Gait analysis involves walking or running on a treadmill. During the analysis we will be filming how you move while walking or running, looking at not just your lower body but at how your body works as a unit.
Being able to move efficiently is important in avoiding injuries. Having joints capable of providing sufficient movement and muscles capable of producing sufficient force is vital to generate an efficient gait cycle. If joints are stiff (usually caused by muscle tightness or injury), limiting range of motion, or muscles are weak, the body must find ways of compensating for the problem, leading to biomechanical abnormalities.
Many injuries are often caused, at least in part, by poor biomechanics. Runners and athletes whose sports require a high level of running and jumping should make sure they have had a gait analysis to help prevent the risk of suffering from an overuse injury. The following are just some of common overuse injuries often associated with poor gait biomechanics:
- Medial Tibial Stress Syndrome (Shin splints)
- Plantar fasciitis
- Tendonitis/Tendinopathies
- Patello-femoral knee pain
- Lower back pain