Run & Gait Analysis

What is Run and Gait Analysis?

Gait is the pattern of how a person walks, runs, or moves on foot. A “run and gait analysis” done by a physical therapist is a comprehensive assessment of someone’s gait. Examining one’s movement patterns, joint angles, and foot strikes helps identify potential imbalances or abnormalities that could lead to injury.  Our goal is to optimize running efficiency by adjusting form.  Our analysis typically involves video recording the runner from different angles.  By watching a patient run on a treadmill, videoing allows the therapist to review the footage in slow motion to pinpoint areas for improvement.  Physical therapists are experts in how people move and can help identify many issues by studying your gait and running patterns. 

Why is a run and Gait Analysis Important?

Prevent Injury

Analyzing running and gait patterns helps identify biomechanical issues that may lead to injuries. By pinpointing these risk factors, physical therapists can develop tailored intervention strategies to prevent injuries before they occur.

Proper Rehabilitation

For individuals recovering from injuries, gait analysis is crucial in tracking progress and adjusting rehabilitation protocols. Understanding how an injury affects movement allows therapists to tailor exercises that promote healing while restoring proper mechanics.

Enhance performance

For athletes and active individuals, optimizing running mechanics can lead to improved performance. Gait analysis can help identify inefficiencies in running form, allowing for adjustments that enhance speed, endurance, and overall athletic performance.

Customized Treatment Plans

Each person’s movement patterns are unique. Gait analysis allows physical therapists to create personalized treatment plans that address specific issues, ensuring more effective and targeted interventions.

Education and Awareness

 Gait analysis provides valuable insights into the relationship between movement patterns and physical health. Educating patients about their biomechanics empowers them to make informed decisions about training, footwear, and injury management.

In summary, run and gait analysis is a vital tool in that not only aids in injury prevention and recovery but also enhances athletic performance and promotes overall movement efficiency. By understanding and improving gait mechanics, individuals can lead healthier, more active lives.  Someone looking to improve his/her running efficiency would highly benefit from an analysis. 

Who should consider a run and gait computation

If you have a walking or running gait that is awkward, unbalanced or causes pain, or if you are an athlete seeking to overcome an injury or other condition adversely affecting your sports performance, a gait analysis can help pinpoint abnormalities in the way you move.

Gait analysis and gait training improves your ability to stand, walk, or run, and also improves the following:

• Balance and posture
• Muscle memory and strength
• Range of motion
• Sports performance
• Endurance
• Cardiovascular fitness and overall health

Sometimes, gait problems arise when you consciously or subconsciously alter your normal pattern to compensate for pain or injury in your body. Unfortunately, altering your normal gait may create secondary musculoskeletal or other problems that cause additional pain, dysfunction, and injury. Gait problems can also lead to a decrease in cardiovascular health if you limit your physical activity for an extended period.

• Runners experiencing pain or discomfort
• Individuals with a history of running injuries
• New runners looking to establish proper form
• Athletes seeking to improve their running performance 

Let’s Get You Moving

Schedule a walking or running analysis appointment at HealthQuest Physical Therapy today. Don’t wait – take the first step towards a more enjoyable and pain-free walking or running experience!