A gait analysis is a method for identifying biomechanical abnormalities in the gait cycle, or in other words, it’s a tool used to assess the way in which you run. It can identify any overactive or underactive muscles in the feet which could lead to potential injuries and inefficiencies in the future. With this information, we can then provide you with an exercise program to counter any inefficiencies, advice you on the style of running shoe you need, and ultimately help you achieve your running potential.

Physiotherapy is about helping you to become pain free and achieve your maximum potential through movement and function, whether that be to run a marathon, train hard at the gym, or simply to be able to sit pain free at work

We’ll start by discussing with you the type of running you do (road or trail), any current and previous injuries, your reason for booking a gait analysis and if you have any races/events your training towards.

A movement and muscle screening will assess flexibility and strength of the appropriate muscles and pick up any obvious problems. 

We will then record your running gait on our treadmill and analyse it frame by frame using our specialised software, Dartfish

The first thing we look at if your foot strike (heel/mid/forefoot) and its position in relation to the body. We’re also looking at if you pronate, supinate, or have a neutral foot strike.

We’ll be analysis your stride mechanics (length and width of stride), and upper body positioning (arm carriage and trunk position)

There’s 2 main ways that correcting a poor running gait can increase your performance:

1. A ‘perfect’ running gait allows the muscles to work efficiently. In other words, the closer to perfection your gait is, the less your muscles need to work, and the easier your run will be. This will allow you to run harder, faster and further. 

2. A poor running gait is a fast track to injury. For example, if your knee is not correctly aligned with your ankle when your foot strikes the floor, force is traveling through the lateral or medial side of the ankle rather than through the middle as it should. This, repeated with every single stride, puts an unmanageable amount of pressure on the structures of the lateral/medial side of the ankle, and leads to injury. 

A home exercise program will be put together to help you correct any issues we found through analysing your gait and from the biomechanical assessment. This will normally involve a range of stretches and strengthening exercises to help with alignment of body parts and to correct your foot strike.

Changes to the body and running gait take consistent work and time, so we may also advise that you invest in a different type of running shoe to help correct any pro/supination in the short term to help you avoid any injuries.

Everything, including photo and video analysis, will be neatly put together and emailed over to you following your session.

We need you to wear a pair of shorts, and if possible short/ankle socks. Please make sure you bring your running shoes. 

Yes you can. We accept card or cash, and you don’t pay until the end of your session. No payment will be made when booking your appointment today