Experiencing aches and pains when walking, jogging, or running is expected. But sometimes, they affect the quality of life, keeping people from performing activities to their full potential.
While some people go for morning or evening walks or stroll around parks to enjoy nature, others jog or run to stay fit. Many often experience plenty of lower body issues without realizing the cause.
3D walking and running gait analysis in NYC or elsewhere is advisable for those who experience lower back pain, ankle/foot pain, knee pain, or hip pain while walking and running. It is extremely beneficial for athletes, people who train for marathons, and those who walk, jog, or run long distances almost every day.
But what is 3D walking or running gait analysis?
Practice makes perfect, but not in the case of walking, jogging, and running. As surprising as it may sound, people often develop faulty movement patterns or imbalances over time that cause wear and tear on tendons, muscles, and joints, increasing the risk of injury. With gait analysis, identifying biomechanical abnormalities in the walking and running gait cycle becomes easy.
Using gait analysis, athletes, runners, and people with active lifestyles can identify inactive or overactive muscles, observe strained postures and body imbalances, and assess the way they walk or run. This way, they can improve their performance and reduce the risk of injury.
How does 3D walking or running gait analysis work?
Unlike traditional assessment methods, 3D gait analysis makes it easier to identify minor abnormalities in the gate and measure the body’s rotational movements. Therapists observe individuals when they walk and run on treadmills for a few minutes during gait analysis. They also take photos and videos with their permission to help them identify abnormalities in their gait.
Therapists observe the alignment of the ankle, knee, and hip joints—for instance, the foot or knee drops inwards while walking or running. After video-based analysis, they discuss their findings and create plans to correct abnormalities. They also recommend changing running shoes or strengthening ankle, knee, or hip muscles with lower-body exercises.
How does 3D walking or running gait analysis benefit athletes and runners?
Running-related injuries are no strangers to runners and athletes. Most people overlook the warning signs of pain while walking, jogging, and running and struggle with aches and pains later. 3D walking and running gait analysis in NYC and elsewhere provide individuals with the tools required to run better and faster and reduce the chances of sustaining injuries.
What do physical therapists observe during a gait analysis?
Therapists break down an individual’s running movements and positions from head to toe. Read on:
Head - Do they lean their head off to one side or reach forward while running? Do they lose their balance with specific head movements?
Shoulders - Does their trunk lean off to the side, or do they hunch their shoulders by their ears?
Pelvis and hip - How straight is their posture?
Knees - Do they lift their knees high enough while running? Also, whether or not their knees knock together or tun in.
Feet - Do their feet cross over each other, and what part of the foot do they land on?
Should you consider 3D gait analysis?
If you struggle with pain in your ankles, knees, and hips, consider gait analysis to identify abnormalities and choose a prehab program to fix them and improve your performance, especially if you are training for activities or sports. After gait analysis, your therapists will ensure you run with proper techniques and don’t struggle with unwanted injuries. Depending on the issues you are experiencing, your therapists may recommend running shoes, daily stretching and exercises, and physiotherapy.
Look for 3D walking and running gait analysis in NYC now!
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