Whether you’re a competitive athlete or just someone who appreciates the joy of a good jog, your running form is critical to achieving the speed and safety you’re capable of. Our physical therapists are here to help fitness enthusiasts and athletes alike achieve peak form through an objective running gait analysis that can be used as the foundation for a performance-enhancing program tailored to your goals.
What is a running gait analysis?
A running gait analysis is an assessment used to evaluate the biomechanics of your running stride. It involves analyzing the way your feet, legs, and body move as you run. The goal is to identify any abnormalities or inefficiencies in your gait that could lead to injuries or hinder performance. By understanding these mechanics, you can make changes that enhance your running.
There are two primary methods for conducting a running gait analysis. The first is video analysis, a popular option in many running stores and clinics. During a video analysis, you run on a treadmill while being recorded. The footage is then reviewed in slow motion to identify issues like overpronation or poor knee alignment.
The second method is an evaluation by an expert specializing in physical therapy for your unique discipline or hobby. This approach offers a more comprehensive assessment as it considers not just your gait but also your overall biomechanics, such as hip flexibility and core strength. A physical therapist provides an expert perspective that can lead to a more tailored and effective plan going forward, rather than a product or service recommendation.
Benefits of a running gait analysis
Enhanced performance
One of the key benefits of a running gait analysis is the potential to enhance your running performance. By understanding and correcting inefficiencies in your gait, you can get more speed per step and better energy efficiency. Small adjustments in how your foot strikes the ground or how your arms swing can lead to significant improvements in speed and endurance.
Injury prevention
Running injury prevention is another major advantage of gait analysis. Improper running form can lead to various injuries that you may just think are “normal,” from shin splints to knee pain. A thorough gait analysis identifies these risks, allowing you to make changes before they develop into chronic issues. Adjustments to your running style can reduce stress on joints and muscles, safeguarding against injuries.
Reduced pain for what feels natural
Every runner is unique, and what works for one person may not work for another. A gait analysis provides personalized insights into your specific needs and goals considering your unique anatomy. Whether you’re aiming for a faster marathon time or simply want to enjoy pain-free running, a customized plan based on your gait analysis can help you achieve your objectives.
Conditions caused by abnormal running gait
If you run on a regular basis, you’ve probably experienced one or several injuries, whether you land wrong and roll an ankle or develop pain gradually over the course of a tough season. A running gait analysis can rule out certain biomechanical risk factors for injury and allow you to adapt your style to compensate for discomfort you may be feeling. Other common conditions we can help diagnose through a physical therapy evaluation include:
- Plantar fasciitis
- Knee pain
- Hip pain
- Low back pain
- Muscle strains
- Joint dysfunction
What to expect from your running gait evaluation appointment
Once you’ve scheduled your running gait analysis appointment, you can prepare as you would normally prepare for your given activity, whether it’s game night or an early morning jog. Wear comfortable clothes and the shoes you’re used to running in for the most accurate assessment.
Your physical therapist will either perform a video analysis or traditional running gait assessment, where they watch your movement for patterns, trends, and asymmetries. They’ll use these data points to create a personalized improvement plan that will meet your goals, whether for less pain or better performance, or ideally, both!
We’ll tailor your treatment plan to work for your schedule and your commitment to improvement, whether over the long term or quickly before the season starts. We can provide recommendations for footwear, workout plans, or even orthotics depending on your needs, taking the guesswork and expense out of trying multiple options that may be marketed to you.
Improve running performance and reduce your risk of injury
Whether you’re looking to shave minutes off your race time or simply want to run without pain, a gait analysis is a powerful tool to help you achieve your goals effectively the first time. Learn more about how we perform gait analysis and what sports we specialize in by calling a nearby clinic location or requesting your running gait analysis appointment online today.
