Running… it seems so easy, right? 

I mean, what could be so hard about putting one foot in front of the other? 

… Said no one ever…

Sure, runners might make it look easy, but there’s actually nothing simple about running and it requires the collaborative effort of more than 200 muscles throughout your body — from your neck to your toes! 

When those muscles are working in unison, PRs and personal bests are on the horizon.

But when they’re out of sync, you’re setting yourself up for injury and disappointment. 

That’s why proper running form is so important. It not only ensures you’re exerting maximum effort at peak efficiency, but it also keeps you out of harm’s way and allows you to stay injury- and pain-free.

For that reason, we urge every Park Slope, Brooklyn runner or athlete to undergo a gait analysis.

Finding Your Footing: What Is a Gait Analysis? 

If you’re new to running, then you’ve probably never heard of a running gait analysis before. 

Don’t worry — that’s what PhysioRX is here for. To put it simply, a gait analysis is an assessment of how a person runs, with a strong focus on their movement patterns, biomechanics and overall running form. 

It’s a lot like working on your shooting form in basketball or improving your brush stroke when painting. 

The primary purpose behind a running gait analysis is to identify inefficiencies, imbalances, abnormalities or issues that could contribute to future injuries, elicit existing pain or limit performance while running. 

In other words, it’s our way of helping you run smarter — not harder. 

And it could be the thing keeping you from running like Forrest Gump. 

At the end of the day, running isn’t just about pushing through pain or logging mile after mile. It’s about moving efficiently, staying injury-free, getting a workout and enjoying the process every step of the way.

What Can You Learn From a Gait Analysis? 

While there are literally dozens of unique measurements your physical therapist can look at while studying your stride, there are some that get more attention than others — including the following: 

1. Foot Strike — this refers to the part of your foot that makes initial contact with the ground while running. A gait analysis helps identify whether you strike with your heel, midfoot, or forefoot.

2. Pronation — this refers to the natural inward roll of your foot after it lands, which is normal to an extent. A gait analysis helps pinpoint if you overpronate and what adjustments might correct it.

3. Supination — this is the opposite of pronation and refers to the natural outward roll of your foot after it lands. Excessive supination can lead to ankle instability and a higher risk of injury. 

4. Cadence — this refers to the number of steps you take per minute while running. Having a low cadence could mean you’re overstriding, while having a high cadence could be tiring you out.

5. Muscle Imbalances — any type of imbalance in muscle strength or flexibility can alter your gait and put excess strain on specific areas of the body, so it’s important to detect and address them.

6. Posture — good posture is critical for running efficiently and avoiding strain on the body. A gait analysis evaluates your head position, torso alignment, and arm movement while running. 

With that said, there are a variety of different ways to perform a gait analysis. What used to be confined to an eye test can now be performed with the help of advanced technology and never-before-used data. 

Video cameras, motion detectors, sensors, electrodes, infrared markers — the possibilities are endless.

What Happens After a Gait Analysis? 

You just completed your first ever running gait analysis with your Park Slope, Brooklyn physical therapist. 

So, what’s next? 

A gait analysis is much more than just an opportunity to observe. It’s an opportunity to analyze the data, put that data to use and find ways to improve your running form — which will directly improve your times.

By the end of your assessment, the goal is to have a deeper understanding of how your body moves. 

That way, we know what it needs in order to function properly. 

Based on the findings, your Park Slope, Brooklyn physical therapist will design a customized treatment plan to address your specific needs and ensure you’re running as efficiently and safely as possible. 

That could mean changing the types of shoes you wear to adding a few exercises to your weekly routine.

Step Into the Future With PhysioRX — Contact Us Today!

Are you a runner who’s always looking for new ways to improve? Are you unhappy with your recent times? Do you experience pain when you run? Does running feel like too much of a task for you? 

If you answered ‘yes’ to any of those questions, then you can benefit from a running gait analysis. 

Don’t worry, PhysioRX is here and we can help you get the most out of your passion for running.

Whether you’re training for the upcoming Brooklyn Marathon or want to prevent injury while running through Prospect Park, our highly-trained physical therapists will be with you every step of the way.

‍Please don’t hesitate to call or text us today to book a free consultation — we can’t wait to meet you!