Running Analysis and Advanced Physical Therapy Treatment for Running Injuries

Running is a popular sport that offers numerous benefits including improved fitness and cardiovascular health, personal satisfaction, and a sense of community. It’s also a high impact activity that repeatedly applies forces to the body. Overuse injuries of the lower body are common in runners.

Some of the more common running injuries we see include:

• • Hip pain
  • Knee injuries, with anterior knee injuries being extremely common
  • Runner’s knee, which is associated with over striding
  • Stress fractures
  • Foot conditions like overpronation, Achilles tendonitis, and plantar fasciitis

Running analysis is used to better understand a runner’s gait, cadence, foot-strike, and injury potential so that we can intervene and prevent potential running injuries. If you’ve already been injured, running analysis is an essential tool in your rehabilitation. Running analysis is also a helpful tool in improving sports performance.

A Few Tips to Reduce the Likelihood of Running Injuries

• • Cross train — Running is great, but if you’re just starting out, you’ll want to alternate it with other activities such as swimming or weight training. This gives your joints a rest while also helping to build your endurance. Strength training should become a regular part of your fitness regimen as it strengthens your core, improves flexibility, and helps with coordination.
  • Pay attention to your feet — Running shoes are this sports’ main equipment. A good pair will serve you well while a bad fit or poor choice could cause harm, so don’t skimp here. If you notice new pain in your feet (whether with your old or new shoes), pay attention! Stress to the feet can be cumulative, leading to pain or even fractures.
  • Schedule a running analysis by a physical therapist — Like you, we’d rather prevent injuries than encounter them. Running analysis is a simple test where you’ll be observed and filmed running on a treadmill. A physical therapist will analyze your gait using sophisticated software that helps us to identify improper form, areas of misalignment, muscle weakness, and other issues that could cause pain or injury.

How can Diablo Sports Performance help You?

Diablo Physical Therapy and Sports Medicine’s physical therapists specialize in sports medicine and performance. We enjoy sports as much as our clients do, and we care deeply about health and safety. Our goal is to help you get back on the track efficiently and with the proper technique.

Using gait analysis software, our physical therapists evaluate your form while you’re running on a treadmill as well as perform a software-based video analysis. The physical therapist will advise you on the appropriate next steps based on the results as well as recommend the best shoe type for your specific gait.

Want to be sure you’re running properly? Schedule a running analysis where you can learn more about:

• • Your stride, cadence, foot-strike, and form
  • Proper running technique for your body
  • Exercises and stretches to help improve your running form
  • Preventing future running injuries
  • Running shoe recommendations

We want to help you avoid running injuries.

FAQs about Running Analysis

I did a gait analysis at the running shoe store. Is that good enough?

Though the process is similar, a running analysis conducted by a physical therapist is different than one conducted by a shoe salesperson. Both are helpful, and we encourage you to invest in the best footwear for your body, but we analyze your gait from both a sports performance and a medical perspective. These evaluations help us to identify areas of your body that could be contributing to pain or injuries. If you have old or existing injuries, a running analysis helps us to diagnose the cause and develop a treatment plan.

I’m not injured and enjoy running but am not a competitive runner or anything like that. Should I get a running analysis?

Running analysis isn’t just for the injured or elite athletes. All runners, of all abilities, can benefit from this evaluation. It’s a fantastic tool in improving sports performance and preventing common running injuries.

Will my insurance pay for a gait analysis?

Many health plans do cover gait analysis, making it a good idea to check with your insurance carrier. Some may require a referral from your doctor as well.

What should I wear for my running analysis?

Wear comfortable, well-fitted athletic attire and your running shoes.

What does a running analysis session include?

It includes time on the treadmill, during which your gait will be observed, recorded, and analyzed. The physical therapist will then provide you with detailed recommendations and an action plan.

What exactly are you looking at while I run on the treadmill?

We’re looking, from multiple angles, at all aspects of your gait from stride, cadence, foot-strike, and overall form to joint angles. We’re also evaluating the mobility and range of motion of your hips, knees, and ankles; their stability; and the strength and output of your muscles.