No. Some runners book because of pain or a recurring injury, while others want feedback on their running style or help preparing for an event.
Running Gait Analysis in Huddersfield
Running gait analysis uses video to examine the way you move while running. It can help us explore whether aspects of your strength, movement, training or running style may be relevant to an injury or running goal.
I’m David, a Chartered Physiotherapist and regular runner with over 20 years’ clinical experience and a runner for more than 15 years. I understand how frustrating it can be when pain interrupts your training and how confusing running advice can sometimes become.
My approach is not based on trying to create a “perfect” running style. Your assessment considers you as an individual, including your symptoms, training history, physical capacity and personal goals.
What is running gait analysis?
During a gait-analysis appointment, a physical assessment as well as video recordings are taken while you run on a treadmill.
The footage can be slowed down and reviewed to help assess features such as:
- Running posture
- Step rate
- Foot placement
- Pelvic and trunk movement
- Knee and hip control
- Differences between the left and right sides
The video forms one part of a wider physiotherapy assessment. It should not be used in isolation to diagnose an injury.
Who is gait analysis suitable for?
Running gait analysis may be helpful if you:
- Have a recurring running injury
- Develop pain when your mileage increases
- Are returning to running following injury
- Want to improve your confidence or running efficiency
- Are beginning running for the first time
- Are preparing for a particular event
- Have struggled to progress your training
- Would like professional feedback on your running style
It is suitable for runners of all abilities, from Couch to 5K beginners to experienced club runners and marathon participants.
What happens during an appointment?
Your 90-minute appointment begins with a discussion about:
- Your current symptoms
- Your weekly running mileage
- Recent changes in training
- Running pace and terrain
- Previous injuries
- Footwear
- Strength training
- Upcoming races and personal goals
A physical assessment will then look at relevant movement, strength, flexibility and balance.
After an appropriate warm-up, you will run on the treadmill while video is recorded from several angles. You do not need to run particularly fast or for a long period.
We will review the footage together and discuss any findings that appear relevant.
You will receive practical recommendations, which may include:
- An individual strengthening programme
- Changes to your training schedule
- A gradual return-to-running plan
- Running drills
- Small adjustments to running technique
- Advice about managing mileage and intensity
- General footwear guidance where appropriate
Potential benefits of gait analysis
- Better understand your running movement
- Identify potentially relevant strength or movement factors
- Make sensible rather than wholesale changes to your technique
- Plan a safer return after injury
- Manage training more effectively
- Build confidence in your running
The purpose is not to criticise your running style. Most runners do many things well, and changes are recommended only when there is a clear reason for making them.
Frequently asked questions
Do I need to be injured?
What should I bring?
Please bring:
- Your usual running shoes
- Any alternative shoes you regularly use
- Shorts or close-fitting running leggings
- A suitable running top
- Details of your recent training, if available (normally found on your garmin or strava apps)
Do I need to be an experienced runner?
No. Gait analysis can be just as useful for a new runner as for someone training regularly or competing.
Will you tell me which running shoes to buy?
I can offer general footwear guidance where appropriate, but the assessment is not designed to sell or prescribe a particular brand of shoe.
Comfort is usually the important consideration when choosing running footwear.
Will changing my running style prevent injury?
No running technique can guarantee that you will remain injury-free. Injury risk is influenced by many factors, including training load, recovery, strength, previous injury and general health.
Any technique changes will therefore be small, individual and introduced gradually.
Can I attend if running is currently painful?
This depends on the severity of your symptoms. The treadmill portion can be shortened or adapted, and a physical assessment may still provide useful information.
If you are unsure, contact me before booking.