - 6pm and Wednesday 9am-6pm.