Gait Analysis

Gait analysis is an important tool that we use in determining the factors influencing a patient’s injury presentation.

At Healthcare on Collins gait analysis are conducted for a number of reasons. Primarily to help to determine the cause of an injury but also to improve walking and running efficiency or simply to determine what may be the most appropriate type of footwear you purchase.

We may ask you to bring in shorts, T-shirts and your runners for your assessment session. A video recording of you walking and running on a treadmill is often made. The video is then used to examine your technique and, from this, some of the factors that influence your injury can be assessed. The gait can then be further broken down into two phases – the swing and stance phases and the video will help to ‘slow down’ your action to see what, if any, abnormalities are present in each. Your Therapist will then assess the range, strength, endurance and functional capabilities of your lower limb muscles and joints by performing specific tests. Changes to your technique and exercise program can then be recommended and advice on the appropriate footwear can also be given.

Gait analysis is only one of the many tools that an experienced Podiatrist or Physiotherapist may use in determining the factors influencing a patient’s condition. It is well accepted that running technique can falter as we fatigue. Consequently, a good idea is to actually go for a run on the day of assessment should your symptoms allow. Your Therapist will get more information from your tired legs!

Another good idea is to bring in your OLD runners. Again, your Therapist can get a lot of information from them simply by looking at the wear patterns.

If you have been troubled by a niggling injury when you run or walk and it just going away, book in to see an experienced Podiatrists or Physiotherapists by ringing (03) 9650 4284 or book here.