Gait Analysis Ballarat
Gain invaluable insight into the way you move to implement changes for optimal outcomes.
Make Changes Based on Facts
No doubt you have heard that posture– the way you hold yourself as you stand, walk, and sit– is vital to how you feel and function. But did you know that the way you move your feet and lower limbs is just as vital?
If the manner in which you place your feet onto the ground during movement is suboptimal, if your soft tissues and joints are tight and stiff, if you are using the wrong shoes for your body, or if the biomechanics in the region are off, you may feel the effects in many ways and in many areas.
At Ballarat Podiatrist , we assess your gait with video so that we can analyse your movement and identify weaknesses, strengths, and issues. This may lead to modifications, further testing, and/or physical treatment to help you towards your goals. If you are dealing with discomfort and reduced functionality, our podiatrists, who are passionate about gait analysis in Ballarat, are here to assist.
What is Gait Analysis?
Gait analysis enables an experienced podiatrist to see how you move in a detailed manner, providing more information than the human eye alone may detect, particularly regarding subtle changes and during fast movements. It zones in on biomechanical faults and compensations that aim to influence the way you function.
Gaining this information aims to identify lower limb and foot problems to determine the best course of action. It may also be useful for early detection of issues that have the potential to cause bigger problems down the track. By understanding how your body moves more deeply, your podiatrist can work to support your unique needs and target outcomes.
Gait analysis allows your podiatrist to assess the:
- Structure, movement, and mobility of your feet, ankles, knees, and hips
- Compensatory gait movements that can lead to secondary issues
- Length and cadence of your stride
- Strike pattern of your feet as your heels hit the ground and you push off from the front of your feet
How May Gait Analysis Help?
If you are living with biomechanical issues in your feet or lower limbs, it not only may affect your ability to function well, but it may also place excess stress on certain soft tissues and joints. This may lead to acute or chronic discomfort, reduced mobility, and injuries. Gait analysis identifies these issues and facilitates comprehensive podiatry management.
Some biomechanical issues that gait analysis may identify include:
- Differences in leg length
- Instability caused by excessive movements
- Tight calf muscles
- Too much tilt of your pelvis as you move or stand
- Excess rotation of your leg/s
- Insufficient alignment of joints
- Lack of propulsion (push off)
- Compensations for dysfunction or pain
How Does Gait Analysis Work?
Testing your gait involves a combination of objective and subjective observations. This means we collect information regarding your own experiences, symptoms, and concerns, as well as our own perspective. We collate this with video recordings to form a full picture of the biomechanics of your feet and lower limbs.
During your analysis session, we may ask you to walk or run. The camera will provide footage that allows your podiatrist to assess your movement frame by frame.
After forming an evidence-based evaluation of your gait and biomechanics, your podiatrist will discuss the results with you and make suggestions for treatment. Retesting may occur after the initial assessment to observe progress and identify areas that may still require focus.
Your Gait Analysis FAQs Answered
Gait analysis may be beneficial for many people of all ages and physical abilities. For example:
- Athletes may use the information to target certain weaknesses or suboptimal movements
- People with recurring injuries or pain may learn what the underlying cause is
- Parents may support their children’s physical development
- Seniors may put into place strategies that reduce their falls risk
We recommend wearing clothing that allows you to move comfortably. It is also advantageous to wear clothes that allow us to see your lower limbs. Please bring socks and footwear that you regularly use, such as running shoes and your work or school shoes. This allows us to gain a true-to-life picture.
Yes, we can certainly assess your child’s gait to evaluate their biomechanics. For young children, we may film them as they walk on the floor rather than the treadmill to maintain their safety and the accuracy of the test.
Why Choose Us For Gait Analysis: Ballarat Podiatrist
The Ballarat Podiatrist team is dedicated to supporting each patient towards improved health and a better quality of life. We are excited by what technology can add to the assessment process and are delighted to be able to incorporate gait analysis into patient care when appropriate.
Experienced Team
Gait analysis requires specific training and clinical experience. We are fortunate to have podiatrists who are qualified to undertake testing that can collect beneficial information from the initial assessment and beyond.
Tailored Plans
Your gait is as unique to you as your fingerprint, which means services aimed to target gait issues are individualised in an effort to gain the best outcome possible.
High Quality Equipment
We utilise high-quality gait analysis equipment and technology with the aim of providing more reliable and extensive information.
Comprehensive Gait Analysis at
Ballarat Podiatrist
If you are experiencing discomfort or reduced functionality, are looking to prevent issues developing, or want to improve your athletic ability, please contact our team to organise an appointment. We look forward to supporting you.
