Running & Gait Analysis
Helping athletes, runners, and individuals improve their performance and reduce injury risk.
At MHP Therapy in London, Ontario, we provide expert running and gait analysis to help athletes, runners, and individuals improve their performance and reduce injury risk. Whether you’re training for a marathon, working on improving your running form, or recovering from an injury, our running and gait analysis services give you the tools and insights you need to move better and safer.
What is Running and Gait Analysis?
Running and gait analysis involves a comprehensive assessment of how your body moves when you walk or run. By examining your biomechanics, we identify any abnormalities or imbalances in your movement that could contribute to injury or limit your performance. With this detailed information, we can help you correct your form, improve your efficiency, and avoid long-term issues.
At MHP Therapy, our running and gait analysis involves:
- Video analysis of your running or walking form
- Assessment of foot strike patterns
- Examination of joint movements (ankles, knees, hips)
- Muscle function evaluation to check for weaknesses or imbalances
- Footwear recommendations for proper support and alignment
This process helps us pinpoint any issues and create a customized plan to correct them, helping you move more efficiently and prevent injuries.
Who Can Benefit from Running and Gait Analysis?
Anyone who runs or engages in regular physical activity involving walking or running can benefit from a professional gait analysis. Some key groups who may find it particularly helpful include:
New runners or walkers: Start off with the right form to prevent problems down the line.
Runners and athletes: Improve running form, prevent injury, and enhance performance.
Individuals with recurring injuries: Identify movement patterns contributing to ongoing pain or injuries like shin splints, IT band syndrome, or plantar fasciitis.
People recovering from injury: Ensure your body is moving properly after an injury, reducing the risk of future complications.
Those with chronic pain: Correct walking or running patterns that may be causing or exacerbating pain in the feet, knees, hips, or lower back.
How Does Running and Gait Analysis Work?
At MHP Therapy, we use a detailed, step-by-step process to ensure a thorough understanding of your unique biomechanics.
1. Initial Consultation
We begin with a consultation to understand your specific goals, concerns, and any history of injuries or pain. This helps us tailor the analysis to your needs.
2. Video-Based Gait Assessment
Using advanced video technology, we capture and analyze your running or walking form from multiple angles. This allows us to see how your body moves in real-time and slow motion, highlighting any inefficiencies or abnormalities in your stride, foot strike, and posture.
3. Biomechanical Evaluation
We assess the alignment of your hips, knees, ankles, and feet to determine if any imbalances are affecting your movement. This includes looking at your muscle strength, flexibility, and joint mobility, as well as examining your foot strike and gait pattern.
4. Customized Recommendations
Once we’ve identified areas of improvement, we provide detailed feedback and create a customized plan for you. This could include:
- Strengthening exercises to target weak muscles
- Stretching routines to improve flexibility and mobility
- Form correction techniques to optimize your gait
- Footwear or orthotic recommendations to support proper alignment
5. Follow-Up Sessions
For those aiming to improve performance or recover from an injury, follow-up sessions are available to monitor your progress and adjust your treatment plan as needed. We can track improvements and make sure your running or walking form continues to improve.
Common Injuries Addressed by Gait Analysis
Running and gait analysis can help identify and prevent a wide range of common injuries, including:
- Shin splints
- Plantar fasciitis
- Achilles tendonitis
- Knee pain (Runner’s knee)
- Hip pain
- IT band syndrome
- Lower back pain
By correcting movement patterns and addressing muscle imbalances, we can help you recover faster and prevent these injuries from recurring.
Meet Our Running Biomechanical Team
Improve Your Performance and Prevent Injury Today!
Whether you’re a seasoned runner or someone dealing with chronic pain, our running and gait analysis services can help you move more efficiently and reduce the risk of injury. Contact MHP Therapy in London, Ontario today to book your gait analysis appointment.