Like many people, I consider myself a runner. After suffering a stress fracture in my foot several years back while marathon training, I’ve become more attentive to my form. However, it wasn’t until recently that I considered visiting a physical therapist to review my form and discuss best practices for my exercise regimen going forward.
Honestly, I had always thought of physical therapy as purely for injury rehabilitation, but during a recent trip to my gym, Invivo Wellness, I met with a physical therapist and quickly learned that physical therapy is a great tool for runners like myself.
Making Discoveries
During our session, the physical therapist assistant, Paula Trusky, first performed a gait analysis where she had me run on a treadmill – while masked up of course. She observed my form closely and took a video of me running as well. After a few minutes on the tread, she asked me to hop off so we could talk through her analysis. She pointed out areas for improvement, such as keeping my arms closer to my sides and leaning forward ever-so-slightly while running.
She also made sure to highlight the good aspects of my gait, including keeping my head up throughout and swinging my arms in a fashion that helped carry me forward without wasting valuable energy. In addition to her pointing out and manipulating various parts of my body during her feedback, I also found it incredibly helpful to be able to actually watch the video of myself to see her points firsthand.
Making Progress
Following Paula’s analysis, I returned to the treadmill to put her recommendations into action. As I ran, she reinforced her initial takeaways and helped coach me through my various questions as I strived to perfect my form. I was amazed at the extent to which her simple tweaks allowed for a much smoother run where I felt more in control of my form. After my second round on the tread, I also appreciated that she gave me an opportunity to share my feedback and chat about where else she could be of help going forward.
I look forward to meeting with her again soon to develop an indoor cross-training plan that includes running and other cardio, strength, yoga, and even meditation.
Physical therapists are incredibly versatile and have a lot to offer, so if you’re like me and are consistently active, I’d encourage you to visit one to see how you can become a better athlete.
Zach Burrus is a runner and INVIVO Wellness supporter. His running Gait Analysis at INVIVO Wellness in Milwaukee happened during the pandemic in 2021. We thank him for sharing his physical therapy experience.
When to seek help and treatment
Gait analysis is an invaluable tool for runners and walkers seeking to improve performance, prevent injuries, and manage pain. Through the expertise of our physical therapists, you can gain a comprehensive understanding of your unique movement patterns and receive targeted interventions to optimize your gait mechanics. This will enhance your overall movement quality, reduce your risk of injuries, and help you achieve your fitness goals with confidence.
Schedule an evaluation appointment with INVIVO Wellness physical therapy today. Our physical therapists also offer a complimentary screening to see if physical therapy is the best option for your situation.
INVIVO Wellness in Milwaukee, Wisconsin offers a whole-body approach to physical therapy meeting the needs of all age groups. Our therapists specialize in evaluating and treating disorders of the joints, muscles, fascia, and nerves that prevent normal movement, cause pain, and limit an active lifestyle.
Treatment plans may include hands-on manual therapies of joint and spine mobilizations/manipulations, massage and stretching techniques, electrical stimulation, therapeutic exercise programs, and self-management recommendations. Ensure you can enjoy the benefits of an active, pain-free lifestyle.
