What Is Gait Analysis?
Gait Analysis is the systematic observation of how you walk or run. The assessment examines foot placement, stride pattern, balance, joint motion, and coordination during movement. A clinician may watch your movement or record it for closer review. The findings can help identify movement patterns linked with sports injuries or physical limitations.
Quick Facts About Gait Analysis
Category
Movement assessment
Used for
Walking, running, and sports movement
Common confusion
It is broader than a shoe fitting
Also called
Walking assessment, Gait assessment
Often discussed with
Sports Injury Treatment
Key Takeaways About Gait Analysis
- Gait Analysis examines movement patterns, not just foot position.
- The assessment may compare walking, running, and sport-specific movement.
- Gait Analysis is not the same as a shoe fitting.
How Gait Analysis Works
Gait Analysis begins with observation of walking or running. The clinician looks at how the feet contact the ground, how the knees and hips track, and how the pelvis and trunk move. Video recording may help reveal details that are difficult to see during live observation.
Related glossary terms: Range Of Motion, Pelvic Tilt, Manual Muscle Testing.
The assessment may include changes in speed, direction, surface, or activity. A sports injury evaluation can compare a person's usual gait with movement that reproduces a task from practice or competition. The findings help describe coordination, load distribution, and movement habits. Gait Analysis does not diagnose every source of pain by itself, so clinicians interpret the observations alongside symptoms and other examination findings.
From the Arrowhead Clinic Chiropractic - Albany team
When we perform Gait Analysis, we watch movement from more than one angle and connect the observations with the reported sports injury. We consider foot contact, joint tracking, balance, and movement demands. Our team uses those findings to guide the broader examination and track meaningful changes during care.
Gait Analysis in Practice: A Real-World Example
A runner with recurring knee discomfort may receive Gait Analysis during walking and running tasks. The assessment can show whether changes in foot contact, hip control, or trunk movement appear alongside the reported sports injury.
Related Services
Related Terms
Range Of Motion
Range Of Motion is the available movement at a joint or body region. It describes how…
Pelvic Tilt
Pelvic Tilt is a change in the position of the pelvis that alters the curve and…
Manual Muscle Testing
Manual Muscle Testing is a clinical assessment that examines muscle strength through controlled movement against the…
Fascia
Fascia is a continuous connective tissue network that surrounds muscles, bones, nerves, blood vessels, and organs…
Arrowhead Clinic Chiropractic - Albany
Have Questions About Gait Analysis?
Contact Arrowhead Clinic Chiropractic - Albany for practical guidance on Gait Analysis and related chiropractor work in Albany.