Gait analysis helps uncover why someone walks the way they do and how to correct or optimize it — improving movement efficiency, reducing pain, and preventing further injury.
🧠Purpose of Gait Analysis
Gait analysis helps identify:
- Abnormal walking patterns (due to injury, pain, weakness, or neurological issues)
- Muscle imbalances or joint stiffness
- Compensations after surgery, fractures, or chronic conditions
- Efficiency and performance in athletes
- Risk factors for falls or overuse injuries
Common Findings
- Limp or asymmetrical step (antalgic gait)
- Shortened stride length
- Foot pronation or supination
- Weak gluteal or calf muscles
- Limited hip, knee, or ankle motion
- Overuse of compensatory muscles
💡 Applications in Physiotherapy
- Post-surgery rehab (e.g., after joint replacement or fracture)
- Neurological rehab (e.g., stroke, Parkinson’s)
- Sports performance enhancement
- Orthotic or footwear prescription
- Injury prevention programs
When you visit my clinic, I can identify issues in your gait within minutes, revealing the muscles and joints in your lower limbs that may be causing problems. It is common for people to walk with inefficient step length, failing to fully engage their gluteal and other anti-gravity muscles.
In New Zealand, many people do not regularly stretch their muscles. When I go to the gym, most people are doing cardio or resistance exercises, and I am often surprised to see that stretching and mat exercises are not commonly practiced. For example, hip flexors are frequently neglected in stretching routines, while gluteal muscles are often under-strengthened, especially at the end range of motion.
By stretching tight hip flexors and strengthening the gluteal muscles especially over the end range, you can increase your step length, making your gait more energy-efficient and stable. Without this, as often seen in elderly people, a widened step base and shuffling gait—with minimal push-off from the gluteal muscles—can increase the risk of falls.