Why is Gait Evaluation Important?

If you’ve ever bought a pair of custom-fit running shoes, someone at the store probably monitored your running style on a treadmill to find the right kind of shoe for you. Many people think of gait evaluation in this way, but the reality is, gait evaluation monitors so much more.

At Armor Physical Therapy, our physical therapists perform gait evaluation that monitors the movement patterns of all parts of your body used while running, including:

• Legs
• Ankles
• Knees
• Hips
• Feet

Analyzing the movement of these areas can certainly help you find the correct footwear you need but will also help your physical therapist develop a training plan personalized to your needs.

Who needs gait evaluation?

People who plan on adding running to their exercise routine could benefit from gait evaluation, especially new runners who need help developing proper technique.

Seasoned runners can benefit from gait evaluation too because it helps physical therapists develop a training plan that can help you reach that next level of performance you need for your next marathon.

Other athletes that can benefit from gait evaluation include:

• Football players
• Baseball players
• Basketball players
• Tennis players
• Soccer players and more

You don’t need to be a professional to benefit from gait evaluation. Athletes of all levels can improve their game and avoid injury with the assistance of gait evaluation and physical therapy.

How does gait evaluation work?

During your gait evaluation, your physical therapist will examine your entire body, especially the muscles and joints used while running. Then, you will be asked to run on a treadmill while state-of-the-art motion tracking technology monitors and analyzes your movement.

This analysis will reveal how you strike the ground and roll your foot while running. Your physical therapist will be able to identify muscles, joints and ligaments that may be underperforming and develop a training plan to strengthen and stretch these areas an improve your overall gait.

Gait evaluation at Armor Physical Therapy

Whether you’re healing from an injury or looking to improve your running ability and prevent an injury, gait analysis can benefit you. At Armor Physical Therapy, we offer gait evaluation and much more.

Are you a runner or an athlete looking to develop a personalized training plan to help improve your strength and flexibility? Contact us today to schedule an appointment for gait evaluation and personal training.