Peak Motion Performance Physiotherapy
Gait Analysis
Improve Walking and Running
Identify Movement Imbalances
Gait Analysis is a detailed assessment of how you walk and run, identifying movement inefficiencies, imbalances, or abnormalities that may contribute to pain or injury. Using expert observation and video feedback, we analyze joint motion, posture, and muscle activation. This allows us to create a personalized treatment plan to improve mechanics, enhance performance, and prevent future injuries—whether you’re recovering, training, or just trying to move better every day.
What is gait analysis, and why is it useful?
Gait analysis is a detailed evaluation of how you walk or run — looking closely at joint angles, stride mechanics, muscle activation, and force distribution. At Peak Motion Performance Physiotherapy, we use video and movement-based assessment to understand how your body moves in motion and identify inefficiencies, compensations, or patterns that could contribute to pain or limit performance. It’s especially helpful for runners and active individuals who want to move with more efficiency, less strain, and greater longevity.
Who should consider a gait analysis?
This service is ideal for:
• Runners with recurring injuries like shin splints, IT band pain, or plantar fasciitis
• Athletes who want to improve speed, efficiency, or form
• Individuals with hip, knee, or ankle pain during or after walking/running
• Anyone recovering from a lower-body injury and returning to activity
• People with balance issues or uneven wear on their shoes
You don’t need to be a high-mileage runner — if you walk, jog, or move regularly and something feels off, gait analysis can provide clarity and direction.
What happens during a gait analysis?
We start with a full movement assessment, including strength, mobility, and posture screens. Then we observe your walk or run from multiple angles, typically using video capture for frame-by-frame review. We assess stride length, foot strike, cadence, joint angles, and compensations like overstriding, pelvic drop, or trunk sway. From there, we identify the key contributors to any pain or inefficiency and build a plan to address them.
Is this only for injured runners?
Not at all. Gait analysis is just as valuable for runners looking to prevent injury, optimize form, or increase performance. Small changes to stride mechanics, cadence, or posture can lead to big improvements in speed, endurance, and joint load. Whether you’re rehabbing or building, understanding how you move is key to progressing safely.
What does a session look like?
During your 1-on-1 session, we’ll assess joint motion through hands-on testing and movement screens. If a joint isn’t moving properly, we’ll apply mobilizations tailored to the direction, intensity, and grade your body needs. You’ll receive immediate feedback about what improves your movement or reduces your pain, and we’ll pair that with targeted exercise to make the gains stick.
What kind of recommendations will I receive?
Based on your analysis, we’ll develop a targeted plan that may include:
• Mobility or flexibility work for joints that are restricting your stride
• Strength training to support running mechanics and absorb impact
• Form cues to improve stride efficiency or cadence
• Shoe or orthotic recommendations if foot mechanics are contributing
• Return-to-run or performance training progressions to support long-term goals
You’ll walk away with a better understanding of your movement patterns — and a clear plan to improve them.
How is this different from a shoe store treadmill test?
While shoe store gait checks are quick and helpful for basic shoe fitting, our clinical gait analysis goes much deeper. We look beyond just foot strike and footwear to assess your body’s total movement system. That includes joint mobility, strength imbalances, movement patterns, and tissue capacity — all with the goal of helping you move more efficiently and reduce injury risk.