Run With Confidence
Total confession to make… We (Renee and I) absolutely love watching people walk (and RUN). It’s not as weird as it sounds… I promise!
Our bodies are incredible at adapting. Just think about it, we easily go from walking in our driveway (hard surface) to walking in our yards (changing/uneven surfaces) without giving it a second thought and although we are not consciously thinking about it, our body is making adjustments and adapting to those changes. Over time we find our “stride” and walk in a way that’s comfortable for us without thinking about it…
Which muscles are working?
Are your toes turned out? In? Pointed forward?
Are your hips slightly bent?
What are your arms doing?
Is your stride equal?
It’s fascinating! I know, I’m geeking out over here just writing about it!
Although we don’t necessarily think about how we walk or run, it is important to have some awareness of what is going on. One of the services we offer at Shift Physical Therapy and Wellness is a Running Gait Analysis.
A Running Gait Analysis is a great tool for both the veteran and beginner runner. A Running Gait Analysis can help to:
Minimize risk of injury
Improve running efficiency
Improve running performance
At Shift PT we perform an extensive review of your running gait by filming you running on a treadmill. We take 30 second clips of your run from 4 different views: Back, Right Side, Left Side, and Front.
Following the filming, we review the video looking at a variety of factors including your body movement from head-to-toe. This takes in to account how the other parts of your body, such as the knees, arms and hips, are moving. We also look at the total number of steps you take in 1 minute (known as your cadence).
Based on the finding of the gait analysis we put together a plan that is right for you. This might include Physical Therapy, Fitness Coaching, a stretching program, or simply basic education. There are some instances where the gait pattern looks fabulous and no intervention is needed. Either way, completing a running gait analysis allows you to run with confidence.
Reach out if you are interested in a Running Gait Analysis. You can reach us by phone, email, or through social media! Now is YOUR time to Make the SHIFT!
Written by: Jackie Giese, Physical Therapist Assistant and Running Gait Enthusiast!
