Gait Analysis Technique

What is Clinical Gait Analysis | Shak's Causality Care | CausalityCare.com

Gait analysis is an examination of “How the physical body moves from one location to another?”, most commonly by walking or running. The goal of gait analysis is to detect any abnormalities in locomotion (the ability to move) at the very early stage or as soon as the muscle, bone, or joint pain appears.

A person's gait is a complex combination of functions involving the use of the body's systems as follows:

  1. Somatosensory: In physiology, the somatosensory system is the network of neural structures in the brain and body that produce the perception of touch, as well as temperature, body position, and pain. It is a subset of the sensory nervous system, which also represents visual, auditory, olfactory, and gustatory stimuli. Source Wikipedia
  2. Vestibular: The vestibular system, in vertebrates, is a sensory system that creates the sense of balance and “Spatial Orientation” for the purpose of coordinating movement with balance. Source Wikipedia

Problems with any of these above-mentioned systems, as well as problems with the joints involved, can result in postural and gait abnormalities.

Walking sequences recorded by motion capture | Wikipedia.com

Walking sequences recorded by motion capture. Source Wikipedia.com

WHY GAIT ANALYSIS IS IMPORTANT?

Gait abnormalities are unnatural walking patterns that can be caused by Poor Posture or Injury. Such irregularities can cause pain or discomfort in the neck, shoulder, elbow, wrist, upper, middle, & lower back, as well as hips (gluteal pain syndrome), knees and ankle.

Gait analysis, also known as walking or motion analysis, is very important and a comprehensive assessment of “How you sit, stand and walk? This analysis can help the following:

  • Forward head posture, an excessively Kyphotic (hunched) thoracic spine. It is clinically recognized as a form of Repetitive Strain/Stress Injury Disorder (Upper Cross Syndrome).
  • Identify the source of Muscle, Nerve or Skeletal Problems.
  • Discover the source of your pain while “Standing, Walking or Running”.
  • Help you to manage pain in “Bone Deformities or Skeletal Misalignments”.
  • Assist you in discovering “Muscle or Nerve Dysfunction”.
  • Check your progression of painful conditions like “Arthritis or Muscular Dystrophy”.

Gait analysis, as a non-invasive method of detection, is extremely useful in identifying specific conditions, determining whether additional testing is required, and eliminating potential treatment options such as use of “Opioid (pain killers) or expensive surgery.

WHAT ARE GAIT ANALYSIS MECHANICS?

A “Walking or Running Gait Analysis” will reveal the mechanics of your body movement.

An analysis enables a therapist to see movement components such as pace length and foot contact placement. It also shows where your joints may not be sufficiently supporting you, as well as where there are poorly controlled movements.

Analyzing walking or running gait involves looking at the following aspects:

FRONTAL VIEW (CORONAL PLANE):

  • Do your arms cross your body's midline?
  • Is your trunk rotating excessively as each leg advances?
  • Is your pelvis shifting to the opposite side of your stance leg?
  • Is your pelvis rotating forward too much?
  • Are your knees aligned with your feet?
  • Are your feet landing just inside the width of your pelvis?
  • Are your feet landing excessively rolled in or out?

SIDE VIEW (SAGITTAL PLANE):

  • Is your head up and steady?
  • Are your arms flexing ahead of your torso and extending behind it?
  • Is your trunk spinning too much?
  • With each stride, does your pelvis rotate forward excessively?
  • Is your foot in front of you?
  • When you land, is your knee bent?
  • Are you bending your trailing knee and ankle to prepare to swing your leg through?

OVER TO YOU!
Experience a transformative journey toward a balanced, purposeful, and pain-free life by booking an appointment with Causality Care for our specialized Gait Analysis. Our expert holistic practitioners use advanced biomechanical assessments to delve into the complexity of your walking pattern, uncovering valuable insights that can enhance your overall well-being. Through the lens of gait analysis, we tailor personalized strategies to address any abnormalities or imbalances, promoting optimal movement and posture. By understanding the patterns of your gait, we empower you to move with greater efficiency, reduce the risk of injury, and enjoy a life marked by balance and purpose. Take the first step towards holistic health and improved mobility – schedule your appointment with Causality Care today.

HOW TO BOOK AN APPOINTMENT?
To schedule an appointment, type Appointment on your smartphone and send it as a text to 773 377 5357.

If you have specific questions, you are always welcome to Contact Us and speak with one of our friendly staff members.

NOTE: We highly recommend the following book to fully understand "Gait Analysis Technique".

Clinical Gait Analysis by Christopher Kirtley (Binding Type = Hardback, Price $128.96 - Number Of Pages 328).