What is running gait analysis?
A program designed for both recreational and competitive runners that will teach you how to improve performance, decrease pain, and prevent injuries.
How does it work?
Part 1: Medical and Training History
We will discuss any previous injuries and your current training plan.
Part 2: Physical Therapy Evaluation
We perform a thorough assessment of joint motion, strength, flexibility, balance and body mechanics.
Part 3: Running Gait Analysis
While running on a treadmill we video record your running form and then provide slow motion digital playback and frame-by-frame analysis to further identify imbalances or abnormalities.
Part 4: Individualized Care
- Education on running mechanics and injury prevention
- Home exercise program including stretching, strengthening and exercises to improve lower extremity mechanics
- Instruction in effective use of footwear, bracing, insoles and taping techniques as needed
- Tips to improve efficiency and speed, including cadence work
Why is video analysis important?
An individualized running assessment identifies abnormalities that cause injuries. Runners are prime candidates for overuse injuries, with the most common including: shin splints, plantar fasciitis, iliotibial band syndrome, patellar tendonitis, patellofemoral knee pain, achilles tendonitis and lower back pain. Joints need to provide sufficient movement and muscles need to produce sufficient force in order to generate an efficient gait. If muscles are weak or joints are stiff, the body will find ways of compensating for the problem, often leading to biomechanical abnormalities. In addition, an individualized assessment will identify an athlete’s running style. Recognizing whether you excessively pronate, supinate or have a neutral foot will assist in matching your running style with an appropriate running shoe and/or orthotic to rebalance your running stride. The assessment also guides a therapist in selecting the exercises that may be needed to correct a specific problem. Finally, the assessment helps an athlete to increase running performance. We provide runners with advice on how to improve running efficiency and speed.
Who runs it?
Unlike other gait analysis programs in the area, ours is staffed by licensed physical therapists that specialize in running mechanics and gait. We have been successfully treating runners for 20 years. Come see the running experts.
Who would benefit?
This program benefits both recreational and competitive runners. You do not need to be a professional athlete or hard core runner to benefit from our program.
What does it cost?
$160. In some cases this cost is covered by insurance.
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