Gait Analysis in South Calgary: What You Need to Know

Gait Analysis in South Calgary: What You Need to Know

Gait Analysis designates a systematic study of animal locomotion, more specifically the study of human motion, with the help of eye observation and the utilization of instruments that measure body movements, body mechanics, and the activity of the muscles. By closely observing an individual's walking and running patterns, gait analysis can provide a wealth of information about how the body is functioning, and help guide personalized treatment plans.

Unlocking the Basics of Gait Analysis

While it may seem simple, the act of walking involves a complex combination of body movements involving various body parts including the feet, legs, hips, spine, and arms. A gait analysis looks for deviations from the normal walking or running pattern, known as gait abnormalities. These deviations can be a result of injuries, diseases, or structural anomalies and can often result in inefficient movement or increased wear and tear on the body, potentially leading to pain or further injury over time.

Understanding the Importance of Gait Analysis

Gait analysis has a wide range of applications in various fields, including sports science, orthopedics, neurology, and more. In a clinical setting, gait analysis is most commonly used to help patients recover from injury and to prevent future injuries. It can be a crucial tool for physiotherapists, enabling them to diagnose, plan treatment, and monitor progress for conditions that affect movement.

Gait analysis can help identify problems such as overpronation (where the foot rolls inward too much during walking or running) or oversupination (where the foot rolls outward too much). These issues can lead to other problems in the body, causing pain and discomfort in places like the knees, hips, and back. By identifying these issues, a tailored treatment plan can be designed to help alleviate symptoms and improve mobility.

Gait Analysis Process at Versa Movement Collective in South Calgary

At Versa Movement Collective, our gait analysis begins with a thorough physical examination and a comprehensive review of your medical history. We consider various factors like age, condition, and lifestyle. Our primary focus is on your safety and comfort throughout the process. We take into consideration any pain or discomfort you may be experiencing during walking or running.

Following the physical evaluation, the actual gait analysis takes place. This involves observing you walk or run, often on a treadmill, while we monitor different aspects of your gait. We utilize high-tech video equipment to record your gait, which allows us to slow down, pause, and review every phase of your gait in detail.

Key Findings and Recommendations

Upon the completion of the analysis, specialists will carefully assess the data collected. The findings of your gait analysis can reveal intricate details about your walking or running patterns, body alignment, stride rate, stride length, and more. It also helps in identifying joint imbalances, leg length discrepancies, and stance abnormalities.

Based on the findings, we at Versa Movement Collective design a personalized treatment plan. The plan could encompass a variety of therapeutic interventions including physiotherapy, strength and conditioning exercises, and possibly shoe recommendations or custom orthotics, all aimed at correcting your gait abnormalities, reducing pain, and improving your overall movement efficiency.

How Can Gait Analysis Benefit You?

Gait analysis is a significant tool for individuals dealing with chronic pain or recurrent injuries, athletes striving to improve performance, or simply for those who wish to move more efficiently and prevent future injuries.

Ready to Understand Your Movement Better?

Gait analysis is a valuable tool that provides insights into a person’s locomotion and uncovers potential issues that could lead to injury or inefficient movement. At Versa Movement Collective, we strive to understand the unique needs of each patient and provide personalized, comprehensive care.

If you're experiencing chronic pain, suffer from recurrent injuries, or want to improve your movement efficiency, consider booking a gait analysis with us. Our expert team is ready to guide you through the process and help you on your journey to better movement and higher quality of life. Don’t wait until a minor nagging issue becomes a major problem. Contact us today to schedule an appointment. Move better, live better with Versa Movement Collective.