What is a gait analysis?
A gait analysis involves videotaping you while you walk and/or run to scientifically determine excessive or atypical movement patterns. Videotaping is done from the front, side, and rear to obtain a complete view of how you walk and run (your gait mechanics). The information from this is combined with your clinical assessment to provide a comprehensive analysis of your walking and running mechanics.
What is a 3-dimensional biomechanical analysis?
Most clinics utilize a single camera or perhaps two cameras to perform a 2-dimensional analysis. In this fashion, many aspects of your running mechanics cannot be analyzed accurately as our own research has shown (Ferber et al., 2009; ISMJ 10(3), 152-161). We utilize our state-of-the-art, Vicon camera system to accurately measure your movement patterns in all 3 dimensions of movement (flex/extension, abd/adduction, and rotations) for the ankle, knee and hip joints.
What happens after my evaluation?
You will be provided with a detailed report and specific recommendations to help you prevent injuries from occurring or to rehabilitate fromyour injury. You will also receive copies of your gait mechanics to help you visualize and understand the way you run and walk. This report can then be reviewed and implemented by yourself and your therapist.
How is this different than going to a chiropractor or physiotherapist?
This is a unique service that involves a clinical and scientific analysis of your gait mechanics. Dr. Ferber is a certified Athletic Therapist and has a PhD in gait biomechanics and sports medicine. He has also been researching how gait mechanics can influence lower extremity injuries for over 9 years.
Whenever I run, I feel nagging pain. Is this normal?
NO! Pain while running is directly related to poor gait mechanics and muscle imbalances and is a strong indicator of a potential injury. This specialized service is designed to properly asses the direct cause of your pain and help you prevent injuries.
Is this service covered by health care?
Many insurance companies will reimburse for Physiotherapy and Athletic Therapy services. You will be provided a receipt that you can submit for reimbursement.
I've had this injury for several years now. Can you really help?
Absolutely! Many chronic or recurrent injuries are the result of muscle imbalances, muscle weakness, and poor running andwalking mechanics. This service is designed to give you a comprehensive analysis of all these factors and provide solutions.
I have pain while doing other sports (soccer, hockey, biking). Can this help me?
Most people have pain while doing other sports. It is also known that daily walking and/or running can aggravate these injuries. This service can help you overcome injuries by identifying how your muscle imbalances, structural differences, and gait mechanics are all related.
I keep getting the same injury over and over. Howcome?
Many times the way you walk and run is related to muscle weakness and structural imbalances. Injuries commonly reoccur because most people are unaware that the way the walk or run is directly related to these clinical factors.
I'm already seeing a therapist for an injury. Should I come see you now or after?
This service is designed to complement existing therapy. The final report will provide specific recommendations for your therapist to help optimize your treatment.
Can I keep running while I'm injured?
You should significantly reduce your mileage while your injured. However, by correcting the way you run, you can rehabilitate from your injuries much quicker while continuing to run.
Can you change the way I run?
Yes! Dr. Ferber has conducted scientific investigations demonstrating that you can change the way you run with visual and verbal feedback. These changes in your gait mechanics can lead to a resolution of your pain and other symptoms. See Dr. Ferber's CV for a complete overview of his experience and research related to gait mechanics.
Other questions?
Email Dr. Ferber at rferber@ucalgary.ca
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