Gait Analysis Colchester, Essex
Running gait analysis is a form of assessment that analyses the way a person chooses to run. It is important to understand that there are many styles of running used by individuals and these styles are found at both elite and social levels. Our physiotherapists can help you with gait analysis in Colchester, from the comfort of our clinic, and tailored to your specific needs.
Gait analysis can be very useful in identifying what parts of an individual's running style may be causing tissue overload and injury. Exercises or orthotics can then be prescribed to remedy issues that runners may be having when running without having to make any significant change in their style.
Running Analysis in Colchester, Essex
Are you looking for comprehensive running analysis in Colchester? Here at Colchester Physiotherapy, Our experienced and professional team is on hand to analyse your running patterns and offer your expert advice which can help maintain good form and avoid injury.
Running analysis is beneficial in improving the efficiency of a person’s running gait, allowing you to run freely without the fear of injury. Speak to one of our therapists to find out how we can help increase your running speed, master your technique and improve your endurance.
At Colchester Physiotherapy and Sports Injury Clinic, we use the latest technology to complete a slow motion running analysis to identify characteristics of running gait.
Common characteristics of running gait that are considered during observation are:
Stride length
Stride width
Propulsion angle
Femoral control
Hip extension
Pronation control
Heel strike
Eccentric control
Trunk and arm movement
The Process of a Running Gait Analysis
Here at Colchester Physiotherapy, our professional and experienced team are able to conduct a thorough and in-depth running gait analysis to ensure you can enjoy your running safely and efficiently.
How do I book Gait or running analysis at Colchester Physiotherapy and Sports Injury Clinic?
Booking running or gait analysis with us is simple. Just book an initial physiotherapy appointment either online via our website, or call us on 01206 579631 to make an appointment. Once your appointment is booked you will receive a registration form asking for further details, under the section “Details of Problem ” type in that you would like running or gait analysis.
Current cost of running/gait analysis appointment is £58.00
What to bring with you for your appointment?
Please bring your running/walking shoes, shorts and a shirt to wear on the treadmill. If you have recently purchased new running/walking shoes please bring both the new and old pairs of running shoes with you.
What to expect during the session and how long will it take?
Typically the session will take between 30-40 minutes. During the session we will initially ask you questions about the reasons you would like your running analysed, any problems you may be currently having, and if you are having problems how your symptoms are behaving. We will also screen you for any potential pathology that may require scans or further investigations. If you do have any issues that are of concern we can refer you privately for certain types of scans or write to your GP and ask them to refer you.
Once we have examined you we will allow you to familiarise yourself with our treadmill and then begin videoing you to assess your running or walking gait.
Using slow motion analysis we will identify any potential problems or inefficiencies in your running style which could be contributing to current problems or have the potential to overload tissue and cause injury in the future. We will then discuss these issues with you and provide you with exercises and advice on running cues that may help you address the issues that we identified.
The exercises we discuss will be made available to you via our track active app or as a PDF document sent via email. We can also video the exercises on your phone if you would prefer.
In some cases where clients have pain when running and we think an inner sole or a temporary orthotic will be helpful in settling your symptoms we can provide you with an orthotic for an additional cost of £35.50, this can usually be issued on the day of your running analysis.
On the few occasions where problems are more complex and we think further physiotherapy or certain types of treatment would benefit we will advise you with regard to the type of treatment we would recommend and will arrange further appointments for you if needed. In these cases you may like to consider purchasing our runners package which includes your running analysis appointment and two extra physiotherapy or sports massage at a discounted rate of £140.
Understanding the types of pronation
Pronation refers to how your foot rolls inwards as it hits the floor whilst you are moving. It is part of the natural movement of the human body whilst running but differs from person to person. As your foot hits the ground, it naturally rolls inwards to absorb the shock.
Understanding your pronation is important to find the correct running shoe or exercise programme to protect you from injury.
There are three types of pronation:
Overpronation
Underpronation
Neutral
Overpronation
Overpronation is the most common type of pronation amongst runners. This is when your foot lands and rolls inwards much faster than it should, pushing more pressure onto the inside of your foot and making the arch of your foot more likely to collapse and less efficient in absorbing shock.
Underpronation
Underpronation, or supination, is when your foot rolls outwards when connecting with the floor pushing all of the stress onto the outside of your foot and your smaller toes preventing an even distribution of force through the foot. Under pronation / Supination overloads lateral structures of the foot and stretches medial structures.
Neutral
A neutral pronation is ideal in runners. This is when the movement in your feet and ankles is well controlled. A neutral pronation equally shares the stress and impact whilst running, leading to less chance of injuries and pain whilst running.
Is over and under pronation always bad?
It is important to note that the body is quite capable of adapting to the types of pronation that can occur in the foot and often many runners who over or under pronate can still be very successful. Over or under pronation is really only an issue if the problem or injury you have can be related to the loading that is being caused by the type of pronation you have.
Running analysis can be a very good way of identifying whether pronation is contributing to your injury and allow for appropriate exercises or orthotics to be prescribed which can help fix any issues you may be having.
“I came for physio after suffering knee pain after running. Craig carefully assessed my running position and helped to realign my positioning, while strengthening the affected area with targeted exercises.
Craig explained the reasoning behind my discomfort and how the exercises would help, which really aided my understanding of what I was doing and why. I’m glad to say that I’m now back out running without discomfort."
Camilla - 2 September 2019
"I visited Craig in November after experiencing pain in my ankle from running. I wanted to try to run a half marathon distance but was struggling to get over 4 miles without pain. Craig assessed me over two appointments and watched me running where he advised me on my running shoes and gave me exercises to strengthen not only my ankles but my legs as well, to prepare me for longer distance running.
In January I ran 7.5 miles pain free and am on my way to the half marathon. I can't thank Craig enough for the advice and encouragement
Phoebe - 24 January 2019
FAQ's
What is a running gait analysis?
A running gait analysis is a professional assessment of your running style. This analysis can help to make your running more efficient and reduce your risk of injury and pain. Our team of experts are well equipped to help with the whole process, so get in touch today.
How do I find out my pronation type?
To find your pronation, it's best to get an expert’s opinion, so they can fully evaluate you running gait. Book an appointment with Colchester Physiotherapy to find out your pronation type and how you can improve the efficiency of your running.
Do I need a running gait analysis?
Here at Colchester Physiotherapy, we would recommend a running gait analysis to everyone who is active and considers themselves to be a runner, whether as a hobby or a profession. A running gait analysis is designed and suited to runners of all abilities.
How often should I get a gait analysis?
Running gait analysis is not something that has to repeated regularly unless you are specifically trying to correct something in your running style or have recently changed your running style or running shoe type.
Generally if you are enjoying your running and are injury free after having running analysis there is no need to have further assessment
MEET THE TEAM
Craig Fowlie
Senior Physiotherapist with a Masters Degree in
Sports & Exercise Medicine
Jane Marr
Senior Physiotherapist with a Masters Degree in
Neuromusculoskeletal Physiotherapy
Amy Eade
Senior Physiotherapist
Cancer Care Specialist
Kath Birks
Sports Massage Therapist
Carl Green
Senior Physiotherapist
Specialist Musculoskeletal
