Running Form Analysis: The Physio Guide to Gait Analysis
Breaking Through Plateaus or Sidelined by Injuries? Here’s How Your Stride Can Help
You’re a runner. You might be grinding miles to crush a marathon PB or logging weekend loops to stay fit and strong. Or maybe you just want to move and walk around without pain. No matter why you run, form is key-and we’ve got the details.
If you’ve been struggling with nagging aches and pains, feeling “off” in your stride, or hitting a frustrating plateau, here’s the secret: even small inefficiencies and weaknesses in your gait and running form can add up. Over time, you’ll slow down, start to hurt, and eventually break down. This is true for competitive athletes and weekend warriors alike.
Axis Therapy & Performance is all about helping runners of all levels in the GTA move better, recover faster, and perform at their best. Gait and running form analysis is one of the most valuable tools in our expert physiotherapy toolkit.
What is Gait and Running Form Analysis (and Why Should You Care)?
Gait and running form analysis is a comprehensive evaluation of your running mechanics. Beyond just looking at you on a treadmill, we break down your stride cycle by stride cycle, from foot strike to hip drive and more. We identify subtle form patterns and imbalances that could be impacting your efficiency, comfort, and risk of injury.
Why you should care:
- Pinpoints inefficient or injury-prone movement patterns
- Helps identify the root cause of pain and recurring injuries
- Targets areas for improvement to help you run more efficiently with less wasted effort
- Guides the development of your treatment and training program
What to Expect from a Gait Analysis at Axis Therapy & Performance
1. Conversation
We start by getting to know you. We take time to understand your personal training and injury history, your goals, and what you hope to achieve. (We also get a bit nosy to make sure we don’t miss any clues!) Do you run sprints, long distance, or a mix? Are you training for a race, or just looking to move better in your daily life? This will all inform the specifics of your gait and running analysis.
2. Video and Movement Assessment
We’ll capture your running stride on video, from multiple angles and at various speeds and with specific cues. We’ll evaluate:
- Foot strike (heel, midfoot, forefoot)
- Cadence (steps per minute)
- Stride length and symmetry
- Hip, knee and ankle joint alignment
- Arm swing and trunk rotation
3. Functional Strength & Mobility Testing
Of course, your running form doesn’t happen in a vacuum. It’s related to your strength, flexibility, and motor control in areas like your hips, core, glutes, and ankles. We’ll test and evaluate these areas.
4. Breakdown and Analysis
We’ll sit down with you and go over the footage. You’ll see first-hand how your running form is impacting your performance and injury risk. We’ll discuss and highlight areas that need improvement, and answer all your questions.
How Gait and Running Form Analysis Helps You Run Better
1. Customized Exercise and Rehabilitation Program
No more one-size-fits-all physio plans. We’ll design a program just for you to address the imbalances and weaknesses we identify in your gait analysis. This may include:
- Glute activation and firing
- Hip strength and mobility
- Core stability
- Strength and flexibility in your ankles
- Running form drills and cues
2. Running Form Retraining
There’s no substitute for seeing yourself in action and getting direct feedback on how to improve your stride. We’ll work with you on targeted drills and cues to refine your form. From simple things like cadence, posture, and arm swing to more advanced running form drills-these small adjustments can go a long way to improving your efficiency and comfort.
3. Injury Prevention and Performance Enhancement
We always take a whole-person approach to care. Instead of just treating the pain, we’ll help you address the source of your issues to avoid injury flare-ups in the future. You’ll find yourself running stronger and faster, with less effort and recovery time in between.
Example: Toronto Runner Overcomes Chronic Pain and Sets PB
Priya, a Toronto-based marathoner, had been battling chronic IT band pain for months and couldn’t run faster than 4:30min/km pace without feeling sore. A gait analysis revealed she had an overstriding pattern and her glutes were not activating when she ran. With targeted glute strengthening and running form retraining drills from Axis Therapy & Performance, Priya was able to ditch the pain-and smash her PB!
Why Axis Therapy & Performance for Gait and Running Form Analysis?
- Integrated Care: Physio, chiro, massage, performance training at every location across the GTA.
- Skilled, Human Therapists: Every Axis physical therapist completes a rigorous 3-month in-house training program. That’s why you’ll receive expert care at every location, every time.
- Performance-Driven, Not Cookie-Cutter: We create a plan that’s specific to your goals, sport and lifestyle.
- Collaborative, Empowering Approach: We’ll teach you to understand your body, prevent future injuries, and take control of your care for the long-term.
- Long-Term Focus: We’re in the business of helping you stay moving, not just treating individual flare-ups.
Ready to Run Smarter? Book Your Gait and Running Form Analysis in Toronto & GTA
Don’t let pain, plateaus, or frustration slow you down. Axis Therapy & Performance will help you recover, move better, and perform at your highest level-with expert care and real human connection.
Come visit us at any of our locations across the GTA:
Scarborough, Riverdale, Downtown Toronto, Mimico, Mississauga, and Markham (opening soon!)
Book online or call your nearest Axis clinic to get started today.
Let’s unlock your best stride, together.
Axis Therapy & Performance
Expert physical therapy powered by human connection.
