Three reasons you need a running gait analysis

Running Gait Analysis
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Are you a new runner who wants to make your running safer? Have you been running for a while and developed some nagging aches and pains? People who answered yes to either of these questions should seriously consider having a running gait analysis. 

Your gait is how your body moves as you run or walk, and having gait issues can be problematic for the nearly 60 million Americans who run, jog or trail run. A running gait analysis can be performed by an experienced physical therapist. These specialists can help you learn how this service can help you and your running, and they can also help you address issues uncovered by your analysis. 

These are three reasons why you should have a running gait analysis

There are several steps involved in a running gait analysis. First, you’ll be asked to jog or run on a treadmill while a physical therapist records your movement. Then, the therapist will sit down with you and point out gait issues on the recording. Finally, these specialists will work with you to come up with a personalized program that can help you address the issues you have. 

Some of the reasons you should take part in this process include: 

  1. Identifying large and small gait issues — Gait issues can range from simply having too long a stride when running to serious joint problems. Your analysis can pinpoint the specific issues that you have. This allows you to know exactly what you need to address to run more safely and efficiently. A few of the gait issues your analysis can reveal include: 
  1. Reducing joint stress — Running places a lot of stress on weight-bearing joints like your ankles and knees. Gait problems can put these joints under even more stress. In turn, the added stress can increase your risk of injuries. Your physical  therapist can show you ways to treat joint issues such as misalignment. By doing so, they can help reduce the stress on your joints as you run. 
  1. Decreasing the risk of running injuries — Runners who haven’t had some type of injury yet are still likely to develop one. It’s estimated that approximately 50% of regular runners injure themselves annually. Fortunately, having a physical therapist analyze your gait can help catch minor issues before they become serious injuries. 

Get a professional running gait analysis at Excel PT

Not sure where to turn for a top-notch running gait analysis? Our Excel Sports & Physical Therapy team has experience performing this service for professional and recreational runners. We also offer free screenings that can pinpoint any running injuries that you currently have. 

Furthermore, our specialists excel at building personalized therapy plans designed to address running gait issues and reduce the pain of running injuries. Even better, much of your physical therapy can be done right in your own home thanks to our at-home care and virtual therapy services. 

Contact our team today for more information about the therapy services we offer for runners or to schedule an initial appointment.